Spring / Summer 2024 | Community 19
Left to right , above , Peter Durso , Brendan Cusick , Patrick Morrissey and Scott Forman began training in 2023 for the roughly 120 hours of rowing needed to cross the Pacific from Monterey , California to Kauai , Hawaii . Scott , top left , and Peter take a turn at the oars ; training for the route , top right , included overnight rows in their boat on the open water , right .
southerly winds off the California coast . When they return to their homes in Colorado , New Mexico and Idaho , they spend six days a week at the gym and training on a rowing machine to strengthen and condition themselves for the crossing .
Displayed prominently on the boat ’ s hull , their slogan , “ inspired to endure ,” reflects the team ’ s ultimate inspiration and goal : honoring individuals living with Parkinson ’ s . While enduring their comparatively short physical endeavor across the Pacific , the team will celebrate those who endure the challenges of PD for so much longer .
As they gear up for the World ’ s Toughest Row , the men have formed a bond that has become
their most formidable asset , proving that unity is not just about staying in sync while rowing , but about lifting each other up when the waves get tough .
In honor of their 2,800-mile journey , Team HPP has set a goal of raising $ 28 million for research . Thanks to an anonymous donor , the campaign has an unlimited three-to-one match . One hundred percent of donations will directly fund Parkinson ’ s research .
To learn more , support the team or get involved in the team ’ s virtual row-a-thon , visit michaeljfox . org / summer2024 . You can also follow their adventure from the warmth and comfort of your home by following along on Instagram at @ humanpoweredpotential .