76-Year-Old Driving Tractor Cross Country to Raise Funds for Parkinson's

Mike Adkinson will be driving his tractor from Bellingham to Perch Lake, Minnesota to promote awareness about Parkinson’s disease (PD) while also raising funds for the American Parkinson Disease Association 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. There will be a launch party on Saturday, May 14 from 3:30 to 6 pm at Kulshan Brewery at 1538 Kentucky Street, Bellingham. All are welcome to this family-friendly event. Mike will be there with his tractor.

Mike’s 1,780-mile route

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. Traveling at an average speed of 10 to 12 mph with frequent stops, the trip will 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. His trip progress can be followed on Facebook Tractor Trip for Parkinsons or Instagram..

Funds raised by Mike’s Tractor Trip will help the Parkinson's Association 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.

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