04/10/2026
Siblings push us forward and show up without hesitation. For Melin Ross, that person is her older sister Vicky Ross Schaar, who rides beside her through hard miles and the meaningful moments. 💜🚲
Alzheimer’s has touched three generations of Melin and Vicky’s family. Their great‑grandmother, grandmother and father all had the disease. One day, Melin learned about a unique opportunity that would help them turn their grief into action.
At the time, Melin’s employer was the national presenting sponsor for Ride to End ALZ Nation’s Capital, but she hadn’t ridden in years. “My bike was basically a decorative piece. It was covered in dust, slightly rusted, and living its best indoor life for years. Then a coworker and dear friend, Christian Kingston, stepped in and ‘voluntold’ me that if he was doing the ride, I was too.”
Ahead of the ride, Melin called Vicky and said, “I’m not finishing this unless you’re next to me.” Without hesitation, she hopped on a plane and showed up ready to ride alongside her sister — well, technically behind her as she’s a little slower, according to Melin.
Now in her fourth year, Melin has experienced how Ride to End ALZ creates connection, purpose and healing. And by captaining her company team and serving on her local committee, she has met some incredible people — each with stories that stick with her.
“Ride to End ALZ is emotional. It’s energizing. It’s one of those rare experiences where you feel deeply connected to fellow riders, coworkers, families and even strangers cheering you on. There’s no such thing as a small effort here. Every mile matters. Every story counts.”
While riding alongside her sister, cracking jokes and honoring their loved ones, Melin likes to imagine their grandmother and dad cheering them on “They’d definitely be proud, supportive and maybe just a little embarrassed by our cardio and form.”
Knowing that they’re riding for the same people is meaningful. “We push each other up the hills, laugh when it gets tough, and have those quiet, emotional moments that remind us exactly why we’re there. We’re not just riding for who we’ve lost. We’re riding for the next generation so they never have to experience this kind of heartbreak.”
💜 On National Siblings Day, we honor Melin and Vicky and all siblings who turn love into action, grief into advocacy and remembrance into hope. Join them and participate in a Ride to End ALZ near you: alz.org/ride.
