By Kat Bryant
Grays Harbor News Group
Every summer, the Michael J. Fox Foundation gears up for the Tour de Fox Cycling Series, conducting bike rides across the U.S. and Canada to raise funds for Parkinson’s disease research. This year, because of COVID-19, the event has gone virtual: Individuals and small teams will be riding their own routes at their own pace.
Most rides will take place next Saturday, Aug. 29. But here on the Harbor, members of the local Parkinson’s support group will be riding Tuesday morning in Ocean Shores.
“It all was started by Bob Paulsen’s sister Peggy Tonan, and I think it’s an awesome thing that she’s doing,” said Betsy Seidel of Hoquiam.
Seidel started the support group along with her husband, Bob Martin, who was diagnosed with the chronic neurodegenerative disorder in 2012. It now has 36 members, she said.
Group member Bob Paulsen of Ocean Shores has been dealing with Parkinson’s since 2013, with help from his wife, Betty. His sister, who lives in Port Townsend, floated the idea of forming a local Tour de Fox team, and all of the support group members jumped on board.
“She named the team ‘Fishin’ huntin’ loving every day’ because she admires her brother,” said Seidel. “He keeps doing as much as he can and enjoying life to the fullest in spite of having this progressive disease.”
Seidel, Martin and Tonan will be among the riders on Tuesday. Paulsen’s condition has degenerated to the point where he cannot ride, but he and several other group members will be cheering the team on.
Seidel noted that Barbara Bennett Parsons, daughter of the late Hoquiam artist Elton Bennett, also will be riding to show her support along with her husband, Joe.
The ride will begin at 7 a.m. Tuesday in front of the Paulsens’ home. From there, the team will pedal around Ocean Shores until about 11 a.m. Anyone interested in riding with the team may call Betty Paulsen at 360-580-5504 for the starting location and other details.
As of Friday morning, the team and its individual members had raised more than $2,000. Every penny will go toward Parkinson’s research through the foundation, which was formed 20 years ago by actor Michael J. Fox after he went public with his diagnosis.
To make a donation, visit the Tour de Fox Pacific Northwest website (tourdefox.michaeljfox.org/pacific-northwest-2020), find the “Donate” button, and type in the team’s name. Donations will be accepted at least through Aug. 29.
For information on the Grays Harbor Parkinson’s Support Group, contact Seidel at 360-533-5968.
Bob Martin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012, will be among the Tour de Fox riders Tuesday morning in Ocean Shores. (Photo by Betsy Seidel)
