Virtual Participants Raise More Than $200,000 to Support People with Parkinson’s

August 13, 2020

Davis Phinney Foundation’s First-Ever Every Victory Counts Challenge

Louisville, Colo. — Like so many people in 2020, we’re missing seeing all of our friends and supporters at summer cycling events like Ride the Rockies as well as at more everyday interactions like yoga classes, running groups, boxing classes, or walking around the block. For people with Parkinson’s and care partners, this lack of community around exercise is even more critical.

In the month of July, the Davis Phinney Foundation held its first-ever Every Victory Counts Challenge. The virtual event welcomed people of all abilities to track their activities through minutes or miles, contribute to the foundation, and connect as a community to cheer one another on even while far apart.

More than 350 people around the world participated, raising more than $200,000 for this most worthy cause. There were fun prizes for anyone who participated, including a Taylor Phinney custom-painted Allied Cycleworks Able. There was friendly competition on a special Facebook page, and so many of the smiling faces we miss so much in 2020.

Some highlights:

Executive Director Polly Dawkins and Development Director Rich Cook were “dunked” into ice cold glacial water to celebrate passing — and surpassing — the campaign’s goal.

Donnie Sorah

Donnie combined his passions of cycling and music to reach his fundraising goals during the Every Victory Counts Challenge. His goal was to ride over 100 miles per week on his bike. To fundraise, he performed personalized trumpet improvisations dedicated to anyone who donated at least $25 on his behalf during the Challenge.

Wendy Erikson

Wendy set a goal to run 44 miles during the month in honor of her mother, her Parkinson’s hero. Before her own diagnosis, Wendy was an active runner. The Every Victory Counts Challenge has inspired Wendy to lace up her running shoes again and get moving.

“This was a new experience for me and it turned out to be a great blessing and life direction changer. Participating gave me new confidence and strength that was greatly needed. Thank you for your support for the PD community and helping me to realize that I can still live well and be active and be strong and do hard things!” – Wendy Erikson

David Peter

“Not only does every victory count, but every story counts. Every story needs to be told. And every story needs to be listened to.” – David Peter

David combined several of his passions within the Every Victory Counts Challenge. In addition to walking and riding 324 miles and raising $1,340 along the way, David created a quilt during the challenge with patches resembling piano keys. As someone with dyspnea and Parkinson’s, David filmed himself running his hands over the quilt and showing that the tremors represent the visual song created when people with dyspnea mimic the movement of playing the piano.

The Davis Phinney Foundation was founded by Olympic cyclist Davis Phinney in 2004 to help people with Parkinson’s live well today. The organization’s focus is to provide programs and resources that offer inspiration, information and tools that enable people living with Parkinson’s to take action that can immediately improve their quality of life. Parkinson’s is the No. 2 neurodegenerative disease– second only to Alzheimer’s – and affects more than 1 million people in the United States. The Foundation’s work impacts hundreds of thousands of individuals and families each year. It is headquartered in Louisville, Colo.

Team DPF is the grassroots fundraising community that supports the Davis Phinney Foundation through participation in a wide range of athletic and community-based events. With a focus on fun, personal empowerment and fundraising for Parkinson’s, Team DPF welcomes all ages and abilities. With roots in cycling, Team DPF also extends to runners, climbers, swimmers, hikers, community events and more. Team DPF is sponsored by: Primal, Alt Red, SCRATCH Labs, BOCO Gear, The Sufferfest, Baker Insurance and Boulder Neurological and Spine Associates. Visit dpf.org to learn more.