Barbara Brock wrote:
>
> Bike-A-Thon Information from Donna J. Kos via Barb Brock of Troy, MI:
>
> The following letter was sent to me by Donna J. Kos who is planning a Bike-A-
> Thon across the U. S. to raise money for increased research that will
> eventually lead to a cure for Parkinson's Disease.  Donna was to speak at the
> PAN Forum but time ran out, so she has written listed participants in the hope
> that we will each pass the information on to our various support groups.  In
> that YOU are my support group, I am reprinting Donna's letter on both lists in
> the hope that those who are interested will write to Donna to lend their
> support or thoughts.  I shall pass it on to the Michigan Parkinson's
> Foundation as well.  To my way of thinking, it is an absolutely terrific way
> to bring national recognition to our plight/cause in addition to needed
> research money.  It is also a wonderful tribute to Donna's father.  He must
> have been a wonderful man to have such a dedicated daughter.  Donna can be
> reached at:
>
> 571 Orlando Avenue
> Akron, OH 44320
> (330) 867-8855
>
> And now, the letter:
>
> July 26, 1998
> Dear Barb:
> I was present at the Public Policy Forum last month in Washington, D. C.  I
> was to have given a 5 minute presentation, but as it turned out, they didn't
> have time for me.  I got your name and address from the list of participants.
>
> I am in the process of planning a Bike-A-Thon across the United States to
> raise money for increased research that will eventually lead to a cure for
> Parkinson's Disease.  I estimate it will take me 9 weeks to bike from San
> Diego, CA to St. Augustine, FL.  The daily mileage will range between 30-65
> miles with the opportunity for other bicyclists to ride with me on any given
> day.  In order to participate in the ride, the bicyclists will need to
> preregister and to turn in the donations from their sponsors.
>
> I am a member of the Akron Area Parkinson's Support Group and have been for
> many years.  My father had Parkinson's for about 17 years; he died in March of
> '96.  I got the idea for the Bike-A-Thon about four months after his passing.
>
> At present I am going to different PD Support groups in Ohio and giving a talk
> about my idea of the Bike-A-Thon and letting people know how they can help.
> Would you be able to pass this letter on to your local Support group?  Maybe
> they would be interested in having me come to one of their meetings to give my
> presentation.
>
> I have some friends in Flint and I think I may be going up there within the
> next couple months to give my presentation to their PD Support group.
>
> I know the only way the Bike-A-Thon can be successful is if I can get
> thousands of people interested in helping to spread the word.  The Bike-A-Thon
> will be officially sanctioned by the National Parkinson's Foundation of Miami,
> FL.
> Sincerely,
> Donna J. Kos