PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwire - May 16, 2011) - In September, 2009, Shannon Stutzman sent his brother Shane a text message that said, "Check out Team Fox. Let's ride coast-to-coast and raise a million dollars for Parkinson's."
Shane responded "You're crazy. I'm in," and POP's Ride was born.
Three bicycle riders, Shannon Stutzman, Shane Stutzman and Kyle Worley, started in April in St. Augustine, Fla. on a 3,100-mile ride that will end in San Diego to show support for their dad, affectionately called Pops -- impacted by Parkinson's Disease.
POP's Ride (short for Pedal Over Parkinson's) is a not-for-profit group dedicated to making a difference for those affected by Parkinson's disease by raising awareness and $1 million for Parkinson's research. Proceeds will benefit the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Ariz., The Davis Phinney Foundation, The Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen).
The team, which will include brother Kurt Stutzman and sister Kerri Stutzman Mahan as they ride through Southern California May 17 - May 21, will be available for interviews. Team POP's can be followed and donations made to the four foundations at www.popsride.com.
"Shane and I never expected our ride to become this large," Shannon said. "We thought it would be simple -- ride our bikes across the country and bring some friends along for support. The support we have received from our family, friends and co-workers has been amazing. We are humbled by all that has happened."
On February 5, 2011, Shannon, Shane, Pops and their mother Mary, attended the Davis Phinney Victory Summit in San Diego. This free, all-day event teaches Parkinson's patients, caregivers and their families how to live with Parkinson's. More than 600 people attended the event. "This event is why we are riding," Shane said. "Everyone needs to understand you can live a productive life with Parkinson's Disease; it should not be a depressing disease, it should be a motivating disease."
POP's Ride is a member of the Lifebridge Community Alliance, a community based 501(c)3 organization.
California Dates:
May 17 - Blythe
May 18 - Ripley, Palo Verde, Glamis, Brawley, El Centro
May 19 - Seeley, Octillo, Jacumba, Boulevard, Live Oak Springs, Buckman Springs, Alpine
May 20 - Rest Day in Alpine
May 21 - Lakeside, San Diego, DONE!
Contact Information:
Media Contact:
Pedal Over Parkinson's