Living the Dream for Parkinson’s

In her early 20s, Mariann Rybarczyk dreamed of one day climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest freestanding mountain in Africa. This August, that day will come—a month after her 64th birthday. At a time when some people wind down, Rybarczyk's revving up for a cause—she has committed to raising $10,000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF), one of the most well-known organizations dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s Disease (PD).

“I just love the Michael J. Fox Foundation,” she says. “It’s a private foundation, so they don’t have to go through government red tape. Your money goes to projects they deem important.” She’s seen first-hand the benefits new drugs and procedures bring to Parkinson’s patients. Her brother-in-law, Jim Spahr, of Strasburg, PA, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 22 years ago at the age of 46.

“Jim has been so positive all along. And my sister, Judy, has been by his side every step of the way. Their tremendous attitude in tackling PD has been an inspiration to us all,” says Rybarczyk.

The $10,000 stipulation that came with making the MJFF climbing team “was intimidating at first,” Rybarczyk says. “But, I talk about it everywhere I go. You would be surprised how many people will help out without me having to ask them. I just send them to my page: http://bit.ly/2rsYNWL.

In addition to this climb, for the past eight years, Mariann has raised funds for MJFF through the New England Parkinson’s ride, which takes place in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, every fall. The first year she rode alone, but eventually built a team named “B+” for “Be Positive.” On the B+ team’s first ride, which included her sister and brother-in-law, the group raised $3,500—enough to be considered a “Most Valuable Person” by the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Last year’s B+ team raised more than $10,000. The longest distance Rybarczyk and her husband Dan have ever ridden in the event is 100 miles apiece. They have cut back to 50 miles each mainly to finish in time for the post-event celebration party.

But why Kilimanjaro now? Rybarczyk did mountain climbing in college and later taught the sport in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. “When you are young and in a group, you talk about the dream of climbing a grand mountain one day.”

She had been on an African safari in the '80s and saw Kilimanjaro, which became her “grand mountain.” However, she moved back to PA, started a family, and climbing was all but forgotten. When the MJFF opportunity presented itself, Rybarczyk jumped at the chance to see the glacier atop Mount Kilimanjaro before it melts--at the same time raising funds for a great cause.

Rybarczykis leaves on August 9 for her climb. If you have been touched by Parkinson’s in any way or, like Rybarczyk, have a charity budget, you can give to her effort through http://bit.ly/2rsYNWL.