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From Athens to Tokyo: Running from Alzheimer’s By Paul Wynn
Anthony Copeland-Parker and Catherine Elizabeth Popp, known as Tony and Cat, have captured people's hearts worldwide with their astonishing stories of resiliency. The pair remade their lives in their 50s as endurance athletes and inspired numerous people as they set out on a once-in-a- lifetime journey to run across the world. Tony and Cat's "travel-thon" began in 2014 when he found out he needed an aortic valve replacement, and she was diagnosed with early- onset Alzheimer's disease at 53. They started mapping out what they wanted to do and where they wanted to be and the answer was always this: running marathons worldwide. "We asked ourselves why we need a house, car and all the material stuff. Why not sell it all and travel from country to country like nomads?" Tony says. "By being together 24/7, I would be able to pay closer attention to the changes in Cat's physical and mental condition." "We have no idea how much time we will have together, but through my online research there was a lot of information about the benefits of exercise to slow down cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's," notes Tony. Together, they have traveled to 82 different countries and run at least half-marathons in thirty- five countries and on all seven continents. They ran all six major marathons, including New York City, Boston, Chicago, Berlin, London and Tokyo. About two years ago, Cat started experiencing seizures about every two to three months. She could not run a complete marathon, so they opted to do half-marathons.
Tony pushes her in an adult-size stroller, aka the "CatMobile," for about 10 miles, and then Cat walks a half mile at a time for about three miles during the race. They have abandoned the nomad lifestyle as international travel has become too demanding. The couple put down roots after Tony chose a senior living facility near his daughter and her family. The couple lives in an apartment in the independent living section, with nearby memory care facilities. There are plenty of outdoor sidewalks and over two miles of indoor corridors for walking. Cat walks about six to eight miles every day.
"I promised Cat a long time ago that I'm never going to leave her side," says Tony.
Read more of this story on NextAvenue.org
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JULY 2024
NEXTAVENUE.ORG
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