sailing for parkinson's
He's done it!
On June 24th Graham Byrnes completed his 'Sailing for Parkinson's' fundraiser voyage. From May 21st to June 24th (32 days) he sailed over 500 miles to raise money for Parkinson's! Scroll down to read more on why Graham chose to undertake this challenge.
Read more on his Trip Report
and check out his entire Route HERE.
Graham sailing in to his home port of Vandemere, NC at the end of his voyage.
News and Updates:
June 6th 2023:, Graham's initial fundraising goal of $10,000 for the Bike Box Project that runs Rock Steady Boxing of New Bern was reached! Thank you to all of the generous donors that made that possible! BUT! we don't need to stop there. Spread the word. Graham has many miles to sail yet! Thank you!
What is this sailing fundraiser all about?
On May 21, 2023, I will turn 80. I plan to do a celebratory cruise in my sailboat “Carlita” around the whole of the Pamlico Sound. A distance of 500 nautical miles. It has been just over 10 years since I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and I never expected to make it to 80, let alone still have the desire or feel fit enough to attempt this cruise. I believe that Rock Steady Boxing has played a big part in that and I thought it would be good to try to give something back. Left: Graham Byrnes aboard ‘Carlita’ Photo by Keith Smith. Rock Steady Boxing is a non-contact, beneficial fitness class for people with Parkinson’s Disease that helps with mobility, coordination, flexibility, and voice projection in an upbeat, positive atmosphere ...surrounded by energetic and fun coaches and volunteers.
My idea is to use social media to promote my “Sailing for Parkinson’s” cruise to raise funds and pass it all on to the New Bern chapter of Rock Steady support group which is part of the Michael J Fox Parkinsons’ foundation. Parkinson’s has been around for a long time and the rate of new diagnoses is ever increasing. There is no cure and there have been no real breakthroughs in fifty years, just treating the symptoms. Specialized and regular hard exercise is about the best that we have right now to slow the progression
-Graham Byrnes
Who is the beneficiary of this fundraiser?
The Bike Box Project of New Bern, NC
A Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.