Paddling for Parkinson's Story (More Info at www.paddlingforparkinsons.com)

For the newest information check out www.paddlingforparkinsons.com

Hi, my name is Joe Forrester and I am a current third year medical student at the University of Virginia. In 2005 my grandfather was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. This July, my grandfather's brother died from complications due to Parkinson Disease. As a medical student, I have had the privledge of helping some extradordinary people, but have also seen first hand the difficulties individuals with Parkinson's disease face. I want to show support for my grandfather and the struggles and challenges he and others with Parkinson disease face daily by raising money for the National Parkinson Foundation.


Starting in April 2009, I will attempt a solo kayak descent of the Missouri-Mississippi River. As the fourth longest river in the world stretching almost 4,000 miles and touching 13 states, this will be an incredible physical and mental challenge. Starting in Three Forks, Montana I will paddle my kayak "The Mary Agnes" solo down to New Orleans and the Gulf of Mexico. I will have to battle the weather, the river and my own fears to finish. I am doing this trip to raise funds for the National Parkinson Foundation.
My goal is to raise $20,000 for the National Parkinson Foundation. Your generous gifts support essential research into the cause of and the cure for Parkinson disease, comprehensive care and other patient services, education, and outreach.

Check Out www.paddlingforparkinsons.com for the most current news about the trip

ALL DONATIONS GO TO THE NATIONAL PARKINSON FOUNDATION! Please help support this great organization either by check donation or donating online through the NPF's secure website. 

The checks must be made payable to the ‘National Parkinson Foundation’ and should mention at the bottom ‘Joseph Forrester Community Fundraiser’.

You can send checks to:

FAO: Damian Watkins
National Parkinson Foundation
1501 NW 9th Avenue
Bob Hope Road
Miami, FL 33136

 

PLEASE EMAIL ME AT jdf4g@virginia.edu IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE PER MILE

Thanks to everyone who has donated!

