1949 CHEVY P/U "PUNCH OUT PARKINSONS"

For the 2019 SEMA Show, Finish Line Speed Shop and "Project Giving Back" have decided to build a 1949 Chevrolet truck. Our cause will be to raise awareness about Parkinson’s Disease in honor of a great man, Gordon Minty.

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Gordon Minty's story being told by his daughter Keri, cut through Lyon and Jennifer at Finish Line Speed Shop's hearts. If you look up the definition of "daddy's girl" Jennifer is positive Keri's picture will be staring you in the face. 

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"My dad was diagnosed at age 62. My grandfather was the same age when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's. I was five months pregnant with my daughter when he finally got the diagnosis. It is a long process involving studying symptoms and the progression of them combined with how you react to medication. He made sure to be there when she was born though, he was in the room when she arrived. His first symptoms were subtle. Not the typical tremors that people commonly think of. It was the way he held his head, a little lower almost like he was leaning or leading his gait with his head. Slightly stooped forward and shuffling without moving his arms. The "thousand-yard stre" that has turn into full Parkinson's mask that has stolen his ability to smile and laugh most days. He used to sing along to the radio, or just randomly bust out with a line or two. I miss that a lot. His description would be mid stage. Harder to walk and talk. He doesn't project volume very well. He hasn't driven in a couple years. His balance and reaction time are the main reason. Pretty crazy that with more than a million miles under his belt while working for Smead Manufacturing as a Salesman Rep for NW and this is what ultimately forced his retirement. He struggles to focus a lot fo the time and sometimes gets confused. His emotions are usually just at the surface of his skin. Struggling with words, enunciating and finding the words. He says it's a very socially isolating disease. Often tired and/or tires out quickly. Freezing spells have been painful, mainly left side affected but in general 'freezing' stops all ability of movement. I just pray daily for a cure." - Keri

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