Washington
Washington to Minnesota: ‘Tractor Trip for Parkinson’s’ to raise awareness, donations
76-year-old Mike Adkinson is making ready to drag a trailer along with his John Deere tractor greater than 1,700 miles from Bellingham to Minnesota to honor his brother.
A 76-year-old Lynden man is taking his Parkinson’s brother’s analysis personally and is pulling greater than his weight in elevating consciousness.
An estimated 10 million folks world wide are battling Parkinson’s illness. 60,000 folks can be recognized annually in America. This doesn’t account for the hundreds that may go undetected.
76-year-old Mike Adkinson is making ready to drag a trailer along with his John Deere tractor greater than 1,700 miles from Bellingham to Minnesota. He’s honoring his brother Dan and taking full benefit of his retirement to embark on a singular training and fundraising mission.
“The American Parkinson Illness Affiliation (APDA) in Seattle is doing superb issues and it’s not nearly analysis, it’s about high quality of life and offering sources to folks at residence,” stated Adkinson.
He admits he’s nonetheless studying in regards to the progressive nervous system dysfunction however is aware of he can elevate cash to assist the individuals who do. His 10-mile-per-hour high pace John Deere will pull a modest trailer that’s lined in community-sponsored and a QR code the place curious passers-by can scan and donate to the APDA.
“We’d like donations and I’m ready to undergo for it,” laughs Adkinson.
Adkinson will drive the tractor the whole means and try and sleep in his pint-size trailer.
“I hope to fulfill folks and discuss with them about Parkinson’s and the way it’s affected their households. I would keep in the identical spot for a number of days so it’s actually about spreading consciousness and hopefully reaching our $50,000 purpose alongside the way in which,” stated Adkinson.
The interstate journey will conclude in Perch Lake, Minnesota the place his brother-in-law is in want of a tractor.
“We had been speaking for some time about his want for a tractor and when my brother was recognized with Parkinson’s I believed it was a singular alternative to do one thing large by serving to my household in Minnesota and exhibiting folks like my brother that a few of us are out right here combating for folks with Parkinson’s and their caretakers,” stated Adkinson.
His spouse Phyllis will keep behind and deal with the social media posts. She stated the necessity to elevate consciousness is growing and he or she is aware of she’s not alone in absolutely appreciating the prevalence of Parkinson’s.
Each 9 minutes somebody within the US is recognized with Parkinson’s. It’s the fastest-growing neurological illness and is ready to outpace Alzheimer’s by 2040.
Donations might be made at apdaparkinson.donordrive.com and you’ll monitor the journey on Fb.
“Simply search up tractor journey for Parkinson’s,” stated Adkinson.
They’re additionally on Youtube and TikTok for max publicity.
The Tractor Journey for Parkinson’s is holding a celebration launch social gathering Saturday at Kulshan Brewery in Bellingham and hits the highway for Minnesota Sunday, Could fifteenth. The tractor can be headed up freeway 20 North by way of the Cascade Move.
“That simply opened up final week so it’s the right time to hit the highway,” stated Adkinson
