About 275 people attended the March 10 event; which raised $21,000 on behalf of various Parkinson’s foundations.
With tears welling up and hands trembling in front of hundreds of friends, family, and strangers gathered at Monroe Sport Center, Jennifer Traver gave her annual, heartfelt “thank you” speech.
“Acceptance does not mean resignation,” said Mrs. Traver, quoting actor Michael J. Fox, one of the thousands of Parkinson’s patients.
Despite this being Traver’s fifth Parkinson’s bowling fundraiser and fifth speech, she says it is just as difficult as the first, but always worth it.
This speech was given on March 10, when the Shakin’ not Stirred team, a Parkinson’s awareness foundation, put on their fifth annual Bowling for a Cure fundraiser to raise awareness and money for Parkinson’s disease.
The event attracted roughly 275 people for several hours of bowling, raffle baskets, a live auction, 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and more. It raised $21,000 to be donated to various Parkinson’s foundations.
The whole bowling alley was sold out, filled with friends of friends of friends and loved ones close to Traver.
Traver was diagnosed at 42 with Young-Onset Parkinson’s disease. After meeting several other Parkinson’s patients dealing with the same challenges every day, she was inspired to start her team and fight this disease. Traver’s passion in turn inspired her friends and family as well. Jacob Traver, son of Mrs. Traver, explained, “I have found myself trying to be kinder to strangers because you never know what people are going through. My mom inspires me to keep on going everyday. On the days I don’t feel like going to class or work, the thought that she goes to work and provides for our family every day, while living with this disease, motivates me.”
Prior to this year’s fundraiser, the team had raised about $68,000 in 4½ years. After taking care of expenses, this year’s proceeds bring the total for donations in five years up to almost $90,000.
All proceeds will be donated to various Parkinson’s organizations, such as the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
On top of starting her own foundation, Traver also started a support group in Monroe for Parkinson’s patients in January, 2016. The group meets once a month and gets to listen to a new guest speaker each meeting.
Team member and a close friend to Traver, Abbey Anteau, is invested in this cause and fight.
“The Shakin’ Not Stirred team is made up of some amazing, hardworking members who make sure Jennifer never has to fight alone. The day Jennifer told me she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, I knew it would make her stronger. We are all fighting for ‘someday’ — the day a cure is found,” said Anteau.
About 60,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease per year; 7 million to 10 million people total who have to wake up every morning and go through the many exhausting symptoms, including tremors, dyskinesia, slurred speech and more.
Traver’s passion for fighting this disease helps to fight for a day that no one will have to live through this again.
Anyone interested in reaching out to Jennifer and her team, would like more information or would like to make a donation, can contact Jennifer at 734-497-5683
https://www.monroenews.com/news/20190327/bowling-for-cure-targets-parkinsons
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