SEATTLE, WA, April 28, 2022 – Mike Adkinson will be driving his tractor from Bellingham, WA, to Perch Lake, MN to promote awareness about Parkinson’s disease (PD) while also raising critical funds for the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) Northwest Chapter.

Mike’s brother Dan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2021 and his family realized they didn’t know much about this progressive neurological disorder that currently has no cure. The Adkinson family started learning about PD and were inspired to make a difference – that’s when the idea for a cross-country tractor trip was hatched. “I know it may seem like a crazy thing to do, but we need more people to learn about Parkinson’s and we want to raise money so people like my brother can get the care and support they need,” states Adkinson. “If driving my tractor across five states gets people to pay attention or donate, it will all be worth it.”

Mike departs on this adventure on Sunday, May 15, from Bellingham, WA. There will be a launch party on Saturday, May 14, 3:30 – 6 pm at Kulshan Brewery at 1538 Kentucky Street, Bellingham, WA. All are welcome to this family-friendly event. Mike will have his tractor there for photos.

Mike’s 1,780-mile route:  

Leaving from Bellingham, Mike will head out on State Route 20 across Washington State which turns into US Highway 2 at the Idaho border.

He will stay on US Hwy 2 for the rest of his trip through northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota.

Mike and his tractor will cover more than 1,700 miles and traveling at an average speed of 10-12 mph with frequent stops may take him a month or more to complete! Mike is hoping to meet up with people impacted by Parkinson’s along the way and has a goal to raise $50,000 for APDA. His trip progress can be followed on Facebook Tractor Trip for Parkinsons or Instagram and Mike can be contacted at 360-708-1685.

Funds raised by Mike’s Tractor Trip will help APDA Northwest provide critical support services, education programs, resources, online wellness and exercise classes, innovative research, and more. “We are so impressed by Mike’s determination and dedication to help fight Parkinson’s disease. Raising funds and awareness is a wonderful way to support his brother and the local PD community” states Jean Allenbach, Executive Director, APDA Northwest Chapter. “We are tremendously grateful for the funds he will raise. They will be put to very good use.”

To learn more about APDA Northwest and the programs and services they provide, visit apdaparkinson.org/Northwest or call 206-695-2905.

About the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA)
The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is the largest grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease (PD) and works tirelessly to help the more than one million people in the US with PD live life to the fullest in the face of this chronic, neurological disorder. Founded in 1961, APDA has raised and invested more than $226 million to provide outstanding patient services, educational programs, elevate public awareness about the disease, and support research designed to unlock the mysteries of PD and ultimately put an end to this disease. To join us in the fight against Parkinson’s disease and to learn more about the support APDA provides nationally through our network of Chapters and Information & Referral (I&R) Centers, as well as our national Research Program and Centers for Advanced Research, please visit us at www.apdaparkinson.org