Former Reds player serves as grand marshal for Sunflower Rev It Up for Parkinson's event

Richard ChilesCINCINNATI —September 8, 2019

The 15th annual Sunflower Rev it up for Parkinson's bike ride rolled through Sawyer Point on Sunday.

The ride brought together thousands of walkers, cyclists and runners to support and raise funds for the fight against Parkinson's disease.

For Anna Welch and her family, the fight against Parkinson's disease is personal. Welch said she watches as the disease tears away at her mother Sheryl Weigerber day after day. “Everyday there is something new, or its slightly different. There is always something to consider," Welch said.

The debilitating effects of Parkinson’s know no difference between a mother, a wife or a home run hero. Red's Hall of Famer Dave Parker is among those in the Tri-state fighting against the disease.“ This Parkinson’s has thrown me a 3-2 slider in the bottom of the ninth. This is an entirely different fight," Parker said. 

The mind is sharp, but trapped at times, by a body that refuses to obey. Parker remembers his first Parkinson’s tremors nine years ago. “I’m sitting on the bench, and my hand started to shake,” Parker said.

The slugger who once ferociously swung a baseball bat now clutches a cane.

After a career of 339 home runs and three consecutive gold gloves Parker’s strong hands are now a little less than steady, but the twinkle in the eyes is just as bright.

For nine years, like the former Reds Slugger, Sheryl and her family also have been swinging away against Parkinson’s -- with teammates cheering on every new day. 

“It seems to be manageable for a while, then new things come up that require different kind of attention," Sheryl said.  Together, Dave, Sheryl and Anna are working through this full count swinging away with an eye towards the fences.

Parker says this is an everyday fight.

“Every morning, I’ve got to do it. This Parkinson’s is the toughest opponent I’ve ever had.” Welch and her family agree.

“You have to take each day in stride and work your way through it.”

https://www.wlwt.com/article/former-reds-player-serves-as-grand-marshal-for-sunflower-rev-it-up-for-parkinsons-event/28954995