Neuro Challenge Foundation’s “Cause 4 Hope” is honored to have special guest, John Cullen, as the keynote speaker at their CAUSE 4 HOPE Gala to share his story of his lifelong athletic career, his founding of It’s Just Parkinson’s, and his journey as a Person with Parkinson’s (PWP). John Cullen was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015. An avid athlete his whole life, John has participated in over 100 running and cycling races, and over a dozen obstacle races. After his Parkinson’s diagnosis, physical exercise became crucial. In 2019 John started powerlifting. To his surprise he discovered that lifting heavy weights stressed his central nervous system, which helped set back some of his Parkinson’s symptoms. Although not a cure for Parkinson’s, John finds that frequent powerlifting exercises allow him to control some of the symptoms associated with the disease. John founded “It’s Just Parkinson’s (IJP), a movement to help people from all walks of life. John sees IJP's mission is to be a rock for those who are facing a battle, to be a light for those lost in the dark, to bring hope to those who feel defeated. John is featured in the documentary, “It’s Just Parkinson’s” written by Mary Dartis and Directed by Diane Akim. The film profiles Cullen, 62, an athlete who refuses to let his Parkinson’s define him as he chases after epic goals with his incredible mindset in a story about grit, perseverance and never giving up in the face of insurmountable odds. The gala, “Cause 4 Hope,” is presented by Amicus Foundation. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. February 17th at Michael’s On East Ballroom, 1212 S. East Avenue, Sarasota. Individual tickets are $250. To purchase tickets visit: www.neurochallenge.org/events/cause4hope or call 941.926.6413.

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