Sailing for Parkinsons

Sailing for Parkinson's

On May 21, 2023, I will turn 80. I plan to do a celebratory cruise in my sailboat “Carlita” around the whole of the Pamlico Sound. A distance of 500 nautical miles. It has been just over 10 years since I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. I never expected to make it to 80, let alone still have the desire or feel fit enough to attempt this cruise. I believe that Rock Steady Boxing has played a big part in that. I thought it would be good to try to give something back. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause which means so much to me and follow my progress at www.sailingforparkinsons.org.

Rock Steady Boxing is a non-contact, beneficial fitness class for people with Parkinson’s Disease that helps with mobility, coordination, flexibility, and voice projection in an upbeat, positive atmosphere ...surrounded by energetic and fun coaches and volunteers. Check them out on youtube here.

My idea is to use social media to promote my “Sailing for Parkinson’s” cruise to raise funds and pass it all on to the New Bern chapter of Rock Steady support group which is part of the Michael J Fox Parkinsons’ foundation. Parkinson’s has been around for a long time and the rate of new diagnoses is ever increasing. There is no cure and there have been no real breakthroughs in fifty years, just treating the symptoms. Specialized and regular hard exercise is about the best that we have right now to slow the progression.

Trip reports and progress will be posted at https://www.sailingforparkinsons.org/.