Not many people can say they have travelled by motorcycle across Canada, to the four corners of North America, and around the world. Trinity Western University President Bob Kuhn is an exception.
Having embarked on several long distance motorcycle trips to raise awareness and funding for Parkinson’s disease, Kuhn has a passion for adventure—but also for making a difference.
Since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in January 2006, Kuhn has remained an active and committed advocate for Parkinson’s disease. In addition to completing several motorcycle trips for the cause, he also speaks regularly on the subject and uses his blog, Positively Parkinson’s, as a way to encourage and connect with others suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
"Parkinson's disease is one that robs people of their confidence,” Kuhn said. “In place of a firm hand grip, we find ourselves with uncontrollable tremor and weakened muscles. We avoid the limelight and any undue attention because it focuses on our symptoms. Whereas we once felt strong, secure and ready to take on any challenge, now we often feel inadequate and overwhelmed, just trying to get a spoonful of soup to our lips or carry a cup of coffee a few paces to the kitchen table.”
Kuhn understands the struggles those with Parkinson’s face, and is passionate about motivating other Parkinson’s sufferers. This fall, in partnership with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Kuhn will embark on another motorcycle adventure known as the 50 CC.
The signature ride is a designated part of the Iron Butt Association, made up of over 50,000 members who are dedicated to safe long distance motorcycle riding. From October 7 to 9, Kuhn, along with fellow motorcyclist Andrew Westlund, will complete the roughly 2400 mile, 50 hour, coast-to-coast ride, to raise awareness and, said Kuhn, “to encourage the Parkinson’s community to live life with purpose, reach beyond comfort zones, accept the challenge of living life to the fullest, fight the disease every step of the way, and never give up or give in.”
“I want to share my adventure with others who have Parkinson’s, and in doing so encourage them to have their own adventures, be daring and stretch outside their comfort zone”, Kuhn said. “It’s important to show people with Parkinson's that they can accomplish extraordinary things, despite this disease.”
Kuhn will begin the 50 CC ride in San Diego, California and continue across the southern U.S. to Jacksonville, Florida, which will serve as the final destination.
To follow President Kuhn’s 50 CC adventure, or to make a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, please visit Kuhn’s Team Fox fundraising page, or the C2C for the Cure Facebook page. You can also follow Kuhn’s C2C for the Cure ride via Instagram at c2cforthecure and Twitter @TWU_Bob.
All money raised through this C2C 50 hour challenge will be used for research to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease, in partnership with the Michael J. Fox Foundation (please note that none of the proceeds will be used for stem cell research).