Designer Posted April 14 Report Share Posted April 14 On May 21, 2023, I will turn 80. I plan to do a celebratory cruise in my sailboat “Carlita” around the whole of the Pamlico Sound. A distance of 500 nautical miles (see my route). It has been just over 10 years since I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. I never expected to make it to 80, let alone still have the desire or feel fit enough to attempt this cruise. I believe that Rock Steady Boxing has played a big part in that. I thought it would be good to try to give something back. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause which means so much to me. Rock Steady Boxing is a non-contact, beneficial fitness class for people with Parkinson’s Disease that helps with mobility, coordination, flexibility, and voice projection in an upbeat, positive atmosphere ...surrounded by energetic and fun coaches and volunteers. Check them out on youtube here. My idea is to use social media to promote my “Sailing for Parkinson’s” cruise to raise funds and pass it all on to the New Bern chapter of Rock Steady support group which is part of the Michael J Fox Parkinsons’ foundation. Parkinson’s has been around for a long time and the rate of new diagnoses is ever increasing. There is no cure and there have been no real breakthroughs in fifty years, just treating the symptoms. Specialized and regular hard exercise is about the best that we have right now to slow the progression. In 2021 I made a cruise circumnavigating the Delmarva Peninsula. Here is the link to the trip report from that cruise. I plan to do the same for this cruise. Here is the link! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter HK Posted April 16 Report Share Posted April 16 I am very pleased to hear that 10 years after diagnosis you are still feeling fit enough for this cruise. As a medical specialist in the area I know that Parkinson disease, while variable, is often cruel. I've seen some patients doing well after 25 years yet my older brother had a more aggressive variant and was diagnosed at 63 and died from it last year at 71. As you say we still need to find better treatments/ preventive strategies. Ready Steady Boxing sounds like a good program - I hope your fund raising is very successful. Peter HK 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve W Posted April 16 Report Share Posted April 16 Graham, this is awesome for anyone close to 80, let alone fighting Parkinson's. You are an inspiration. I'll be following along just like when you circled the DelMarVa. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmosSwogger Posted April 16 Report Share Posted April 16 Looking forward to following along; I'm available to help resupply along the northern part of your route. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul356 Posted April 17 Report Share Posted April 17 Good work and good news, Graham. Will be following, for sure. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Anderson Posted April 18 Report Share Posted April 18 Looks like a great route. I am looking forward to following your progress. What a worthy cause to raise funds for. It checks a lot of boxes, self empowerment, community support, education, and awareness. Fair winds and not too many bugs. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oyster Posted April 19 Report Share Posted April 19 Life and sometimes longevity is about mind over matter. For sure you have the ultimate attitude to manage your current issue. Making the most of what we have at each segment of our life should always be the goal of everyone too. You inspire that each and everyday. It was really nice to see you and catch up a bit over the weekend. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Stewart Posted May 11 Report Share Posted May 11 We now have a website for Graham's Trip! www.sailingforparkinsons.org 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jknight611 Posted May 23 Report Share Posted May 23 Graham in Oriental 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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