FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Timothy Sorady
Brain Injury Florida
tsorady@braininjuryfl.org
70-Year-Old Veteran Rides 100 Miles to Promote Functional Therapy for Brain Injury Survivors
Tallahassee, FL – On March 24, 2025, Ritaann Schultz, a 70-year-old disabled Vietnam Era veteran of the U.S. Navy, will embark on a 100-mile bicycle ride to raise awareness for functional therapy for brain injury survivors. Beginning at the Withlacoochee Trailhead and traveling along the Suncoast Trail, she will complete her journey at the James A. Haley VA Hospital in Tampa, Florida, arriving on March 26th. The arrival will coordinate with the VAs’ Walk to Support Brain Injury during Brain Injury Awareness Month.
Ritaann, a former Aviation Boatswain Mate Handler who worked on an active flight line and served as a NATOPS Utility Aircrewman on the P-3 Orion, has spent her life pushing limits—both in the military and as a competitive athlete. After leaving the Navy, she dedicated 35 years to helping others as a licensed massage therapist specializing in injury recovery.
An avid cyclist, Ritaann had logged over 125,000 miles on her bike before tragedy struck. On February 3, 2015, while riding in a group, she was thrown off her bike at 30 mph and even though wearing a helmet, she suffered a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Despite her experience as an endurance athlete—including completing four Ironman competitions and being part of a four person team that won their age group in the 3,000 mile 2012 Race Across America—she faced her toughest challenge yet: a misdiagnosed brain injury that would take five years to be properly identified.
Through her own research and persistence, Ritaann helped doctors recognize her neuro-fatigue, vision, and cognitive challenges and continues to advocate for functional therapy approaches that help brain injury survivors regain mobility, strength, and independence.
Her upcoming 100-mile ride symbolizes resilience and recovery while raising critical awareness and support for those battling the long-term effects of TBIs. Donations to support Ritaann’s mission and Brain Injury Florida’s advocacy efforts are welcome.
For more information or to contribute to Ritaann’s cause, please contact tsorady@braininjuryfl.org.
About Brain Injury Florida
Brain Injury Florida is the only non-profit in the state of Florida solely serving individuals who have sustained brain injuries, their family members, and professionals who treat them. Brain Injury Florida offers support groups, events for education training, and more.
For more information or to get involved, visit BrainInjuryFL.org or contact Denny Armington at 813-330-0183, or info@
