Fall / Winter 2024 | Community 19
Top left : Team HPP ’ s journey from California to Hawaii set the course for MJFF ’ s Summer Challenge , inspiring participants around the world to push their own limits and fundraise for a cure .
Top right : Elaine Sulzberger and David Oppenheimer rode 72 miles in Palo Alto , California .
Bottom : Team Jamotta Hope Hikers headed to the Colorado mountains .
PHOTO COURTESY OF WORLD ’ S TOUGHEST ROW
a half marathon on her stationary rower , a two-hour undertaking that mirrored the shifts Team HPP rowed around the clock . “ It ’ s minuscule compared to what they did , but it made me feel connected to their effort ,” says Judy .
Susan Nefzger of Snellville , Georgia , joined the Summer Challenge in honor of her twin sister , who was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson ’ s . “ Walking for the Summer Challenge represented an opportunity to give back ,” says Susan . “ Fundraising is something tangible I can do to make a difference .”
Another participant , Mike Holsinger of Apex , North Carolina , who lives with Parkinson ’ s , took on a 50-mile bike ride for his challenge ,
driven by a powerful sense of purpose . “ When Parkinson ’ s is cured , and it will be , I want to be a part of that celebration ,” says Mike .
Our community ’ s fundraising efforts have been historic . With nearly $ 15,000 raised for each mile Team HPP rowed , they set a record for the most funds raised by any team in the history of the “ World ’ s Toughest Row .” The original fundraising goal of $ 28 million was surpassed , prompting the anonymous donor to extend the 3:1 match and increase the goal to $ 41 million — one million for each day they spent at sea . Team HPP ’ s journey , along with the efforts of participants like Judy , Susan and Mike , shows that together , we can push boundaries and drive real progress toward a cure .