My Sponsors

Name	Date	Amount	Comments
Randolph Robinson	10/21/2009	$250.00	Way to go, Joe! We are so proud of you and appreciated following your blog. Best wishes in the months ahead. - Ginger and Randy lRobinson
Cafe Press	10/20/2009	$57.99
Gustavo Sapien	10/19/2009	$25.00
Robert Roop	9/29/2009	$500.00
John Forrester	9/17/2009	$50.00
Fay Neal	9/15/2009	$50.00
Michael and Clare Coughlin	9/15/2009	$25.00
Thomas Goldsmith	9/14/2009	$500.00
Lori Neupert	9/12/2009	$25.00	I'm very grateful for Joe's commitment and determination to bring awareness to Parkinson Disease. He demonstrates strength and moral character. My Dad died with PD last year. It is a vicious disease. Thank you dearly Joe!
Mel & Belle Jones	9/8/2009	$50.00
Doug Sparks	9/4/2009	$50.00
Heidi Matthias	9/4/2009	$50.00
Karen Sussex	9/4/2009	$125.00
Hans Mouritzen	9/4/2009	$25.00	Joe, a job very, very, very well done!
Anonymous	9/3/2009	$50.00
Dorothy Ziebarth	9/3/2009	$150.00	From the ICU staff at the Medical Center of Aurora. Joe, you & your dad are truly inspiring. Congratulations on your resounding success!
Greg and Carol Smith	9/3/2009	$100.00	We've enjoyed following your adventures!
Bill Forshey	9/2/2009	$100.00	Good job Joe! We are all very proud of you!
Anonymous	9/2/2009	$100.00	This is for Joe Forrester's Paddling for Parkinson's. Congrats, Joe, what a selfless gift to honor your grandfather and others with Parkinson's.
Andrew Sullivan	9/2/2009	$500.00	Donation through "Paddling for Parkinsons" by Joe Forrester
Julie Ferguson	9/1/2009	$25.00	Your brother was a roommate of my sons. My Dad passed away from Parkinsons 6 years ago on 9/11. What a tribute to your Grandfather.
Norm Miller	8/31/2009	$125.00	Joe- Congrats on your journey!!! I knew you could do it! Glad I could help you out in Montana and hope to paddle with you someday. Great job and for a good cause!
Kristina Smith	8/31/2009	$4.00
Robert & Holli Lane	8/31/2009	$10.00
Hannah Stein	8/31/2009	$13.80
Hannah Stein	8/31/2009	$7.50
Susan Buell	8/31/2009	$75.00
Jerry & Marilyn Korkow	8/31/2009	$50.00
Joan Reischel	8/30/2009	$50.00
Anonymous	8/30/2009	$300.00
James Blum	8/29/2009	$50.00
Kevin & Carolyn Naudts	8/29/2009	$25.00	What an extraordinary journey! We heard about your trip from Betty & Michael Rudolph. God bless you Joe.
Anonymous	8/29/2009	$25.00
Peggy Johnston	8/28/2009	$250.00	We're really impressed with your journey and proud of your efforts!
Gerry Hendershot	8/28/2009	$50.00
Sam Corso	8/28/2009	$50.00	I met Joe Forrester and was impressed with his sense of adventure and unflinching commitment to this worthy cause. He is a fine young man.
Anonymous	8/27/2009	$520.90	Donated by the employees of Triumph Hospital in Aurora, Colorado who held a burrito and bake sale to support Paddling for Parkinson's!
Dorothy Ziebarth	8/26/2009	$100.00	My grandmother had Parkinson's and I thought it was a "rare" issue. Dorothy works with your Dad-he is truly an amazing man. You blow us away with your dedication! Jeff & Dorothy
Heidi Hinchcliff	8/26/2009	$25.00	Go Joe! I learned about you from my friends, Lynn Scott and Dave Olson.
Paul and Cindy Berry	8/23/2009	$100.00
Darrell and Amy Jung	8/24/2009	$20.00
Peggy Szwabo	8/24/2009	$25.00
David Gewanter	8/20/2009	$20.00
Patrick Krolak	8/20/2009	$50.00	For the Joe Forrester Kayak Fundraiser
Michael Hewitt	8/20/2009	$200.00	Paddling for Parkinson's Joe Forrester inspired me. Strong work Joe!
Anonymous	8/19/2009	$20.00	From Billy Howell in Clarksdale, Mississippi
Anonymous	8/19/2009	$100.00	From an anonymous donor in Clarksdale, Mississippi
Cafe Press	8/19/2009	$39.29
Jane Nicholas	8/18/2009	$10.00	I saw the website Paddling for Parkinsons. Joe stopped overnight in our town. I wish him all the best.
Cheryl Rice	8/17/2009	$25.00	This is for Joe Forrester - Paddling for Parkinson
Cindy Scott	8/16/2009	$100.00	Good Luck!
Garland Denton	8/13/2009	$100.00
