Pin Pals Against Parkinson's

By Cassie Johnson

Parkinson’s disease affects nearly 1 million people in America. Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) affects between two and ten percent of that million. Patients with YOPD are diagnosed with PD before turning 50 years old. My husband, David, is in that small percentage. He was diagnosed in 2015 at the young age of 35. April is PD awareness month, and we’re ready to strike it out for good. On April 23, everyone is invited to attend our 1st annual bowling tournament - Pin Pals Against Parkinson’s at Cardinal Lanes Strike & Spare in Paducah. Check-in for bowlers will start at 12:30pm and the tournament will begin at 1pm. This is a 9-pin, no-tap tournament, which means knocking down nine pins is equal to a strike. The entry fee is $40 per bowler and includes four games. Competitive bowlers of all ages are welcome to participate.

Pin Pals against Parkinson's Disease

1st annual bowling tournament is April 23, 2022 at Cardinal Lanes Strike & Spare in Paducah, KY

Prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place winners. There will be two bowling ball raffles and one custom bowling jersey raffle. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the tournament. If you’re not a tournament-style bowler, you can help by donating. When you give, 100% of the proceeds go to the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) for Parkinson’s research. They have a grassroots community fundraising program called Team Fox. We started Team Fox Paducah to raise funds and support their advanced research efforts. Your support will help to find the cure we pray for every day.

Thank You, Sponsors!

We are very grateful to our sponsors who are helping us make this event possible: CFI Equipment, Inc. in Possum Trot; McCorvey’s World Bowling shop in Paducah; The Alley Pro Shop from Paris, Tennessee; Creating the Difference (CTD) located in Hopkinsville, and Russell Thurman with Brooklyn Ball Reviews.

David Johnson

Spectators Welcome

I know what you’re thinking - watching a bowling tournament sounds boring. On the contrary, they’re actually quite intense! I had no idea how much fun it was until David entered the world of competitive bowling. Cheer on your favorite bowler as they get consecutive strikes and try to get a perfect game.

More Common Than You Think

Parkinson’s is the second most common neurological disorder. It is a degenerative neurological disease that occurs when brain cells that make dopamine stop working or die. Dopamine is a chemical neurotransmitter made by the brain that coordinates and allows movement. Low or no dopamine results in PD symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and poor motor function. A key factor in battling PD is staying physically active. David is an avid bowler, so we couldn’t think of a better way to boost awareness for Parkinson’s while raising funds for research at the same time. Currently, Parkinson’s has no cure. Like other diseases, awareness is crucial in finding a cure. Everyone can help end Parkinson’s disease. In the US, approximately 60,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year alone. More than six million people worldwide battle PD every day. Help find a cure by donating to Team Fox Paducah at fundraise.michaeljfox.org/ teamfoxpaducah. For questions about the event or donations, email us at teamfoxpaducah@gmail.com. 