I have been planning a rowing trip from western Pennsylvania to Louisiana for sometime now. I got the boat over a year ago. I did a couple of modifications, put outriggers, pontoons, and a tail on a 17 foot Grumman canoe. I built 9ft oars by laminating large pieces of wood together and then carving them out by hand. I will be taking the canoe from the lower Mahnonging River down the Allegheny to the Ohio and eventually reach the Mississippi and finally end up in New Orleans. I will be doing this all by rowing power alone. There will be no motors, no sails, no external power propelling me forward but my own body. I will not even be taking a tent, just a tarp. I will sleep in my boat at night and row during the day. I will carry at most a weeks worth of food and stop for provisions when needed. I do not anticipate any problems but I have prepared for a few. I expect to have a smooth trip with hopefully a lot to write home about.
At the end of May, I will start my journey to reach New Orleans, nearly 2000 miles away. I am doing this not only because I have wanted to for a very long time but also because I believe in the cause for which I am rowing.
When I was thirteen my grandfather died of Parkinson's Disease. Parkinson's Disease is a slow neuro-degenerative illness that has no treatment. Today there is really no more hope for a Parkinson's patient than my grandfather had 15 years ago. It is the same treatments and the same prognosis. I believe we can make a difference in the lives of those living with Parkinson’s disease. I believe we can find a cure. So please go to link below and donate to Parkinson Disease research.
My goal is to raise at $10, 000 by the end of my trip. I'm almost half way there and I could really use your help! If this is a cause you'd like to support please consider donating on my fundraising page: Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Thanks so much for all you support!
Michael Cherian