John and Cindy Krolik	8/13/2009	$10.00	this is for joe forrester Paddling for Parkinson's fundraiser
Elizabeth Peters	8/12/2009	$50.00	Betty and Michael Rudolph are neighbors of mine in Washington. Joe is a cousin of Betty's. They told me about Paddling for Parkinsons.
Casey Karp	8/12/2009	$25.00
Joseph Zulich	8/11/2009	$25.00	I read Michael Fox's book a month ago. Thanks for doing this for others like him.
Christi Murray	8/9/2009	$750.00	Support for Paddling for Parkinson - Joe Foresster. And also because of a friend of mine diagnosed long ago.
Rosemary Jones	8/9/2009	$100.00
McAvoy & Bahn, L.C. Attorneys At Law	8/9/2009	$50.00
Donald Hays	8/5/2009	$25.00	This donation is in behalf of Joe Forrester's "Paddling for Parkinson's" initiative.
Bbo and Peggy Grohal	8/4/2009	$100.00	Great project, Joe! We are thrilled to have heard about it from your aunt Betty.
Dan and April Wilson	8/3/2009	$30.00
Thomas Griesedieck	8/3/2009	$25.00
Rita and Danny Grider	8/3/2009	$50.00
Spirit Hill Guest House	8/3/2009	$50.00
Estelle Leabman	8/3/2009	$50.00
Anonymous	8/3/2009	$25.00	Donated by Ruth Heck
Anonymous	8/3/2009	$20.00	Donated by Clark and Alice Calhoun
Anonymous	8/3/2009	$10.00	Donated by Jesse and Karen McCrae
Anonymous	8/2/2009	$20.00	Donated by Gail Young
Anonymous	8/2/2009	$5.00	Donated by Rita Laboube
Jay Pontious	8/2/2009	$100.00	thank you for stopping in Hermann, MO to promote your cause
Anonymous	8/2/2009	$30.00	From the folks at Cooper's Landing
Jim Goodwin	7/29/2009	$50.00	Welcome to the Show-Me State!
Frances Bachand	7/27/2009	$50.00
Lynn Scott	7/26/2009	$50.00	HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE!!!! Rebel, Lynn, and Dave
Christine Rix	7/23/2009	$25.00
Ed and Gail Breckel	7/23/2009	$100.00
Cafe Press	7/23/2009	$35.79
Renee Oshinski	7/23/2009	$100.00
Randy Penner	7/23/2009	$25.00	I saw this story in the local paper and came to the website to look at the blog. This trip is nothing short of remarkable. Good luck on the rest of your journey and thanks for inspiring the rest of us to take up our own adventures.
Todd and Jessica Sebade	7/23/2009	$50.00	It was such a pleasure to meet you at Ponca State Park on 7-19-09...your explanation about your whole journey was so invigorating..don't lose your positive spirit!! You are a great testament as to what the human race can do for each other...GO JOE!!
Dave Olson	7/22/2009	$500.00	Joe is an inspiration! He is working very hard for this cause. (We met his camping on the river) Dave Olson & Lynn Scott
Anonymous	7/22/2009	$20.00	From Tim and Nancy (met by Joe on the Missouri River)
Marilyn J. Bertsch	7/21/2009	$100.00	Paddling for Parkinson's
David Kline	7/20/2009	$200.00
Heather Craig-Oldsen	7/19/2009	$25.00	We admire your fortitude, Joe! Heather and Craig Oldsen (Ponca, NE)
Mutual Fund Store Foundation Fund	7/20/2009	$250.00
Anonymous	7/16/2009	$5.00	From a Pierre, SD paddler
Redetta A Jensen	7/14/2009	$100.00	Donation is from the Parkinson Association of South Dakota. Please direct thank you to PASD because I will be reimbursed by PASD.
Kim Korkow	7/14/2009	$25.00	This is to go to the fund being raised by Joe Forrester, Paddling for Parkinsons,
Joe Batuello	7/14/2009	$50.00
Susie Andres	7/13/2009	$50.00	In honor of Mary Daniel, New Orleans, LA
Diane LeMay	7/11/2009	$50.00	I am a friend of Eric Robinson, who tells everyone about P4P. Safe travels, Joe and Eric.
Patrick Wellner	7/10/2009	$25.00	It was great meeting you, Joe. Paddle on.
Norma Jackson	7/9/2009	$100.00	Made on behalf of Whitney Spivey's grandfather who has Parkinson's - Pat Jackson
Clay and Ramona Sorneson	7/9/2009	$50.00
Lindsay Holwick	7/9/2009	$25.00	What an amazing journey for a truley fantastic cause. Wish I could know when you will be passing through Kansas City. Good luck!
Colleen & Jasper Kleinjan	7/7/2009	$25.00	We are very happy that you could spend time in Bismarck, good luck on your journey! As the artists' say, 'Break a leg!" :)
