CINCINNATI (WKRC) - He's one of the finest athletes to come out of Cincinnati.
In fact, Reds' Hall of Famer Dave Parker was the first pro to earn a million dollars a year. Now, he's using the same dedication and strength that took him to the top to battle a devastating illness and he's 'giving back' along the way.
Don't bet against Dave Parker, he knows what it takes to win. Born and raised in Cincinnati, the outfielder was a seven-time All-Star, National League MVP, three-time Gold Glove winner and two time batting champ. And he can still crush a ball! In this case, a golf ball.
Staying active is important to Parker now that he's battling Parkinson’s Disease. Diagnosed four years ago, he takes medication for the tremors and sometimes his speech is slurred. He takes it day by day.
Parker told Local 12 News it's the toughest thing he's ever dealt with, “I can control being out of shape, getting in the gym and working out and getting back to that. A 3-2 count with a man on third base and the game on the line. You know that was a part of my life. But this is something I don't have control over. All I can do is fight to maintain my health and my spirit.”
Parker stays positive by giving back, mentoring young baseball players and raising awareness and research dollars for Parkinson’s.
“Do as much good as you can while you're here. And that goes out to everyone. It's a good lesson,” shared Parker.
Dave Parker is the honorary chair of the Sunflower “Rev It Up for Parkinson's.” It's a walk, run and bike event September 11, at Sawyer Point. All the proceeds benefit the University of Cincinnati Gardner Neuroscience Institute.
REV IT UP FOR PARKINSON'S
Dave Parker raises money to fight Parkinson's Disease | WKRC
No comments:
Post a Comment