Support "fitness philanthropist” Mike Monroe as he attempts to complete a DEKA Ultra event on October 10th to raise critical funds for the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF). Mike’s goal is to raise $50,000, which an anonymous funder has generously offered to match – bringing the potential total to $100,000 supporting the ADDF’s vital work to accelerate the development of cutting-edge Alzheimer’s drugs.
This cause is deeply personal to Mike, whose father is suffering from Alzheimer’s, and whose wife lost her mom to the disease in 2020 after a lengthy battle. As of 2025, it is estimated that 7 million Americans aged 65 and older are currently living with this devastating disease.
Mike’s dad, Joe
Mike’s mother-in-law, Linda
What is a DEKA Ultra?
A standard DEKA event consists of 10 different exercise zones with running in-between each one, adding up to a total of 5km or 3.1 miles. A DEKA Ultra entails doing this five times through, completing the following in nine hours or less:
- 150 reverse lunges while holding 55lbs
- 2,500m rowing
- 100 box step overs on a 24in box
- 100 20lb medicine ball sit-ups
- 2,500m on a ski erg
- 500m farmer’s carry with 60lbs in each hand
- 125 calories on an assault bike
- 100 dead ball wall overs with a 60lb medicine ball
- 500m “tank” pull/push (think pulling and pushing a weighted 4-wheel sled)
- 100 “RAM” burpees while holding 44lbs (think a burpee and shoulder press with a small log)
- 25km or 15.5 miles of running
Mike’s event is being graciously sponsored by EXSURGO.
About The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF)
Founded in 1998 by Leonard A. and Ronald S. Lauder, the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation is dedicated to rapidly accelerating the development of drugs to prevent, treat, and cure Alzheimer's disease. The ADDF is the only public charity solely focused on funding the development of drugs for Alzheimer's, employing a venture philanthropy model to support research in academia and the biotech industry. The ADDF's leadership and contributions to the field have played a pivotal role in bringing the first Alzheimer's PET scan (Amyvid®) and blood test (PrecivityAD®) to market, as well as fueling the current robust and diverse drug pipeline. Through the generosity of its donors, the ADDF has awarded more than $370 million to fund 765 Alzheimer's drug development, biomarker, and prevention programs in 21 countries. To learn more, please visit: http://www.alzdiscovery.org/.
About Mike
Mike is a former Marine, an endurance athlete, and a non-profit leader. To date, he has personally raised well over half a million dollars for various charities by competing in a variety of extreme endurance events.
About EXSURGO Strong and Fit
Exsurgo Strong and Fit is a cutting-edge, data-driven training space where science meets sweat. With advanced performance tracking technology, expert coaching, and a results-focused environment, they work with athletes and everyday movers to unlock their full potential.