Tractor ride raising awareness for Parkinson’s disease

May 20, 2022

Mike Adkinson is riding his tractor from Washington State to Minnesota

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

A 76-year-old retiree is driving a John Deere tractor about 1,700 miles (2,735km) to raise awareness for Parkinson’s disease and in support of his brother.

Mike Adkinson left Washington State on May 15 on his 2008 John Deere 3320 tractor with a John Deere 300CX loader attached, on his way to Perch Lake, Minn.

Behind the tractor is a small trailer that serves as a billboard occasional sleeping quarters.

When he arrives in Minnesota he’ll deliver the tractor to his brother-in-law, Mike Raich.

Along the way, Adkinson hopes to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s disease research after his brother, Dan, received his diagnosis last year.

“I hope to meet people and talk with them about Parkinson’s and how it’s affected their families,” he told KING 5 before his departure. “I might stay in the same spot for a few days so it’s really about spreading awareness and hopefully reaching our $50,000 goal along the way.”

Adkinson’s family have set up a Facebook page where people can follow his journey and a website for anyone interested in donating to the cause. TikTok and Instagram channels are up also, all under the name “Tractor Trip For Parkinson’s.”

Mike’s brother, Dan, is proud of the effort his brother is putting into the cause.

“He’s really put a lot of effort into this,” Dan said, the Lynden Tribune reported. “It’s amazing, really. It’s kind of hard to explain how I feel about it. It blows me away that he’s doing this.”

As of May 20, the fundraiser has raised nearly $20,000. All the money donated will be going to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association in the Pacific Northwest.

And an update from Adkinson on Friday indicates he’s heading towards the Sherman Pass in Washington State.

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Comments (5)

My grandma has Parkinson’s disease, she is about 75 years old it was detected 7 years ago. Right now it’s getting more difficult to live for her, because of stiff muscles she can’t even move. L-dopa and carbidopa medicines are given, but won"t give much relief. She can"t eat food and the skin is damaging forming ganglia. I thought this might be the last stage and the medications she was given did not help at all, so I started to do alot of research on natural treatments and came across Parkinson’s Herbal Treatment from Health Natural Centre In Hawaii , the treatment has made a very huge difference for her. Her symptoms including body weakness and her tremors disappeared after few months on the treatment. She is getting active again since starting this treatment, she is able to walk again ( down the street and back ) and able to ride her treadmill again. God Bless all PD Caregivers. Stay Strong, take small moments throughout the day to thank yourself, to love your self, and pray to whatever faith, star, spiritual force you believe in and ask for strength.
Connie |Jan 31 2023 12:01PM

My grandma has Parkinson’s disease, she is about 75 years old it was detected 7 years ago. Right now it’s getting more difficult to live for her, because of stiff muscles she can’t even move. L-dopa and carbidopa medicines are given, but won"t give much relief. She can"t eat food and the skin is damaging forming ganglia. I thought this might be the last stage and the medications she was given did not help at all, so I started to do alot of research on natural treatments and came across Parkinson’s Herbal Treatment from Health Natural Centre In Hawaii ( health natural centre .org ), the treatment has made a very huge difference for her. Her symptoms including body weakness and her tremors disappeared after few months on the treatment. She is getting active again since starting this treatment, she is able to walk again ( down the street and back ) and able to ride her treadmill again. God Bless all PD Caregivers. Stay Strong, take small moments throughout the day to thank yourself, to love your self, and pray to whatever faith, star, spiritual force you believe in and ask for strength.
Connie |Jan 31 2023 11:57AM

I was diagnosed 2 years ago at age 63. Symptoms were tremor in right leg, loss of handwriting ability,My normally beautiful cursive writing was now small cramped printing and soft voice. I also had difficulty rising from a seated position and have balance issues. I started out taking only Azilect, then Mirapex, and then Sinemet. Several months ago I started falling frequently, hence the reason for Sinemet. During the summer of 2021, I was introduced to Health Herbs Clinic and their effective Parkinson’s herbal protocol. This protocol relieved symptoms significantly, even better than the medications I was given. After First month on treatment, my tremors mysterious stopped, had improvement walking. After I completed the treatment, all symptoms were gone. I live a more productive life. I was fortunate to have the loving support of my husband and family. I make it a point to appreciate every day!
Brenda |May 27 2022 3:52AM

For Parkinson's resources, education, and online exercise options, please check out our website at apdaparkinson.org. A huge thank you to Mike on his Tractor Trip, as of today he is cruising through Montana and is meeting lots of wonderful people along the way. So far he has raised over $35,000 for Parkinson's programs, support, and research!
K |May 24 2022 4:59PM

I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease a year ago at the age of 67. For several months I had noticed tremors in my right hand and the shaking of my right foot when I was sitting. My normally beautiful cursive writing was now small cramped printing. And I tended to lose my balance. Neurologist had me walk down the hall and said I didn't swing my right arm. I had never noticed! I was in denial for a while as there is no history in my family of parents and five older siblings, but I had to accept I had classic symptoms. I was taking amantadine and carbidopa/levodopa and was about to start physical therapy to strengthen muscles. Finally, I was introduced to Kycuyu Health Clinic and their effective Parkinson’s herbal protocol. This protocol relieved symptoms significantly, even better than the medications I was given. Visit ww w. kycuyuhealthclinic. c om. After First month on treatment, my tremors mysterious stopped, had improvement walking. After I completed the treatment, all symptoms were gone. I live a more productive life. I was fortunate to have the loving support of my husband and family. I make it a point to appreciate every day!
Celia |May 20 2022 2:52PM

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