Jeanna Radz
ABC 6 News) - Over one million people are affected by Parkinson’s disease across the United States. One Minnesota man is raising money and awareness for the fight against the disease.
Skydiving. To some, it may seem crazy. To others, it may seem exhilarating. To Kevin Burkart, it seems like a good way to help fight a cause very close to his heart.
"Skydiving is…. to be able to do it is a blessing, a gift, whatever you want to call it," said Burkart. "I feel pretty fortunate to be able to enjoy a sport like this."
Kevin Burkart started skydiving in 1999. That was about the same time, he was rocked by the news of his father’s diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease.
"He’s really in the final throws of it and going downhill fast," Burkart said. "It’s difficult to watch. And so I had this gift of skydiving, had thousands of jumps under my belt… And I thought, what if I did 100 jumps in a day? Would that raise some awareness? Would that reach a new audience? Would that raise some funds?"
He started jumping for Parkinson’s disease in 2007. On June 15th, when he held a skydiving event, he jumped 101 times over twelve hours. Kevin raised $128,000 for the National Parkinson’s Foundation.
"He perseveres and is generous, and he gives himself, a lot of himself," said Kevin's fiance, Laura.
Kevin perseveres through more than just jumping. More than what most athletes will ever experience.
"Your viewership should know I had a spinal cord injury from a snowmobile accident four years ago," said Burkart. "So I am paralyzed in my left arm here, so that makes me an adaptive skydiver."
101 jumps in twelve hours using one arm, all for his father and the fight.
"It’s inspiring," said Lois Burkart. "I guess what I find especially inspiring is the number of people who says he inspires them. And that makes me feel good and proud."
"Regardless, what I am doing here today is a lot easier than living with Parkinson’s disease," said Burkart.
"A lot of people get on board with that energy, it’s super contagious," said Laura.
Contagious is right. When Jeanna met Kevin, he convinced even her to make the jump.
Jeanna had never gone skydiving, but it was an experience she'll never forget.
"I think the way our world is right now," said Lois. "It’s great to have positive things to focus on."
Kevin Burkhart, using skydiving to provide care and comfort for those living with Parkinson’s today…
"…and a cure for tomorrow," said Kevin.
To See Video:
http://www.kaaltv.com/sports/parkinsons-disease-kevin-burkart-skydiving/4173834/
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