18 Fox Focus | Community
The New England Parkinson ’ s Ride Marks 15 Years and Breaks Records
By Liv Newlon
Celebrating another successful year for the ride are , from left , Terry , Edna and Chris Woods and Cindy Woods Theberge .
Every year since 2008 , cyclists and families from all corners of the U . S . and beyond have flocked to Old Orchard Beach , Maine to participate in the New England Parkinson ’ s Ride , cycling toward a cure for Parkinson ’ s . Born out of a mother ’ s love for her son , the ride goes beyond bicycling : it brings together a community that continues to stand the test of time , inspiring teams to return year after year and breaking fundraising records in the process .
Due to the dedication of Edna Woods ; her son Chris , who was diagnosed with Parkinson ’ s at the age of 41 ; her daughter Cindy ; and their entire family , the ride is a perennial favorite of Team Fox , MJFF ’ s grassroots fundraising program . It ’ s celebrated as the Foundation ’ s top single-day fundraiser , with 100 percent of funds raised going to speed critical breakthroughs in research . Over the years , the Woods family members have become a resource for newcomers and an inspiration for those living with Parkinson ’ s to get involved with Team Fox .
Last year , the ride marked several historic milestones , celebrating 15 years and surpassing
$ 10 million raised for research . On a bittersweet note , Cindy Woods Theberge , its longtime executive director , retired , but even as she steps down from her active role , the ride will continue — and so will her legacy and that of her family .
To its participants , the ride has become something much more powerful : people coming together every year out of love for one another . Longtime participants Gail Nanof , who lives with Parkinson ’ s , and her son Chris explain why the annual event is important to them and to the community . “ At the end of the day , it ’ s the people who make the ride what it is ,” she says . Her son agrees : “ It ’ s the collective group , the community — everybody in the Parkinson ’ s family , in the Woods family , in the bike ride family — that comes together .”
With millions raised and thousands of cyclists — including those who have participated virtually — from 50 states and seven countries , the ride ’ s impact on participants and Parkinson ’ s research cannot be overstated . It will continue to be a Team Fox anchor until Parkinson ’ s is cured .