81-Year-Old Parkinson's Patient Fights Disease with Favorite Pastime

HILLSBORO, Ore., Oct. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Bob Wilson is not a quitter, and the
Parkinson's Center of Oregon at Oregon Health & Science University will
benefit from his steely determination October 10 when he and other members of
"Team Bob" mount specially constructed bicycles for a fund-raising outing at
The Springs at Tanasbourne.

The 81-year-old former engineering manager at Pacific Power & Light retired in
1990 and was diagnosed with Parkinson's two years later. Parkinson's disease
is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that often impairs
motor skills, speech and other functions.

After receiving his diagnosis, Bob refused to abandon his favorite hobby --
bicycling. In fact, his dedication became even more intense. For the next
five years -- between 1992 and 1996 -- Bob participated in the grueling Cycle
Oregon bike competition five times, clocking nearly 1,000 miles each year on
his bike, including the 500 miles of training necessary for each event.

Progressively, however, Bob was unable to pursue his highly physical
interests, including biking, downhill skiing, fly fishing and golf. When the
day arrived for Bob to relinquish his cycling hobby, it was a difficult
decision, but he trusted the future would hold more fun adventures of a
different type. That's when he and wife, Helen, who have been married for 59
years, decided to move to The Springs at Tanasbourne, a 230-unit retirement
community located in the Tanasbourne Town District section of Hillsboro.

Shortly after his arrival, one of Tanasbourne's staff members, Jody McManus,
asked Bob if he could have any dream of his come true, what would it be? The
answer came quickly and without hesitation: "I would like to get on my bike
again."

Touched by his response, McManus solicited the help of others who could make
Bob's wish a reality. On October 10, he will mount a special recumbent
bicycle that places the rider in a laid-back, reclining position, making the
riding experience more comfortable and less demanding.

Donations collected from participants in the bike outing with Team Bob will be
given to the Parkinson's Center of Oregon. Founded in 1979 and part of Oregon
Health & Science University, the Parkinson's Center of Oregon is recognized as
the premier center for Parkinson's disease in the Northwest. It has received
national designation as a center of excellence for Parkinson's disease care,
education and research.

Center Director Dr. John G. Nutt, who has been involved in Bob's diagnosis and
treatment, praised the octogenarian for his determination and his desire to
support the search for a Parkinson's cure.

"Bob Wilson is an amazing man who refuses to surrender to his physical
challenges," Dr. Nutt said. "I am personally grateful to know Bob, and I and
my associates appreciate his efforts in the battle against Parkinson's."

SOURCE The Springs at Tanasbourne

Sherry Devoe or Kate Garrison, +1-503-629-5500