Jon Allen selected for Arthritis Classic Bike Tour

Jon Allen, director of the  simulation center at the  School of Medicine & Health Sciences, is going on the road to support arthritis research.

As part of the Arthritis Bike Classic, Allen will bicycle 525 miles in eight days – from San Francisco to Los Angeles – for the Arthritis Foundation. He will be joined by Dr. Christian Dequet, an Altru rheumatologist, among other riders.

“People with arthritis are warriors, boldly facing the pain, limitations and challenges the disease causes,” the Arthritis Foundation website said. “Challenges like getting properly diagnosed, multiple doctor’s visits and treatments, a maze of insurance procedures, missing school or work, being unable to perform normal, everyday tasks or enjoy favorite hobbies and activities.”

“I’m honored to have seen their challenges first-hand as a provider caring for many patients over my career,” Dr. Allen said. “My wife also has an autoimmune arthritis, making me even more keenly aware of the challenges. It is a privilege to be able to participate in this event in honor of them!

“I ride to cure arthritis and to improve the lives of these arthritis warriors. This incredible event is the largest gathering of the arthritis community in the world, raising funds for resources and research, to find better treatments and a cure.”

Funds raised through the event will be used for arthritis research and the search for a cure.