So here we go into our 8th year participating in the Parkinson’s Foundation Moving Day Tampa Bay on April 29, 2023 at Al Lopez Park in Tampa. Paul and I continue to fight this dreadful disease every day. For those of you who have followed our journey over the years, we thank you for your support. Living with Parkinson’s Disease gets more and more challenging as the days, months and years go by. But I am committed to doing my part to end this neurodegenerative nightmare of a disease. As you read through this appeal for your support (aka your money), I hope it inspires you not only to donate but to remember that your health is your wealth.

What is STILL true:
Paul’s Parkinson’s is still progressing. It is relentless in its assault on his motor and non-motor functions. And some of the effects are much more obvious now.
Parkinson’s still has no known cure but there is promising research.
Parkinson’s still only has symptom medication.
EXERCISE and HOPE is still our strategy.
I still hate Parkinson’s Disease.

2022 was a year with a 2nd year of wedded bliss, some travel, some family time, some friend time, some good music, and, of course, lots of exercise. Our exercise regimen is certainly not for everyone. Paul continued out the door weekday mornings by 3:30AM for a 2 mile walk/run. Parkinson’s has now progressed into his right leg a bit so it has forced him to cut back from 3 miles to 2. Then at 6:00AM, the two of us were on the bikes riding a minimum of 12 miles on weekdays and 20-25 miles on Saturday and Sunday. The only thing that would deter us was rain or our travels. After the ride, we went on with balance yoga and stretching. And just because we weren’t sure our fitness program was diverse enough so we added general fitness classes with pdLIFE (a non-profit organization in Tampa Bay supported by the Parkinson’s Foundation) and Silver Sneakers. Our sales careers were driven by numbers, so here is what all this added up to: We participated in 796 different physical activities. Paul ran/walked 471 miles while I slept. We cycled 4,509 miles. Our bike goal is a minimum of 300 miles per month but we blew that away. I can’t say we always wanted to do this drill but I can assure you, things would be a lot different for us, Paul in particular, if we didn’t commit to this. I am certainly not suggesting you go to the extent that we have but I hope you find some inspiration, and generate some perspiration, in Paul’s story to MOVE. Trust us, your health depends on it no matter what your circumstances.

And now for a dose of HOPE. In 2022, a phase 3 clinical trial was announced for a new drug that has been shown to reduce the levels of neurotoxic aggregating proteins, which are key proteins involved in the progression of Parkinson’s Disease as well as other neurodegenerative diseases. It is thought that this drug can improve the current treatment for Parkinson’s Disease. And the most exciting part of all, Paul has been accepted into this study. If all goes accordingly, Paul will begin the trial in late January. Of course, we will not know until it is over if he will get the “real” stuff or a placebo. But he has a 2 out of 3 chance of getting the “real” med. Fingers crossed and prayers said!

Again this year, I will captain Paul’s Peloton with a fundraising goal of $10,000. Paul, once again, has committed to match my total donations dollar for dollar up to $5,000. I would appreciate your donation to Paul’s Peloton and the fight against Parkinson’s Disease. The Parkinson’s Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. Thank you in advance for your generosity. And PLEASE GET MOVING, YOUR HEALTH DEPENDS ON IT!

Thank you for reading Paul’s story and your consideration in helping Paul & I achieve our goal to beat Parkinson’s.