My name is Ron Bauer. To some of you I am family, to others a friend and some may not know me at all, but have been touched by Parkinson's in some way.  Three and a half years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. To some people, it is considered a death sentence, as there is no cure for Parkinson’s.  I look at this diagnosis as an opportunity - a lesson that I should be learning from.  Our family upon learning of this diagnosis decided to eliminate the words “Would of, Could of and Should of” and do all the things that we always wished to do!  I could explain the symptoms people with Parkinson’s face everyday- what Parkinson’s does to you, what people with Parkinson’s can expect in life as each case of Parkinson’s is as unique as the person who has it - but I’d rather focus on what I can do instead of what I no longer can do!  I’m doing pretty well considering. Since I’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease I’ve reassessed my life and set different priorities. On top of that, I’ve had to retire and become a stay-at-home father. What does all that mean? Well, one big positive thing is I get to spend a lot  more time with my 3 daughters. Carly, Abby and Katie. Not to forget my beautiful wife who has changed places with be by going back to work.

This change for me has had a real and heartfelt change for our entire family - while walking my 8-year-old to school after I started my retirement she turned to me and said, “Dad,  it really is good to get to know you.” I said, “What do you mean Katie?  I’ve always known you.” “No,” she said, “You used to be gone in the morning when I got up to go to school and you got home just in time for dinner. So,  I didn’t see you a whole bunch.” I’m not saying that I’m glad I have Parkinson’s. I just feel sometimes something is put in front of you for a reason. If I have the chance to spend a little extra time with the ones I love,  there may be a positive aspect to this disease. Now they may think differently - I do tend to be a bit of an optimist and get a bit out there at times.

Why tell you all this? I am planning to make this disease a move to action.  To do something positive to help those who will have this disease after me.  There is nothing that can be done for me, even if a cure was discovered today - all that has been lost to Parkinson will never be regained.  I am planning on hiking the John Muir Trail in an effort to raise money for Parkinson’s research.  This summer I will be hiking approximately 225 miles in 20 to 30 days by hiking the John Muir Trail.  Why, you may ask? I could say because it’s there, but truthfully it’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but never had time to do it. And since I have Parkinson’s, it’ll make it that much more difficult.  Why would you want more difficult, you ask? Because everything comes with a price. And the price of hiking in the Sierras helps me get through on a daily basis. Exercise being one of the most important things for Parkinson’s patients. 

I’ve included below several links for people who want to know more about Parkinson’s. To give  a little insight,  I feel my Parkinson’s  more when I’m standing still then when I’m moving. I feel that a man in motion will never be planted,  So, I push forward to continue with this journey called life. I just do it a little slower.

The trail ledger picture to the right gives you an idea of my planned trip. I am planning to start from Mount Whitney and hike roughly 225 miles to the Yosemite Valley. I am planning my trip to begin in early July, and complete it 20 to 30 days later. The reason I’m writing to all of you is because I am asking for your support. Through the Michael J. Fox Foundation, I’ve participated in several groundbreaking studies to aid and provide early diagnosis, treatment of symptoms and finding a cure.  If you are interested in supporting my endeavor, I hope that you would consider sponsoring me per mile that I hike with all money going to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.  If you are able I ask for a sponsorship of 20¢ a mile, which would result in a $45.00 donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.  

Now the fun part begins. If you are interested in hiking with me, donating to the Michael J.  Fox Foundation or offering moral support  - I welcome any and all support you are willing to donate.   I would love it if any of you were able to join me at the beginning, the end, or somewhere in between.  I know it’s not for everyone (including my wife and some of my children)!  There are a number of ways to support us in our effort.  If you would like to have a day hike and drop off food, I’d love it!  Donate to Michael J. Fox Foundation, even better!  Read the blog I will be keeping, fantastic!  Donate - The best!  

Thank you for your support,

 Ron Bauer

Donation Information

Option #1

For Donation and Hike Details - http://ronstrekforparkinsons.blogspot.com/  
 That's this page your already on

Option #2

To Donate directly to Parkinson’s Research  

http://www2.michaeljfox.org/site/TR/TeamFox/TeamFox?px=1654922&pg=personal&fr_id=1300 
                           Just click on the Donate bar on the right

Option #3

To send Donation to Ron

Team Fox

c/o Ron’s Hike for Parkinson’s

444 Alamatos Dr.

Danville, CA 94526