Raising Money for Parkinson’s Disease
By: Marchelle McConnell
Updated: July 17, 2009
Bruce Gardner is literally traveling from one side of the state to the other for Ride Across Indiana, or R.A.IN. Its 160 miles. He expects it to take him about ten hours, and its all for a good cause.
As of Thursday, Bruce has raised $1,671. This exceeds his expectations.
Bruce Gardner says “I figured if I got $500 I would be more than pleased with myself.”
Bruce developed his passion to help people with Parkinsons disease through his job at Medtronic. Hes a therapy consultant. He helps people manage disabling tremors that come with Parkinsons.
Gardner says “The more that I got exposed to what they were going through, and the more I talked to them about everyday suffering, the more it started to mean something to me.”
The money raised by Bruce will go directly to the Fort Wayne Parkinsons Support Group. The President, Dan Spangler, of the group says they plan to put the money toward rest and relaxation for care givers, and bring in more guest speakers.
Parkinsons is a neurological disease. This means it affects the brains ability to give the body commands. The disease worsens over time and currently theres no cure.
Bruce is using this race as additional training for the Ironman he will compete in, in September. You can continue to contribute to Bruce’s cause even after the race.
To make a contribution to Bruce’s ride visit his web site at
http://www.firstgiving.com/brucegardner
