Conquer PD!

Off this morning with Jordan and Chris Booher to enjoy a 30 year tradition here in Phoenix, that being a 40 mile ride, starting at Central/Camelback, going to South Mountain Park, up the Summit Road to Dobbins Peak, and back down again to start line. Should be a great morning getting ourselves hungry for Thanksgiving Dinner!

I met a most amazing family yesterday at therapy. Lance and Laura and their two kids from San Diego, CA. Lance, just 39, was diagnosed with PD this year. He gained knowledge of the BIG Program through Banner Thunderbird and had come over earlier this year to take the 4 week course. He came back this week and that is where I met him. Instantly as he walked into the room I knew I had a new friend. His demeanor, personality, and smile was genuine and you could tell he was someone special. Then his wife and children came in and that solidified my indication of how special they were. I am so anxious to get to know them and introduce them to my family. I look forward to sharing great conversations and great experiences with them.

Last Friday night I was in Tucson with my family and friend Kyle. We went to the state high school football game that Centennial High School's football team was playing. At the end of the third quarter I was tired and told Kyle that I was going to go to the car and rest. I was not quite "on" yet, my PD meds still hadn't fully kicked in, however, I was able to get around the end of the field, past the bleachers, and out the gate......or almost out the gate when I started the freezing routine. I shuffled there trying to get the ole feet to move, and was not having great success. The lady near the gate asked about me and I explained... She offered a chair, however I explained it was best to stand to help get the circulation going faster. Well then...two police officers approached me and began to inquire of my status. I know what must be going through their minds, they must think I am a drunken transient. I proceeded to let them know that all was well and was just waiting...

2012 Highlights 50 Miles/50 Years Cycling Celebration and Octoberfest 2012

Wayne Smithson: What a mighty man of faith and strength my friend Wayne is. He, along with his dear wife, Helen, have been our adopted parents and grandparents to our children for many years. They are ever serving others and always seem to be at all the activities. Wayne faithfully rides his bike for exercise. He is a great example to me.

I attended and completed the "Parkinson's Advocates in Research Learning Institute" put on by the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, July 18-21, 2012, held at the Pacific Palms Hotel and Conference Center in Industry,CA. My great friend, Brian Baehr, attended with me, and we had a really good time together. I couldn't have asked for a better person to spend the time with as we learned many new things about how we can get more involved in promoting the advancement of clinical research for Parkinson's Disease. I many many new friends as well. A most rewarding last couple of days.

“I don’t wish Parkinson’s on anyone, but I wish everyone could have the opportunity to experience the things that I have experienced with Parkinson’s, and more importantly, experience the love, compassion and generosity coming from the wonderful family, friends, and strangers that I am able to experience these things with!”

This year I celebrated my 50th birthday by having a Celebration Rally 50 Mile Bike Ride and Picnic at our church ramada. About 25 friends rode the 50 mile ride with me and about 15 others did a 10 mile ride. We had alot of support from family and friends and my goal was to express gratitude to many people who have had a big influence in my life and for my family. I could have and should have invited many more so if you were not invited please don't be offended. I know it was overwhelming for Leisa to plan such an event, and I am forever grateful for her and all that she does. I love her dearly. To all of you, thank you for all the encouragement, support, prayers, and help that you extend our way. We love you!

A few months ago I met a great new friend and a great new family, Brian and Kaye Baehr, and their sons Matt, Preston, and Riley. What a wonderful family they are and in a short time have made a significant impact on me. They created the Baehr Challenge to raise funds for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. I was able to get involved this year and had a wonderful time. Thank you Baehr Family! Check it out at www.baehrchallenge.com, make a donation if you desire.

It has been quite awhile since I posted on this blog. It is about time I started posting more on my life and what I am doing to continue to conquer PD. I continue to cycle, having rode over 3400 miles since buying my bike in 2011. Exercise is a must. In addition to my gym exercise I have taken up yoga. Hot yoga that is at Bikram Yoga. It is a 90 minute workout in 105 degree room. Sweat like crazy. This picture is me completing the "Walk The Fight" 5K Run to benefit the Muhammad Ali Center here in Phoenix. Knight Transportation was a great support to it and we had employees and their families participate. It was great!