Man with Parkinson's Cycles Across Country for Awareness
By: Kristin Anderson
Updated: February 4, 2013
They're cycling over 5000 miles.
"We're traveling from Seattle to Miami by bicycle," explained Roy Roden.
But for the Roy, the ride has a much bigger purpose: to spread awareness for a disease that he has.
"People see Parkinson's as an old person's shaky disease. They don't understand the rest of it," he said. "The ride is just our vehicle. The ride is just our tool to attract attention and get the word out."
Roy was diagnosed with Parkinson's five years ago. And last July, he had Deep Brain Stimulation surgery to help his symptoms. He says the surgery was a "no-brainer" because it's improved the quality of his life.
"Before this I couldn't even eat in front of my wife. I was so self conscious about eating. That's all changed," Roy said.
Now he's peddling from state to state for more awareness. And using cycling as a way to do so.
"Exercise, next to DBS, is probably the thing a person can do for themselves if they have the disease," explained Roy.
As Roy and his wife education people about Parkinson's Disease, he says it's simply encouraging people to do their part.
"I mean, we aren't doing anything spectacular." Roy said. "We're not super people. We're going at a decent pace. Maybe five, six hours on a saddle a day. And we're going to get there."
For more information on Roy and Lynn's trip, check out www.PDchallenge.com
"We're traveling from Seattle to Miami by bicycle," explained Roy Roden.
But for the Roy, the ride has a much bigger purpose: to spread awareness for a disease that he has.
"People see Parkinson's as an old person's shaky disease. They don't understand the rest of it," he said. "The ride is just our vehicle. The ride is just our tool to attract attention and get the word out."
Roy was diagnosed with Parkinson's five years ago. And last July, he had Deep Brain Stimulation surgery to help his symptoms. He says the surgery was a "no-brainer" because it's improved the quality of his life.
"Before this I couldn't even eat in front of my wife. I was so self conscious about eating. That's all changed," Roy said.
Now he's peddling from state to state for more awareness. And using cycling as a way to do so.
"Exercise, next to DBS, is probably the thing a person can do for themselves if they have the disease," explained Roy.
As Roy and his wife education people about Parkinson's Disease, he says it's simply encouraging people to do their part.
"I mean, we aren't doing anything spectacular." Roy said. "We're not super people. We're going at a decent pace. Maybe five, six hours on a saddle a day. And we're going to get there."
For more information on Roy and Lynn's trip, check out www.PDchallenge.com
