Jason Aldred
Support Hiker
Spokane, WA
Susan Hanley
Support Hiker
Seattle, WA
Patty Harrold
Living LARGE with Parkinson’s Hiker
Seattle, Washington
I am a 61 year old former physical therapist who was diagnosed with PD 5 years ago. I am excited to be participating in my second P2P.
I feel very lucky to be living in the Pacific NW where EXERCISE is the name of the game. People with PD can work with trained fitness instructors in biking, dance, boxing, boot-camp, yoga, and tai chi classes. I train to maintain and increase my function, balance, strength, and endurance.
I know that even with a chronic disease I can make a difference with daily exercise. I know that strapping a backpack on my back today, will get me up and down those hills just a tad faster tomorrow. And I will remain committed to chasing my PD friends up and down those hills until we find a cure.
Ken Kisch
Living LARGE with Parkinson’s Hiker
Sammamish, Washington
I have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s for five years now. When I was diagnosed, I thought my body was going to be on a slow and steady decline but I found after riding the Seattle to Portland bike ride a year and a half later that it doesn’t have to be that way. Through exercise, stretching, physical therapy and medication I have been getting better, not worse. I took up downhill skiing again and yesterday I just went out and skied like I did 30 years ago. I have a wife and two daughters that see to it that I keep going and keep that dopamine flowing.
Brian Lorenson
Support Hiker
Spokane, WA
A lifelong outdoorsman and Spokane native, Brian was inspired after seeing an interview with Bill about his deep brain stimulator (DBS). Since meeting this group at the kickoff for Pass to Pass in 2016, Brian researched and geared up for ultra light backpacking. Combining these two events brought him back to Bill to see how he could help out in 2017. In his spare time, Brian enjoys brewing beer and his 1970 MGB (separately, of course!). His plans for this summer include kayaking with his wife, Carrie, as much as possible.
Bill Meyer
Living LARGE with Parkinson’s – Logistics & Support
Spokane, Washington
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2009 at age 57 and had DBS (deep brain stimulation) in 2015. DBS has controlled 90% of my tremors and reduced my medications by half. I have always been active in the outdoors enjoying hiking, rafting,skiing and fishing. I’ve logged over 1000 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail and rafted many rivers in the Pacific Northwest, Colorado and Alaska. My wife, Nadean, two children, three grandsons and my Pedaling for Parkinson’s coach all remind me to keep moving and enjoy life with a positive attitude.
Derek Torry
Living LARGE with Parkinson’s Hiker
Upland, CA
Diagnosed at 5 years ago at 40, I have Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease. Like many of my fellow hikers, PD has pushed me to be more active than before my diagnosis. I’m an optimist who is eager to do all I can to make a cure for PD a reality and encourage other Parkies as they live life with PD. I volunteer as the Assistant Scoutmaster for my sons Boy Scout Troop. This troop backpacks over 100 miles a year, we’re on the trail almost every month…and I’m usually on every trip, bagging another peak with the troop. I enjoy trailer camping and fishing too. I’m married to an awesome wife and we have a beautiful daughter who is 15 and fantastic son who is 13.
Ray Tracy
Living LARGE with Parkinson’s Hiker
Lucille, ID
A. C. Woolnough
Living LARGE with Parkinson’s Hiker
Sandpoint, ID
A.C. Woolnough was a teacher (English) and principal for 37 years in California, Idaho and Alaska. Married (to his incredible partner: Pamela) with four sons between them, he is an avid (though poor) golfer, biker, kayaker, photographer and reader. He is a second generation PWP, diagnosed in 2013. A.C. is very active in the PD community: vice-chair of the Parkinson’s Foundation People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council; a PF Research Advocate, participated in 13 studies, writes a monthly PD column in a local magazine, attended three Fox Policy Forums (formerly Parkinson’s Action Network) in Washington DC and has been a speaker at several conferences. A.C. is a strong believer in education, advocacy and research. “If not us, who? If not now, when?”
Trail Angels
Maddy Cook – Spokane, Washington
Sally Friedman – Seattle, Washington
Kim Hood – Seattle, Washington
Linda Kisch – Sammamish, Washington
Tian Kisch – San Francisco, California
Carrie Lorensen – Spokane, Washington
Nadean Meyer – Spokane, Washington
