Boston Blades Team Up for Alzheimer Research

Elite Athletes Support Alzheimer's Association Memory Ride

WATERTOWN, Mass., March 3, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Alzheimer's Association®, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter and the exciting new women's hockey team, the Boston Blades, announced they are teaming up to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer's research.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100125/AAMANHLOGO)

The Boston Blades, a new team on the scene with Olympic athletes and a will to win has signed on as official champions of the Memory Ride for Alzheimer's research, set July 23, 2011. A member team of the Canadian Women's Hockey League, the Blades comprises some of the top skaters in the U.S.  Not only are they committed to their sport, they are also committed to making a difference in the community.

"The Boston Blades are delighted to partner with the Alzheimer's Association to make a difference for this important cause," said Paul Hendrickson, team manager.

The Blades has been promoting Memory Ride at their games and hosting sign-up tables for those interested in riding, including at upcoming playoffs set for Friday, March 11 (time and location TBA); Saturday, March 12 at 4:00 pm at Harvard University; and (if necessary) Sunday, March 13 at noon at Harvard University.

"We're excited about teaming up with the Boston Blades because they are determined to get in the game, and win," said Betsy Fitzgerald-Campbell, Vice President of Communications at the Alzheimer's Association, MA/NH Chapter. "That's what this disease needs – champions who will help fight and lead the way."

Memory Ride benefits the Alzheimer's Association's research efforts into causes, treatments and cures for Alzheimer's, the degenerative, fatal brain disease that affects more than 5 million Americans.

Memory Ride attracts hundreds of cyclists, from experienced to novice, and offers an 11-mile family option as well as a challenging 100-mile "century" ride, a "metric century" of 62 miles and 20-30 mile option.

This year, members of the Boston Blades will be at the start line to cheer on the other riders.  

"We are seeing significant increases in the number of people calling our 24/7 Helpline and seeking our services," Fitzgerald-Campbell said. "And we know that as the baby boomers age, the demand is going to triple. Without adequate research funding, we're facing a health care crisis. That's why the Memory Ride is so important."

Starting and finishing in Devens, Massachusetts, the ride loops through the low rolling hills of the Commonwealth and into New Hampshire. Riders and those who would like to volunteer to help with the event can sign-up at www.memoryride.org.  

The Boston Blades are the only United States based team in the elite Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL). The CWHL includes many of the top Olympians from the USA and Canada.  The Boston team includes USA Olympians Angela Ruggiero, Karen Thatcher, Caitlin Cahow and Kacey Bellamy.  Visit www.cwhl.ca/boston for additional information.

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's research and also provides services and programs for those with Alzheimer's, family and professional caregivers in the form of support groups, a 24/7 Helpline, care consultation, advocacy efforts, education programs. Visit www.alz.org/MANH for more information.

SOURCE Alzheimer's Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter