Marilyn McCrary Hanes

$2,600.00 Donated!

How exciting it has been to be part of the Machu Picchu, Camino Santiago and Dolomites trek with this amazing group. This fundraising effort, spearheaded by the passionate Sherrie Gould, has come so far and after 12 years of research, the FDA has finally approved a process of dopamine cell replacement and several of OUR VERY OWN  hikers will the the first to receive their own dopamine neurons grown with their own skin cells in 2024!!!!!

As in the past, we will pay our own travel expenses to Japan and  trek 7 days in a row (135.5 km total or approximately 84 miles) on the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Trail from Kyoto to Osaka!  Any donations will directly support the San Diego Parkinson’s Association which provides valuable services for PD patients and their families.

Originally I wanted to be part of this effort in honor of my father who suffered from PD in the 80’s. It was heartbreaking to watch his debilitation. Medicine has come a long way to improve the quality of PD patients lives since then and with the cell replacement there is so much more potential and hope. Now, I wouldn’t miss enjoying each step of the trek and participating alongside my determined fellow PD trekkers who work so hard with each and every step.

Thank you for reading my page and for any donation you make!

koun o inorimasu (Japanese for “Best Wishes”)