In the United States today, there are more than 1.5 million people dealing with a brain disorder that currently has no cure and is difficult to diagnose. Parkinson’s disease affects both genders and groups of all ethnicities, but generally appears after the age of 60 with 15% of new diagnoses under the age of 50. Organizations have been doing research and developing clinical treatment for decades, yet much more work is to be done. We are fortunate to live in the CSRA which is home to one of the National Parkinson Foundation’s Center’s of Excellence.
Mike Benko--Founder
Mike founded the Par for Parkinson’s tournament in 2009 to support the Medical College of Georgia’s Movement Disorder Program where he has been a patient since moving to Aiken in July 2006. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2002 and has served as a Parkinson’s patient advocate for UCB Pharmaceuticals in recent years.
During his time as an advocate, he was able to make contacts with other Parkinson’s patients, educate, and relay his message on staying positive each and every day. Mike views Parkinson’s as a condition, not a disease, and strives to meet every challenge with a positive attitude.
In the Spring of 2009, Mike approached 2 golfing buddies about forming a tournament to raise money for the MCG while at the same time bringing awareness about the disease. Two brief months later, the Par for Parkinson’s Golf Tournament was born. Eighteen foursomes played in the inaugural event and a generous contribution was made to the movement disorder program at the Medical College of Georgia.
The 2010 Par for Parkinson’s Tournament will be bigger and better, a day of good food, good fun…and hopefully some good golf to be enjoyed by all. Come out to support this year’s event!
During his time as an advocate, he was able to make contacts with other Parkinson’s patients, educate, and relay his message on staying positive each and every day. Mike views Parkinson’s as a condition, not a disease, and strives to meet every challenge with a positive attitude.
In the Spring of 2009, Mike approached 2 golfing buddies about forming a tournament to raise money for the MCG while at the same time bringing awareness about the disease. Two brief months later, the Par for Parkinson’s Golf Tournament was born. Eighteen foursomes played in the inaugural event and a generous contribution was made to the movement disorder program at the Medical College of Georgia.
The 2010 Par for Parkinson’s Tournament will be bigger and better, a day of good food, good fun…and hopefully some good golf to be enjoyed by all. Come out to support this year’s event!
Ron Andrews--Tournament Coordinator
Before owning his own sales agency, Ron Andrews was a successful Sales and Marketing professional for several major companies who manufactured Architectural Interior Products. An avid golfer, Ron became involved in the Par For Parkinson's Tournament to help his friend Mike Benko provide a memorable golf experience and to maximize the charitable proceeds for the Medical College of Georgia's Movement Disorder Program.
Ron comments, "Through being involved in the Tournament, I have learned how many people are touched by Parkinson's. Almost everyone I speak with has a family member or friend with the disease."
Ron comments, "Through being involved in the Tournament, I have learned how many people are touched by Parkinson's. Almost everyone I speak with has a family member or friend with the disease."
