My name is Joe Forrester and I am a fourth year medical
student at the University of Virginia. In late May 2009, I will attempt a solo kayak descent of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers to raise awareness of Parkinson's Disease. I will be traveling a great distance from Montana to New Orleans to raise $20,000 for the National Parkinson Foundation.
Why Parkinson's Disease? In 2005 my grandfather was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. After he started receiving treatment, it was amazing for my family to witness his rapid improvement. I can remember Grandpa at Christmas time and the difficulties he had maneuvering himself around. After treatment, he seemed completely new. This past year my grandfather's brother died from complications due to Parkinson's disease. Throughout my experience in medical school, I have seen firsthand the challenges that both patients and families deal with over Parkinson's disease. I decided that a trip of this magnitude created not only the opportunity for a fantastic personal voyage, but also a vehicle through which I could show support for my grandfather and all those who are dealing with Parkinson's.
100% of all donations to the Paddling for Parkinson's trip are going to the National Parkinson Foundation. Several companies have been extremely generous and have provided all of the gear for my trip, allowing me to focus my efforts on raising money for the National Parkinson Foundation.
Visit my blog and on-line diary as the journey continues. Also my location will plotted on Google Maps throughout the trip. During the trip you can reach me via satellite phone, click here for instructions.
Please help me reach my fundraising goal. Together we can make a difference in the lives of friends and loved ones dealing with Parkinson's.
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Raised: $21,303.55!!!
Goal: 20,000.00 |  | | |
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Happy Paddling,
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Grandpa Joe Forrester
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The Younger Joe Forrester
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