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July 9, 2008

Paddling for a cure

By WHITNEY JACKSON

Friends paddling to New York City to inspire support for cure for the disease

PORT KENT -- Two friends are preparing to spend half the month of July paddling to help find a cure for Parkinson's disease.

Cherie Crowningshield, 36, of Port Kent and Paul Dickerson, 26, of Willsboro will depart from Port Kent on Saturday to raise awareness and funds to fight Parkinson's.

The duo, who are co-workers at Mountain Lake Services Gerald B. Edwards Center in Keeseville, will kayak about 300 miles over 10 days in a trip to New York City.

Crowningshield decided to make the trip in honor of her father, Mickey Crowningshield of Port Kent, who was diagnosed with the disease six years ago. The trip is dedicated to all those who have Parkinson's and their families.

The kayak adventure is something Crowningshield always wanted to do, but it carries particular meaning to her now, since her father was responsible for her love for Lake Champlain. While Crowningshield was growing up, they often went out on the lake together.

"He's the one who made me have the love for the lake and the water."

Parkinson's disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that affects 1 in 100 people over age 60. It is most often characterized by resting tremors, slowness of movement, balance problems and rigidity.

Since symptoms vary from patient to patient, Parkinson's is often misdiagnosed, said Crowningshield. Raising awareness is important to help people receive earlier diagnosis.

Dickerson and Crowningshield's course will take them down Lake Champlain, through the Champlain Canal and the Locks and connecting with the Hudson River. From there, they will travel to the New York City Harbor, ending their journey at the Statue of Liberty around July 21. Their trip plans include three days' leeway in case of bad weather.

In New York City, Crowningshield and Dickerson will meet with 50 to 200 members of the Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club and kayak around Liberty Island. The two said Yonkers Club member Lee Reiser has been instrumental in planning the trip.

Crowningshield and Dickerson hoped their trip would also inspire people -- including those with Parkinson's -- to attempt challenges.

Dickerson said the idea was "a little crazy," but he was looking forward to the trip.

In preparation, the two have been paddling every day, along with taking several 25-mile trips as workouts.

"We are by no means top-notch athletes; this is what will make this journey even more inspiring to all who hear about it," said Crowningshield.

The fundraiser is part of Team Fox, the Michael J. Fox Foundation's program for supporting grassroots fundraisers. Ninety percent of funds collected will go to the foundation, while the other 10 percent will offset program costs.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease within the decade through an aggressively funded research agenda. It also strives to ensure the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson's today.

Dickerson and Crowningshield are partially sponsored by the Kayak Shack of Plattsburgh and Eastern Mountain Sports of South Burlington, Vt.

People interested in donating funds can go to the Web site www.paddleforacure.org or call Crowningshield at 593-1733.

The Web site will also carry daily updates during the trip.

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