Roger and Karen Anderson love to bowl.  Who knew that their favorite sport would change their lives?

Roger, who learned 20 years ago that he has Parkinson’s disease, was limited in what he was able to do as the disease progressed, but he still was able to bowl.  Roger and Karen joined a league at Sunset Lanes in 2000. Meeting others who were in the same situation inspired them to begin a bowling support group through Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon (PRO).  Then they had an idea.  Five years ago they asked Sunset Lanes and PRO about doing a bowling fundraiser.

“Strike Out Parkinson’s Disease” was born and the adventure began.  Since then, they have raised over $35,000 to benefit people with Parkinson’s disease.  Tom, Jon and Cathy at Sunset Lanes donate the use of their entire facility.  PRO takes care of the details, and, with help from the Parkinson Center at OHSU (PCO), contributes time and experience.  Friends step up to help, most notably Alan Raedels, a retired professor who also re-discovered the sport and who has become the “go to” guy.  You name it and Alan took care of it yesterday.

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Life took a turn in 2006 as Roger battled back problems that required multiple operations and more than 93 days in hospital and rehab facilities.  Karen realized that his professional caregivers knew little about the special needs of a patient with PD.  Karen and Roger gave momentum to the “Elevating Care Initiative”, a training module developed by PRO and PCO to educate the staff in skilled-care facilities.

They are vital members of the PRO Advocacy Committee.  They testified at committee meetings of the State legislature on behalf of their PD friends.  Their personal experience emphasized the need for the “Patient’s Bill of Rights.”

They are now Congressional Coordinators for the state of Oregon for the Parkinson’s Action Network in Washington, D.C.

In 2008 Roger and Karen’s bowling support group began monthly social gatherings for PD patients and their families.  Karen is a facilitator for a group of care-partners to share her strength and experiences with others in the same situation.

Karen and Roger’s generosity, optimism and enthusiasm have opened new doors for them and for every person who lives with Parkinson’s disease.