Michael and Parkinson's.

I met Michael at the Couchsurfing meeting in Chisinau. He was probably tired, since he was not really talkative that particular evening. He ended up in Moldova as part of his 6 months world trip, before starting his first job/internship as a doctor somewhere in the middle of nowhere in the USA:). I have already written about couchsurfing , and the reasons why I like the whole idea.  More than that, I like couchsurfing, because I get to hear stories of people like Pedro, and Michael. I might have never been a small part of these inspiring people's lives, if it weren't for couchsurfing.The 3 days that Michael was in Moldova, we got to hang out and I got the chance to hear Michael's story. Michael did something that probably not so many people dream about doing, or even if they do, they hardly have enough courage to do it. And I'm not talking about traveling alone for 6 months around the world.But let me start at the beginning. When Michael was little he really liked the whole "0n the river" idea. He told me he  even was making drawings of himself on the boat. His grandfather was encouraging him with the whole idea, but when Michael was 13 years old his grandpa died because of Parkinson's disease, which is a slow neuro-degenerative illness. According to UCB, a  multinational biopharmaceutical company, Parkinson’s disease affects 1 in every 500 people; approximately four million people worldwide. Though Parkinson's has no cure, Michael believes we can make a difference in the lives of those that live with Parkinson's disease.So on May 14th, 2011, Michael started a trip that has lasted for a little bit over 3 months. His trip started in Pennsylvania from the lower part of the Mahnonging River, then down the Allegheny to the Ohio and eventually he reached the Mississippi and ended up in New Orleans on September 6th, 2011. A total of 1880 miles, which he traveled in a canoe. No motors or engines, just every day rowing, using his own body power to push forward and struggle for his childhood dream and a cause.A trip full of challenges, interesting places and people, unexpected obstacles, loneliness, and accomplishment, because as a result, a total of $ 6 545 has been donated to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.I admire Michael's approach to life, I respect his courage and modesty. He is one the people on this Earth that demonstrate that you don't need to be a highly influential person in entertainment, television, politics, or other, in order to contribute to making better the lives of those around you.If you're interested in Michael's canoeing adventure check out his blog about it.  If you're interested to make a contribution to Michael J. Fox Foundation go to their website.Michael, I wish you to keep following your dreams and,  from the deep of my heart thank you for the inspiration.