Trinity Western University rallies to host and support Tour de Fox for Parkinson's research

TWU cycling team to ride with President Bob Kuhn, who lives with Parkinson's

LANGLEY, BC, Aug. 15, 2016 /CNW/ - Trinity Western University is hosting the 2016 Pacific Northwest Tour de Fox, a Michael J. Fox Foundation fundraiser for Parkinson's research on August 20, 2016.

The university is not only hosting the event. TWU's president, Bob Kuhn, who has lived with Parkinson's since 2006, will ride 35 miles (about 56 km) in the Tour de Fox as the captain of Team TWU.

"Many of the 5,000,000+ people who have Parkinson's disease suffer a lot more than I do," wrote Kuhn on his Tour de Fox page. "Many feel hopeless and incredibly discouraged. They need to have hope. So it is for those people that I want to do all I can to help find a cure. I'm riding in the Tour de Fox as part of Team TWU because it reminds me that there is still much that I can do. It reminds me to appreciate that I am alive."

"Research for Parkinson's disease is close to our hearts at Trinity Western University," said Amy Robertson, a university spokesperson. "Our president, Bob Kuhn, inspires us every day, and we'd like to rally behind him. TWU is an official sponsor of the Tour de Fox ride, but more importantly, our community is a family, so we're building Team TWU to ride with Bob and make a difference."

Thus far, Team TWU, at 11 riders and counting, has raised $7,145,  putting them in second place among all the teams riding in the Pacific Northwest cycling event thus far.

Participants raise funds and choose either a 10-mile, 35-mile, or 70-mile bicycle loop, all of which begin and end on the TWU campus in Langley. All funds will be matched by a generous donor and will support programs to find a cure for Parkinson's disease.

Kuhn has been a longtime supporter of Parkinson's research. In 2014, he raised $24,000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation through the 50 CC motorcycle ride.

Participation details:

• To #RideWithBobK in the Tour de Fox, register here.
• To volunteer for the Tour de Fox, sign up here.
• To support Team TWU financially, visit the Team TWU page.

President Bob Kuhn is available for media interviews about his participation in the Tour de Fox and the 50CC ride.

Media and other resources

1. Photos: http://bit.ly/2aRsyeN
2. "Why I'm riding in the Tour de Fox" by Bob Kuhn: http://bit.ly/2b4zCl2
3. Bob Kuhn's blog, Positively Parkinson's: http://bit.ly/2aZXZRy

Fast facts: Parkinson's disease
Source: Michael J. Fox Foundation

1. Parkinson's disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that affects one in 100 people over age 60.
   
2. While the average age at onset is 60, people have been diagnosed as young as 18.
   
3. The exact cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown, although research points to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
   
4. The single biggest risk factor for Parkinson's disease is advancing age. Men have a somewhat higher risk than women.
   
5. Symptoms often, but not always, include tremors and shaking, fatigue, anxiety, depression and dexterity issues.
   
6. Parkinson's symptoms are unique to each person: Some eventually have to use wheelchairs; others run marathons.
   
7. Healthy lifestyle choices, including exercise–particularly boxing, cycling and dancing—can help those living with Parkinson's.

SOURCE Trinity Western University

Image with caption: "TWU’s President Bob Kuhn practices for the Tour de Fox happening this Saturday, August 20, 2016, in Langley, BC. Trinity Western University (CNW Group/Trinity Western University)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160815_C8359_PHOTO_EN_753150.jpg

Media inquiries, Amy Robertson, Associate Director, Media and PR, [email protected], 604-753-9259