Our Story

There is no known cure for Parkinson’s Disease, but through your support of TEAM FOX on April 27th, you will be able to help change that!

Nine years ago, my wife Karen, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.  I didn’t know much about it.  The only knowledge that I had was that I used to work for a man who had the disease.  My wife and I started going to events on Parkinson’s and found out that exercise is the best ‘cure’ for the disease.  We now work out three times a week with people that have Parkinson’s.  Even though I don’t have the disease, I find that the people we work out with are the most genuine, funny people I have ever met.  There is never any grumbling or complaining.  But I can’t imagine living with something that has no known cure.

Our purpose is to raise funds in support of The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) to accelerate research and treatments for Parkinson’s disease. Every penny donated will go straight to the MJFF high-impact research programs to help speed a cure for Parkinson’s disease. 

BACKGROUND

In December of 2017, not sure whether he should put a ride on or not, his youngest daughter told him, “Dad!, just put it on!  If you get 6 riders its 6 more than they had before.”  The next year the ride was born. As with many good deeds, the So Cal Ride for Parkinson’s began as a “labor of love” at a local grass roots level. Bob Lear, our founder and retired high school teacher, wanted to support his wife in her journey fighting Parkinson’s disease.

The first ride was held in 2018 when Bob decided that “standing on the sidelines” watching this debilitating disease affect his wife was not tolerable.  He decided to channel his passion and interest for biking into positive action, by raising funds for Parkinson’s research.  He understood that by attracting more riders and getting corporate sponsorships would help build the momentum to bring us a bit closer to a cure. Since 2018, the event has grown from 60 participants to over 450 and has raised over $250,000 for Parkinson’s research.

 

MISSION

The So Cal Ride for Parkinson’s mission, is to increase awareness of the Parkinson’s condition in the greater Southern California community and raise research funds on behalf of the Michael J. Fox Foundation. This will be accomplished by hosting an annual biking/walking/running event that supports well-being and fellowship with all participants.

Please direct any inquiries regarding participation or donation to Bob Lear (949) 500-3024, Brian McGuire (714) 697-7963, Marty Furman (714) 624-7560, Brad Pierce (310) 261-1669, Claire McLean (714) 276-3992, Suzi Godber (949) 929-7325 or Eliot Dratch (949) 304-8804 or visit our website: socalride.net

Tax ID 84-4136875

Ride and walk begin and end at Hoag Health Center, 16405 Sand Canyon, Irvine, CA 92618.