Pamela Lindberg	7/6/2009	$75.00
Margaret Johnston	7/6/2009	$500.00
John & Kathryn Jones	7/5/2009	$50.00	Joe, please visit us at Lake of the Woods, 618 Harrison Circle, Locust Grove, VA
Lauren Martin	7/4/2009	$25.00
Barbara Worrell	7/2/2009	$250.00	Joe, I am impressed, but not at all suprised, by your journey! And I personallly appreciate the the fundraising for Parkinson's as both my paternal grandmother and my maternal great-grandfather suffered from the disease. Good luck and paddle strong!
Kim Hennessy	7/2/2009	$50.00
Madaleine Sorkin	7/1/2009	$50.00	GO JOE! Your efforts are an inspiration.
Mel & Belle Jones	6/30/2009	$100.00
Redetta Jensen	6/28/2009	$25.00	Paddling for Parkinson's
Anonymous	6/25/2009	$75.00
Anonymous	6/20/2009	$25.00
Christopher Patrick Ford	6/18/2009	$100.00	I thought I'd better pop for the locksmith fees... it's a matter or Karma...
William Claridge	6/17/2009	$100.00
Anonymous	6/16/2009	$15.00
Barry Sundland	6/11/2009	$100.00	Good luck Joe
Bruce Kantor	6/8/2009	$30.00	Your Aunt Carol told me about your fund raising. Great job and have a great trip!
Anthony Harden	6/8/2009	$25.00	I'm making a donation because of http://www.paddlingforparkinsons.com/pfp/index.aspx
Jenna Loftus	6/5/2009	$25.00
Bob Boland	6/4/2009	$50.00
Anonymous	5/31/2009	$20.00	for Sam Hale
Joseph Forrester	5/29/2009	$5.00	from Berkeley Blanchard
Clark Kensinger	5/29/2009	$50.00
Bruce Schirmer	5/29/2009	$200.00	Joe, You are a promising future surgeon and I support your efforts with enthusiasm.
Christopher Patrick Ford	5/29/2009	$200.00	Young Joe - Please make sure not to let your Dad hold the keys on the drive to Montana...
Adam Mueller	5/28/2009	$130.00	Good luck Joe, not too many people ever attempt anything this EPIC in their lives, and for a good cause. May the river run fast and the weather stay fair. Be safe, be strong, go big and go home.
Rebekka Sprouse	5/26/2009	$25.00	Good luck out there, Joe! I hope it's a blast!
Joe & Pat Forrester	5/22/2009	$200.00	We are in awe of your deep caring for others and of your courage. You are in our prayers. Love, Grandma & Grandma Forrester
Joe & Pat Forrester	5/21/2009	$200.00	In honor of your great grandmothers, Mary Forrester Weber and Agnes Jesse Cannon by Grandpa and Grandma Forrester
Jaime Miller	5/17/2009	$30.00	May your paddles move as swiftly as your mind. I wish you a safe and momentous journey Joe. Good luck!
Jennifer Jackson	5/12/2009	$100.00	my daughter - Whitney Spivey is a grad student at Univ. of Missouri and hopes to interview Joe this summer for a mag. article-( she also went to UVA)
Keith Forrester	5/9/2009	$100.00	Good Luck, Paddle Hard!! - The Vancouver Forresters
Dan Crossey	5/5/2009	$100.00
Will Sebra	5/4/2009	$50.00	Good luck buddy!
Nathan & Jennifer Charlton	4/30/2009	$400.00	What a wonderful opportunity, keep up the good work and have fun.
The Medical Center Aurora	4/27/2009	$1,000.00
Frank Hill	4/20/2009	$46.00
Trinity Ludwig	4/16/2009	$25.00	Paddle on!
Iris Elliott	4/14/2009	$100.00
Misty Gruters	4/10/2009	$50.00	Good Luck and I wish you the best in your adventure. What an amazing story to share.
Ronnie Rowcotsky	4/6/2009	$35.27	dude! this is one of the most selfless and incredibly inspiring things any of my friends has ever done. mad props! good luck and godspeed.
Niloo Ratnayake	4/6/2009	$25.00	Joe, you are a Rock Star.
Daniel Rubottom	3/31/2009	$25.00
Edward Sudduth	3/26/2009	$50.00
Darline Tosetti	3/25/2009	$50.00
Harvey Bolshoun	3/15/2009	$100.00
Hans Mouritzen	3/14/2009	$25.00	I am a friend of your uncle David in Ely and I hope to be able to paddle a stretch of Missouri with you this summer. See ya.
Rebecca Hicks	3/12/2009	$50.00	I don't know you but I saw the article in the Champaign News Gazette. My dad has Parkinson's and I wanted to thank you for raising money and awareness for Parkinson's.
