06/12/2026
🚴🏼 COAST TO COAST 4 ALS 🚴🏼
Last week, I had the honor of meeting Rex, who is riding his bicycle 4,000 miles across America to raise awareness and funds for ALS research and care.
What started with a Facebook post turned into one of those connections that felt like it was meant to happen.
My sister has a mutual friend with Rex, and after seeing her post about his journey, my sister looked into the Coast to Coast for ALS campaign and realized he was only days away from riding through central Iowa, not far from where I live. She reached out to the team, connected us, and before long, we had plans to meet as he made his way through the state.
As someone who has built a business around preserving memories and telling stories, I was eager to hear about the people, places, and experiences Rex has encountered along the way. We ended up meeting early at Flat Tire Lounge in Madrid, Iowa, a local bicycle bar that couldn't have been a more fitting place for our visit. When a surprise downpour cut the day's ride short, we stayed indoors chatting with the locals, playing games, discussing the friendly Iowa vs. Iowa State rivalry, and talking about a disease that has personally impacted both of our lives through the people we love.
It was a reminder that stories have a way of connecting people, even when they come from completely different paths.
My mom was diagnosed with ALS in August 2025, and navigating this as a family has been challenging. Hearing Rex's story, learning about the Coast to Coast 4 ALS mission, and seeing the hope, love, and determination behind every mile was incredibly moving.
Their slogan says it best: Riding the Miles. Sharing the Stories. Transforming Lives.
Currently, this campaign has raised $330,193, and their goal is to reach $500,000 by the finish line!
If you'd like to learn more, support the mission, or follow the journey, please consider checking out Coast to Coast 4 ALS.
Their website includes a live map showing the riders' progress across the country, and I know they would love to meet and connect with people along the way!
Thank you, Rex, and Hank, the best support driver ever, for your encouragement, advocacy, listening ear, and especially for bringing awareness to a disease that affects so many families, including mine.
We are cheering you on every mile + look forward to continuing to support such an amazing cause.
With love from Iowa,
Kristen
