Hi,
I am trying to raise awareness and funds for the cure of Parkinson's through The Michael J Fox Foundation. My wife, Kathy, has battled the disease for 22 years! It impacts EVERY area of our lives.
There are currently 10 million people in the United States that suffer from Parkinson's. Even in Orange County alone there are 10,000 people with Parkinson's Disease. Think how many more there are in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angles, San Bernadino, Riverside and San Diego Counties!
Help me raise funds so that we can eradicate this disease. We even have participants from Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Washington, Texas, Florida, Virginia and New York, so help us raise funds for Parkinson's research to find remedies for a better life and a cure, so that people don't have to live with this horrible disease.
Together we can help these people, our loved ones, find a cure for Parkinson's.
SoCal Ride/Walk for Parkinson's
Dear Participant,
There is no known cure for Parkinson's disease. But through your support of SoCal Ride/Walk for Parkinson's on April 24, 2027, you will be able to help change that!
BACKGROUND
Fifteen years ago, my wife, Karen, was diagnosed with Parkinson's. I didn't know much about it. The only knowledge that I had was that I use to work for a man while I was in college that had the disease. My wife and I started going to events on Parkinson's and found out that exercise is the best 'cure' for the disease. We work out three times a week now with people that have PD. Even though I don't have the disease, I find the people that we work out with are the most genuine, funny people that I have every met. There is never any grumbling or complaining. But I can't imagine living with something that has no known cure.
Our purpose is to raise funds in support of Team Fox/The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) to accelerate research and treatments for Parkinson’s disease. Every penny donated will go straight to the Team Fox/MJFF high-impact research programs to help speed a cure for Parkinson's disease.
As with many good deeds, the SoCal Ride for Parkinson’s began as a "labor of love" at the local grass roots level. Bob Lear, the founder and retired high school teacher, wanted to support his wife in her journey fighting Parkinson’s disease.
The first ride was held in 2018 when Bob decided that “standing on the sidelines” and doing nothing was not acceptable. He decided to channel his passion and interest for biking into positive action by raising funds for Parkinson’s research. He understood that by attracting more riders and getting corporate sponsorships it would help build awareness and a community of people that could help with Parkinson's patients on their journey. Since that time in 2018, with 60 participants and raising $5000.00, the event now has Hoag Hospital as the Host of the event, and, in 2026, had 798 participants, and raised over $476,000 for Parkinson's research. In nine years we have raised $1,664,000. WE ARE ALL VOLUNTEERS AND EVERY PENNY GOES TO TEAM FOX FOR PARKINSON'S RESERACH!
SoCal Ride/Walk for Parkinson's is now the 2nd largest Team Fox event in the United States. This is the 10th year of the event so let's pull out all the stops and get to the $500,000 mark!
MISSION
The SoCal Ride for Parkinson’s mission, is to increase awareness of the Parkinson's condition in the greater Southwest community and raise research funds on behalf of the Team Fox/Michael J. Fox Foundation. This will be accomplished by hosting an annual biking/walking/running event that supports well-being and fellowship with all participants.
Please direct any inquiries regarding participation or donation to Bob Lear (949) 500-3024, Brian McGuire (714) 697-7963, Marty Furman (714) 624-7560, Eliot Dratch (949) 304-8804, or Brad Pierce at (310) 261-1669, or visit our website: www.socalride.net You can pay by checks made payable to SoCal Ride for Parkinson's Foundation, 2501 E. 16th Street, Unit I, Newport Beach, CA 92663. Tax ID 84-4136875. SoCal Ride for Parkinson's Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 Corporation.
The SoCal Ride/Walk for Parkinson’s mission is to increase awareness of the Parkinson’s condition in the greater Southern California community and raise research funds on behalf of Team Fox/Michael J. Fox Foundation. This will be accomplished by hosting an annual biking/walking/running event that supports well-being and fellowship with all people that live with Parkinson's and their family and friends. This is a generational event that includes Grandparents, Parents, Children and Grandchildren. We even like it when Fido comes along to support their families.