Sunflower Revolution VII Mixes Fun, Facts

The Sunflower Revolution, the Cincinnati region’s largest and most important fundraiser for Parkinson’s disease research and wellness, is back for its seventh spin through the southwestern Ohio countryside.

The 2010 Sunflower Revolution is Sept. 10-12. The event is a collaboration involving the University of Cincinnati (UC) Neuroscience Institute, the University Hospital Foundation, Mayfield Clinic, the Historic Milford Association and the Davis Phinney Foundation, based in Boulder, Colo.

Sunflower Revolution VII will showcase:

·         The Milford Sunflower Classic, a criterium (short course) bike race, Friday, Sept. 10, in downtown Milford, Ohio.

·         The Milford Sunflower Streetfest, featuring crafts, performers and music, Friday, Sept. 10, through Sunday, Sept. 12, in downtown Milford.

·         A free educational symposium and expo for patients, caregivers and families Saturday, Sept. 11, at the Oasis in Loveland, Ohio.

·         Fundraising bike rides of 100, 40 and 20 kilometers Sunday, Sept. 12, in addition to the new Sunflower Stroll, a 5K run and 2K walk. All adult cyclists, runners and walkers will be treated to lunch in the festival area, with music and entertainment.

In addition, Putting for Parkinson’s, a golf outing and dinner, will take place Friday, Sept. 24, at Highland Country Club in Ft. Thomas, Ky.

Since 2004, the Sunflower Revolution and related events have raised $1.4 million for Parkinson’s disease research and wellness programs at the UC Neuroscience Institute at University Hospital. Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder in which certain dopamine-producing cells in a region of the brain begin to die. When these cells die, neurons in the brain fire erratically, leaving patients less able to direct or control their movements.

The Sunflower Revolution was founded in 2004 by Kathleen Krumme, a Cincinnati bicycle shop manager whose late father had Parkinson’s disease, and former elite cyclist Davis Phinney, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 40.

For information about participating in Sunflower Revolution VII events, visit sunflowerrev.org.