Dear family and friends. October 2026 marks the five year anniversary of my diagnosis. Parkinson's Disease (PD) has slowed me down a little bit. And, so has turning 68. My grandmother would tell me "Michael, don't get old. It's hell to get old." It certainly does present its challenges, as does PD. With the right attitude (and enough bourbon) one can meet those challenges, with grace and commitment. And it helps more than can be expressed when you tackle Parkinson's within a community. 

ChangIng Parkinson's is that community. I'm exercising each day at the pDNext Steps gym with others battling PD, in sessions designed to slow the progression of PD. It is something I look forward to. Those that know me well would say such a statement is cause for psychiatric intervention. I really do enjoy exercising. It's Melissa and her attitude. It's the people next to me grabbing a heavier weight. It's the greeting I get when I walk in the door. It's having a cup of coffee with new (and now old) friends after a workout. It's Joanne getting support through the care partner groups. More and more folks are finding out about the gym, and more classes are being added. That's a good thing. Folks with Parkinson's aren't having to go it alone. 

Each year, 5KforJK raises over $100,000 to fund programs that are truly changing lives:

• Changing Parkinson's Wish Kits: Thoughtfully created by Parkinson's patients, for patients, these kits deliver comfort, connection, and hope.
• pDNextSteps Gym:  A dedicated space and thriving virtual community built around Parkinson's-focused fitness, because movement is medicine.
• The Secret Life of Parkinson's Podcast: Amplifying the voices and stories of those living with Parkinson's, so no one feels alone in their journey.

Your support last year, for my first walk, helped open another space for workout sessions and for those new classes I mentioned. I truly believe the PD dedicated exercises have slowed the progression of PD for me. As such, I'm able to engage in one of my favorite retirement activities: travel. I'll be walking again this year, but not with all my friends at the Liberty Middle School track. I'll be doing my five kilometers in Folimanka Park, Wenceslas Square and across the Charles Bridge in the beautiful city of Prague in Czechia! I believe in this community. And I will be supporting it from "across the pond." 

Please consider supporting me this year with a gift to the 5KforJK. My goal is to raise $2000. The 5KforJK is the signature fundraising event of Changing Parkinson's, a nonprofit dedicated to helping Parkinson's patients live their best lives — lessening the fear of the disease through education, exercise, and community. Every dollar raised, every mile walked or run, moves us closer to a stronger, more hopeful future — for patients, caregivers, families, and communities touched by Parkinson's.

Thanks for past support. Thanks for future support. But mostly, Parkinson's aside, thank you for being a part of my journey. Joanne and I are grateful for and appreciate each of you.

Keep moving!

mike

The IRS has classified 5KforJK (dba Changing Parkinson's) as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. TAX ID: 87-2286476