What do I have in common with Michael J. Fox and Tonya?  We all have Parkinson’s Disease !!  We all have different degrees of symptoms however, we all will endure the progression of the disease because of yet, there is no cure.

On the 24th August 2015….80 days from today I will start my journey to the summit of Mnt. Kilimanjaro in order to bring awareness to this debilitating disease. With your support you can be a part of this journey of finding a cure for Parkinsons.

There are 10 Team Fox climbers with a goal of raising $100.00.00 by August 24th 2015.  I have $10.00.00 left to raise.  There are two fundraising events scheduled for June but I still need your support in spreading the word by posting my blog and my Team Fox page to everyone you know.

Thank you to all my friends and family…you are amazing!!! You continue to ensure that I am training and still leading a balanced life.

Huge Thank You and Shout Out to my Macy’s family. Let me tell you, I am humbled by your support and encouragement. Your support AND company match speaks volumes to the integrity of Give Back. I am not sure I know another company that respect their people,  values and Gives Back to their communities as much as Macy’s and their associates do. Special thanks to My Macy’s Altamonte and to the North Florida District team.

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that affect one in 100 people over  age 60. While the average age at onset is 60 people have been diagnosed as young as 18.

It is a disorder of the central nervous system that results from the loss of cells in various parts of the brain called “substantia nigra.  The substantia nigra cells produce dopamine, a chemical messenger responsible for transmitting signals within the brain that allow for coordination of movement.

I was diagnosed 3 years ago. My symptoms were tremors of my right leg, foot and hand. My right arm did not swing when walking. As of today the symptoms have progressed to uncontrolled leg and arm movements, speech, voice and swallow degeneration, Dyskinesia due to medications. My treatment is Levodopa every four hours, excersise, healthy diet and rest.  Even though you follow your treatment Parkinson’s can always throw you a curve ball at anytime by kicking in the off switch, so no matter and for no reason your uncontrolled movements can kick into high gear and it can deprive you of yet another function.

The way I look at it is…..NEVER, NEVER let it take control of you, enjoy every moment of every day. There are a lot more people suffering far more than I do. That is why I feel so passionate about finding a cure for this disease.

Parkinson’s is progressive, it is debilitating, it takes at random. There is no cure yet…. however, with your support to MichaelJFox.org a cure will be found.

I am thrilled to be a member of the Fox Team and cannot wait to recognize you via my blog during my summit of Mount Kilimanjaro starting August 24th.

For more information please visit my page on the michaeljfox.org website and keep posted to my blog.

Below are a few pictures of our last Sunday hike day with family.  Thanks to Jordan and family for all the fun days we have had “in practice” for our 8 day climb.

Testing my below freezing sleeping bag.