While serving active duty in the US Marine Corps 1984-1988, I was exposed to contaminated water stationed at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville NC for more than a year. This led to a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease (PD) in July 2021. Soon after, I was classified as a 100% service-connected permanently and totally disabled Veteran. What I did next saved my life..
I prayed for a champion’s heart, a fighters resolve, and compassion to serve others in the Parkinson's Community. Even though my career in automotive supply chain management came to a grinding halt, other unexpected doors began to open. For the past three (3) consecutive years, I have been the top individual/team fundraiser for Michigan Parkinson Foundation. I am an active member of the board which came about when CEO Kristin Rossi gave me the opportunity. So grateful! Launched a “Veterans With Parkinson’s Support Group” in January 2024, and as of this writing we have grown to 39 Veterans, 1 First Responder, and 17 Care Partners who meet the 3rd Thursday of every month.
My days are filled with a purpose-driven exercise regimen. I go to Rock Steady Boxing 5 days a week, take afternoon Karate classes at TNT Martial Arts Monday & Wednesdays, and go to SPEAK OUT! Speech Group and PWR!Moves every week. I’m fighting hard, and living life with a renewed sense of urgency and purpose. The highlight of 2024 for me personally was being the Keynote Speaker of our annual Michigan Parkinson Foundation gala on November 8th in front of 300+ people at Ford Field in downtown Detroit. It was an amazing night of Hope!
***The revenues from our fundraising events are essential to help ensure that no person with Parkinson’s in Michigan and their families are without quality care and support. The need for MPF’s respite care program has increased twenty-fold, providing $10,000 to families in 2018 to more than $283,000 and 13,885 hours to 176 families in 2024. Over 13,500 individuals served through MPF exercise classes and 2,116 served through educational programs statewide. To date, we have been able to say “YES” to all that need our help with support from individuals like you.***
Please give generously as you are able, and I hope to see you on September 13, 2025 for our Parkinson's Metro Detroit Hero Walk at Jimmy John's Field! Thank you again for your continued support.