PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwire - May 5, 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.
Starting in April in St. Augustine, Fla., three riders, Shannon Stutzman, Shane Stutzman and Kyle Worley will travel 3,100 miles on their bicycles to show their support for their family members -- especially their Dad, affectionately called Pops -- impacted by Parkinson's Disease. They will end in San Diego.
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 from POP's Ride 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 riders will ride through your area between May 7 and May 11 and will be available for interviews. Team POP's can be followed as they travel across the country and donations can be 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. www.POPSRIDE.com
Towns Visited, by day:
May 7 - Chamberino, La Mesa
May 8 - San Miguel, Mesilla, Las Cruces, Radium Springs, Hatch, Salem, Garfield, Derry, Arrey, Caballo, Hilsboro, Kingston
May 9 - Hanover, Santa Clara, Silver City
May 10 - Rest Day in Silver City
May 11 - Mangas, Riverside, Cliff, Buckhorn, Mule Creek
Contact Information:
Pedal Over Parkinson's
Email: