Why I Walk

In August 2024, I began coaching people living with Parkinson’s disease. What started as one class quickly became a calling. Today, I teach 6–7 Parkinson’s exercise classes each week, both in person and online, and I’ve been blessed to build incredible friendships with my fighters and their families.

Over the past two years, we’ve become so much more than a class. We’ve bowled, ballroom danced, created art, shared countless breakfasts and lunches, celebrated holidays together, and even crossed items off our bucket lists—including skydiving with two of my Parkinson’s fighters. These experiences have shown me that Parkinson’s may change a person’s life, but it doesn’t define what they’re capable of.

This year, my husband Matt started Team Bridging the Gap, inspired by our lives in both St. Clair Shores and Gaylord. While Southeast Michigan has many Parkinson’s resources, families in Northern Michigan often have far fewer opportunities for specialized exercise, education, and support.

Our mission is to help bridge that gap by raising funds for the Michigan Parkinson Foundation so more individuals and families throughout Northern Michigan have access to the programs and community that have become such an important part of our lives.

Every donation—large or small—helps bring hope, connection, movement, and support to someone living with Parkinson’s. Thank you for helping us bridge the gap.