About

 
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming – “WOW – What a Ride!”
Hunter S. Thompson

 

My Story:

Hi!  My name is Matt. I’m an adventurer, filmmaker, entrepreneur, and something I like to call an adventure capitalist.  Since graduating from University four years ago I have been around the world three times and visited almost one hundred countries.  Through all of this travel I have made some amazing friends, witnessed incredible sights, and acquired everlasting memories.  The memories that I have made are ones that I do not take for granted as every new memory I create, my paternal grandmother loses one.

 

Eight years ago on the eve of my high school graduation my beloved grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease; a horrible and incurable form of dementia that leads to rapid memory loss and eventually death. Slowly but surely over the next eight years my grandmothers memory has deteriorated causing her to forget important life events, places, and even the names and faces of her family. Now at the age of 94 my grandmother is physically OK but mentally she is a shell of the person she used to be.

 

As sad as my grandmothers story might be, there is a silver lining.  My grandmother received a very early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and my family had the means to afford the top doctors, the best medical care, and the latest medicine to combat the onset of my grandmothers dementia. While we are fortune enough to afford this type ofcare, there are other people in the world who are not.  Alzheimer’s is currently the 6th leading cause of death, nearly 24 Million people suffer from it, and if you don’t catch it early or have the means to afford expensive medicine and doctors the results are devastating.

With my grandparets

Happier Times: My grandmother at our family home in Princeville Hawaii

Why I’m Doing This?

My grandmothers debilitating case of Alzheimer’s has inspired me to help raise awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association and their quest to find a cure for the disease.  The Alzheimer’s Association plays such an important role in prevention, detection, diagnosis, and advocation of Alzheimer’s.

As a patron of the Alzheimer’s Association I have challenged myself to participate in the 2012 Mongol Rally and drive from London England to Ulan Baatar Mongolia to help raise funds for vital work within this important organization.  The Alzheimers Association is the leader in Alzheimers research, prevention, and support.  Currently, they provide:
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  • Services to families and professionals, including information and referral, support groups, care consultation, education and safety services
  • 24-hour nationwide emergency response service for individuals with Alzheimer’s
  • The nation’s largest library dedicated to Alzheimer’s disease
  • An online suite of resources that help coordinate assistance, locate senior housing, receive customized care recommendations and enhance caregiving skills.
  • The largest single donor to Alzheimer’s medical research

I need your support. If you are able to, no matter how big or small, please take the time to make a contribution to my cause. All proceeds collected through this website and during my time on the rally will be sent directly to the Alzheimer’s Association.   To learn more about donating and where you money goes please visit the Donate Now page or click the Donate button below.

 


 

Together we can help find a cure for Alzheimer’s and       make sure the memories we create last a lifetime.

Matt
February 3rd, 2012
Dubai, United Arab Emirates