just-giver.com - Information

About: Just Giver For Parkinson's / SuperCycle

When Kelly Jablonski and Branko Radmilovic decided to turn their 400 km summer biking trip from Vancouver to Osoyoos in 2006 into a charity ride for Parkinson's Disease, the two helped raise $25,000 for Parkinson Society British Columbia. Along the way, their ride became the subject of numerous media stories, including newspaper articles and a feature on CTV news, further raising awareness for Parkinson's.

Inspired by the success of the first ride. Kelly and Branko doubled the distance for 2007, riding 850 km from Vancouver to Cranbrook. After being joined by eight riders on the first day along with David Kosub and Rob Macdonald for the first two stages, Kelly and Branko went on to conquer several of Canada's largest mountain passes, including Anarchist Mountain, Paulson Summit, and Canada's highest paved roadway, the Kootaney Summit. Thanks to the overwhelming support of sponsors, volunteers and individual contributors, the ride was a huge success. In total, $38,081 was raised to help in the fight against Parksinson's disease.

In addition to the one day SuperCycle event in 2008, Kelly and Branko are planning to increase both the scope and difficulty of their 7 day stage ride to Cranbrook by increasing the fund raising goal and decreasing the number of days to complete the 850km ride. They will also be joined by 4 elite riders (David Kosub, Rob Macdonald, Michael Ryan, and Adam Peron) for the entire journey to Cranbrook. Though challenging, the riders will continue to push themselves to the limit, racing each stage as if it were the Tour de France.

Thanks to everyone for their help, support and generous donations. The success that Just Giver has enjoyed thus far is a testament to your desire to make the world a better place for people with Parkinson's and their loved ones.

A close Family member was diagnosed with Parkinson's 15 years ago and we continue to see the debilitating effects of this disease firsthand. Through this challenge we invite you to support us in raising funds and awareness to help those living with Parkinson's Disease.

It is estimated the that there are approximately 1.6 million Parkinson sufferers in North America and this number is expected to double as the baby boomer generation ages.

What is Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, which involves the loss of cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra. These cells are responsible for producing a chemical called dopamine, which acts as a messenger between the brain cells that control movement. It is estimated that by the time the diagnosis is made approximately 80% of dopamine producing cells have already stopped functioning. The resulting significant decrease in dopamine leads to the appearance of the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease.

The net proceeds from this event will be donated to two different organizations. The Canadian amount raised will be donated to Parkinson Society British Columbia. The US amount raised will be donated to The Davis Phinney Foundation. Tax receipts will be issued as per Canadian Revenue Agency guidelines upon completion of event.

Parkinson Society British Columbia
Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC) is a not for profit, charitable organization established in 1969 and entirely supported by donations from corporations, foundations, individuals and the dedicated efforts of volunteers.

PSBC offers a variety of services to ease the burden for those living with this chronic, degenerative neurological disorder and extends support to all British Columbians that are affected by PD. There are approximately 7,000 individuals in B.C. with Parkinson's. However, the Parkinson's community includes many more: care partners, concerned family members and friends as well as health care providers. PSBC strives to create outreach programs to support this community.

Parkinson Society British Columbia exists to address the personal and social consequences of Parkinson's disease through education, outreach, scientific research and public awareness.

^{^{Parkinson Society British Columbia
600 - 890 West Pender Street
Vancouver BC, V6C 1J9
Ph. 604-662-3240
Lori Francisco
email info@parkinson.bc.ca}}

^{The Davis Phinney Foundation
The Davis Phinney Foundation (DPF) works to understand, prevent and effectively treat Parkinson's disease through collaborative medical research. Based in Denver, Colorado, the foundation was established in 2004 by cycling legend Davis Phinney, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the age of 40.

DPF's immediate work is focused on funding the development of more effective treatment regimes stemming from existing technologies, and understanding fully the neuro-protective attributes of those regimes. Of particular interest to the foundation is the exploration the positive effect of fitness and exercise on Parkinson's sufferers.

DPF's objective is to develop new cure-like treatment options to halt disease progression and extend a patient's quality of life. Ultimately, we believe our collective scientific contribution will help find a cure to this debilitating disease.}