Rita and Danny Grider	3/8/2009	$100.00
Larry and Anne Watkins	3/5/2009	$50.00
Roy and Gwendolyn Watkins	3/5/2009	$50.00
Anonymous	2/27/2009	$100.00	what a wonderful idea- my mom who passed in october stuffered with parkinsons for many years. I know she would be happy about your river adventure. More money needs to go to parkinsons research.
Annie Durbin	2/27/2009	$50.00	Moe Heckman's sister, Annie, wishes you a good paddle!
Anonymous	2/24/2009	$50.00
Thomas Weber	2/21/2009	$25.00	I am a fellow kayaker and my father suffered for 20+ years before sucumbing to Parkinson's. Best of luck.
Mark Serracino	2/19/2009	$75.00	Good luck brother!
Quang Nguyen	2/17/2009	$10.00
Chase Bennett	2/17/2009	$20.00
Ralph W. White II	2/16/2009	$25.00	Good Luck Joe....We will all be watching and praying for you on your journey. Lynn/Ralph White(Mark Serracino's friend and coworker)
Cameron Hill	2/16/2009	$46.00
Kara and Chris Athey	2/13/2009	$300.00	Good Luck!
Elayne Hankin	2/11/2009	$100.00	Spoke to cousin Susan Roop, mom of Jeremy. Great cause-good luck on journey!
Joseph Forrester	2/9/2009	$500.00	We are extremely proud of all of your hard work to make this trip a success! Joe and Bonnie Forrester
Susan Roop	2/8/2009	$100.00	Paddling for Parkinson's
Todd Beel	2/7/2009	$75.00
Mark Busch	2/6/2009	$25.00
Frank Bauer	2/6/2009	$25.00
Phil Armstrong	2/6/2009	$20.00	A great vision and a great journey
Matt Murray	2/3/2009	$250.00
Clare Johnson	1/30/2009	$25.00	good luck j fizzle!
Jane Kelso Greenberg	1/28/2009	$100.00
Anonymous	1/20/2009	$10.00
Michael and Victoria Hewitt	1/19/2009	$100.00
Anonymous	1/18/2009	$50.00	Go Joe!
Don Gross	1/18/2009	$25.00
Ryan Pevnick	1/11/2009	$25.00
Jordan Patkin	1/11/2009	$50.00
Earl Glosser	1/11/2009	$50.00
Anonymous	1/3/2009	$25.00
William Hester	12/25/2008	$25.00	Good luck on your project from Paddling for a Purpose.
Jay Boyd	12/25/2008	$25.00	As I said Joe, I will be waiting in Cape Girardeau, Mo with a BarBQ for ya. Good Luck.
Anonymous	12/24/2008	$25.00
Tiffany and Doug Abeloe	12/24/2008	$200.00	For my Dad and others who suffer from this disease. Thank you, Joe, for doing this.
Giovanna Urist	12/15/2008	$25.00
Astrid Brouillard	12/14/2008	$50.00
Harold Weinstein	12/7/2008	$50.00
Elizabeth and Whitney Johnson	12/5/2008	$500.00	We are excited about your very excellent adventure. Take good care of yourself. Betsey and Whitney
John and Maureen Heckman	11/26/2008	$400.00
Christopher & Angela Holstege	11/18/2008	$1,000.00	Having had a grandfather with Parkinson’s disease who developed it at a young age due to post-influenza encephalitis while fighting in the trenches of WWI, I applaud your efforts!
Anonymous	11/15/2008	$50.00	Go Big or Go Home!
Anonymous	10/30/2008	$250.00	Take care Joe.
Anonymous	10/23/2008	$300.00	Good Luck Joe on your quest!
Anonymous	10/19/2008	$500.00	Joe, we wish you the best and believe you'll be successful.
Anonymous	9/28/2008	$50.00
John Fletcher	9/24/2008	$100.00	We were your grandparents' neighbors in Monroe. Good luck
Anonymous	9/19/2008	$500.00	Good Luck Joe on your journey down the river!
Mary Jones	9/10/2008	$50.00
Betty and Michael Rudolph	9/8/2008	$250.00	Joe, we're very proud of you - looking forward to hearing about the journey
Randy Robinson	9/7/2008	$500.00
David Hoven, Sr.	9/7/2008	$50.00	Have fun - be safe
Anonymous	9/6/2008	$250.00	We couldn't be prouder of you Joe, and wish you all the best on this marvelous journey. Dave and Carol
Anonymous	9/3/2008	$50.00	“Life is not a journey to the grave with intentions of arriving safely in a pretty well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming ... WOW! What a ride!” - have a great ride, Joe
Jeremy Roop	9/2/2008	$25.00
Eric Robinson	9/2/2008	$250.00	YEAH!
Anonymous	9/1/2008	$50.00
Erik Raaum	8/26/2008	$10.00	I work with your brother.
Anonymous	8/20/2008	$25.00
Scudday	8/20/2008	$25.00
Anonymous	8/18/2008	$50.00
Total:		$22,136.54