Woman bikes across Virginia to raise awareness for Parkinson’s Disease after diagnosis

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) – 300 miles, 5 days and lots of willpower, Teresa Jackson is biking throughout Virginia for a trigger.

It was 2019 when her life modified perpetually.

“I used to be the queen of denial for positive and actually simply didn’t suppose I had it,” Jackson mentioned.

Being identified with Parkinson’s Illness at age 52 was unimaginable.

“Then, after a second opinion and the identical prognosis, then I needed to undergo the method of accepting it,” Jackson mentioned.

Yearly, about 60,000 Individuals are identified with Parkinson’s, in keeping with the Parkinson’s Basis. The neurodegenerative mind dysfunction causes stiffness, tremors, rigidity and hassle with stability which restricts total mobility.

Teresa is now advocating after discovering little to no suggestions from medical doctors on managing the incurable illness.

“Parkinson’s doesn’t all the time appear to be the 85-year-old man sitting in a wheelchair. Generally it appears like this, and we have to discover a remedy so that individuals aren’t struggling,” she mentioned.

She took her ardour for change to the street on two wheels. Biking from South Hill to Winchester is probably going her largest problem but. She completed the primary day alongside her coach, husband, son and two motorists from the Particular Forces Brotherhood Bike Membership.

“It appears like an accomplishment. It’s just a little emotional. It’s just a little overwhelming,” Jackson mentioned.

Jackson wrote almost 60 names on her using jersey to honor those that misplaced their lives to Parkinson’s.

Along with her journey throughout Virginia, she hopes will put her and 1000’s extra one step nearer to a remedy.

“You recognize my youngsters may have youngsters within the subsequent few years, and I wish to be there for them. And I additionally wish to discover a remedy in order that my youngsters or anybody that I like by no means has to listen to the phrases: ’You’ve got Parkinson’s,’” she mentioned.

Jackson plans to complete her journey in Winchester by Tuesday. With donations, Jackson hopes to achieve her aim of $25,000 to advance analysis for a remedy.

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