SPOKANE -- Bill Meyer has always loved the Pacific Crest Trail. He has hiked it for years. His diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease in 2009, however, threatened to cut one of the great loves from his life.
He recently opted to have a battery-operated device called a neurostimulator, similar to a heart pacemaker, implanted in his body. The device has been a game changer for the Spokane retiree.
The neurostimulator delivers electrical charges to areas in the brain that control movement, blocking the debilitating tremors associated with the disease.
It is now allowing him to take on one of the great challenges of his life, while battling one of the greatest challenges anyone could ever be diagnosed with.
Meyer and a group of friends also battling Parkinson’s are planning a 72-mile trek on the Pacific Crest Trail. Dubbed, “Pass To Pass,” it is a hike and a fundraiser for Parkinson’s research and awareness.
The hike will run southbound from Stevens Pass to Snoqualmie Pass. The dates are August 20-28, 2016. It will be pack supported with two wranglers and several mules. The group will average 9.25 miles with approximately 2000 elevation gain per day.
“This is incredibly important,” said Meyer. “I urge people to get involved, donate and help in any way they can.”
Pass To Pass is a hike and a fundraiser for Parkinson’s research and awareness by including Parkinson’s people (Parkies) on the Pacific Crest Trail southbound from Stevens Pass to Snoqualmie Pass (Washington section J) www.pctmap.net. The dates are August 20-28, 2016. It will be pack supported with two wranglers and several mules. We will average 9.25 miles with approximately 2000 elevation gain per day and a total of 72 miles.
Participants will hike with light day packs with mule support. We are presently recruiting several experienced hikers with PD (pre or post-DBS) and support hikers. Our team will be limited to 12 people.
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http://www.king5.com/news/local/hikers-battling-parkinsons-to-tackle-pacific-crest-trail/279717746
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