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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