About

KEN’S RIDE 2020 - A Ride of Hope is a Bikeathon organized by the family of Ken Appel under the auspices of CurePSP, a national organization that helps supports research efforts to find a cure and treatment for Prime of Life Brain Diseases (PSP, FTD, CBD, MSA, ALS).  The event celebrates the life of Ken, a passionate cyclist and Vermont attorney who passed away from the rare neurodegenerative diseases, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and honors his wish that a cure be found for these diseases and that skilled care is insured for those who are impacted. 

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Prime of Life Brain Diseases consume a person bit by bit, physically and mentally. They are diseases that take a person's independence, mobility, ability to think, to enjoy favorite past times, communicate, realize dreams or hold loved ones near. As these diseases progress, the need for care increases, becomes more demanding and caregiving requires the support of a team of dedicated, skilled caregivers, both family and professional.  Currently, there is neither a cure nor effective treatment and skilled, compassionate care that is essential difficult to find and/or maintain.

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KEN’S RIDE 2020 seeks to raise awareness and donations to help find a cure and insure care. Ken’s Ride 2020 which is currently being planned for May 16, 2020 is the second Ride of Hope. This year’s ride will include a Virtual Ride in addition to the Ride on the Missisquoi Valley Rail Train in scenic Northwest VT (St Albans to Sheldon).  As with KEN’S RIDE 2019, the proceeds of the Ride will again be shared between CurePSP, a national organization and Franklin County Home Health, a local agency, that offers comprehensive health care within the home setting, including palliative and hospice care.