Miles for Mom: Coast to Coast for a Cure

to raise awareness and money for Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinkson's, neurological disorders that afflict their mothers.

Their goal is to raise $5000 each for the National MS Society and National Parkinson Foundation.

We need your help in reaching that goal.

Since his mother's diagnosis in 1998, Joe Casamassima has been actively engaged in raising awareness about and funding for Multiple Sclerosis. In the summer of 2007, inspired in part by his years of partcipation in the annual MS walk, he began a cross-country fundraising walk of his own, striking out from his parents home in Stroudsburg, PA and ending at the steps of the public library in San Francisco, CA. He is currently a volunteer for a non-profit organization in Harrisburg, PA.

First experiencing symptoms in 1998, Greg Giemza's mother was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2000. Since her diagnosis, Greg and his family have made the annual trip to Central Park in New York City for the Parkinson's Unity Walk. Having been inspired by Joe's 2007 cross-country walk, Greg hatched the idea to travel cross-country on his bicycle to help raise funding and awareness for his mother's illness. Needing a riding partner, Joe made perfect sense and the two will follow Joe's walking route to San Fransisco. Greg currently teaches 4th grade in Nazareth, Pennsylvania.

Jean Casamassima was diagnosed with MS in 1998. In 2007 when Joe arrived in San Francisco, she was there to walk the final mile with him. This summer she plans on riding along a little each day with Joe and Greg from a recumbent bike in her living room. She currently teaches second grade in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.

Deborah Giemza was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2000. Accompanied by her family, Deb regularly travels to New York City for the annual Parkinson's Unity Walk. Deborah is a retired nurse who currently lives in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.