PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwire - Apr 22, 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 and be available for interviews between April 22 and May 7. 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 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. "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.
Texas Schedule:
April 22 - Bon Wier, Bleakwood, Kirbyville, Buna, Silsbee
April 23 - Kountze, Honey Island, Thicket, Romayor, Dolen, Shepherd, Coldspring, Evergreen, Pumpkin, New Waverly
April 24 - Rest Day in New Waverly
April 25 - Richards, Anderson, Navasota, Washington, William Penn, Independence, Gay Hill, Longpoint, Burton
April 26 - Round Top, Warrenton, Oldenburg, Rutersville, LaGrange, Winchester, Bastrop, Red Rock, Bateman, Lockhart
April 27 - Kyle, Wimberley, Blanco, Sisterdale, Waring, Comfort
April 28/29 - Rest Days in Comfort
April 30 - Center Point, Kerrville, Ingram, Hunt, Leakey, Camp Wood
May 1 - Montell, Brackettville, Del Rio, Comstock
May 2 - Langtry, Dryden, Sanderson
May 3 - Marathon, Alpine, Fort Davis
May 4 - Rest Day in Fort Davis
May 5 - Lawrence Picnic Area, Kent
May 6 - Van Horn, Allamoore, Sierra Blanca, Esperanza
May 7 - McNary, Acala, Tornillo, Fabens, El Paso, Chamerino, La Mesa
Contact Information:
POP's Ride
Email:
www.POPSRIDE.com