Auto Show Day 3

This is the Speedway crew, including Megan and Wendy who helped get us in the show and set us up.
With Terry now accompanying me, this boosted my spirits and we approached the show with twice the strength and enthusiasm. A professional photographer, Brad Bowling from Cars & Parts magazine (seen here laying across table!) struck up a conversation and we discovered we were both big movie fans, as well as beagle owners. An invitation to dinner at their house followed, reinforcing my belief that this experience had definitely turned the corner. Brad and Heather are quite a sweet couple who, with their beagle Nemo were fine hosts. The visit was entertaining and educational. Car shows are a new venue for us and each of them, along with their friend Rick (also a writer and photographer) gave forth gems of information that will help us in the future!
The weather was improving and my favorite car of the show that I mentioned earlier was uncovered. It was an original design by a guy named Joe Harmon http://www.joeharmondesign.com/
who built it out of wood. It was named ‘Splinter’, and was no ordinary ‘whittle job.’ He built a solid sculpted form, cast it to make fiberglass molds, then weaving cherry strips together to form intricate wooden sheets, pressed them into the molds along with special adhesives to produce the amazing body. Check out his site for the whole scoop!
One difference that stands out about this show is the reaction of the attendees.
More specifically, the recognition and understanding and appreciation that we built a time machine out of a DeLorean. These are ‘car people’, that REALLY like cars. Many of them attend this show in search of illusive car parts to complete their own projects. And by parts, I don’t mean fuzzy dice. I mean sections of steel body panels, rare antique wiring harnesses and raw materials to fabricate their own parts that either no longer exist, or never did! Many of them haul little wagons around with them, in hopes that they will fill it with that left front fender for their 1928 Model ‘T’ The recognition of ‘Back to the Future’ is there, but the prevailing sentiment seems to be, ‘You must have put a lot of man hours into this’ which is a common phrase, when they discover we are the owners and that we built it ourselves. After about the third time of seeming unknowledgeable about the mechanical aspects of our car, I snuck a peek at my owners manual in the glove box to look up the answer to the recurring question of ‘how much horsepower she got?’ I soon sounded like one of the crowd, proudly twanging “She got ‘bout 130 -at 5500 rpm, that is. Ain’t no racing car I recon, but she can sure git if she ‘unts to.”
Terry just smiles.

Auto Show Day 2

After a tasty cookout and visit with friends last night, I arrived back at the garage around 8am to light the car up and prepare for the crowds. It was drizzling and being a weekday, most of the folks were retirees. This is the south, and much of the attendees were dressed in stereotypical denim farmer overalls, or camouflage pants. And of course, ball caps.
The day was long and a little disheartening. I played the video on Parkinson’s and the mission, along with some brief clips from Back to the Future, which helped with the education part of our goal, but donations were going to be a struggle it seemed. Many would read the sign “Take a photo, but give hope”, quickly snap a picture, grab a brochure and move away as if an emergency had just come up. More than a handful of people replied that they were out of work, as I started welcoming them to make a donation. There was no shortage of cameras and video recorders, and people seemed quite enthused about seeing the car and taking what they could from the experience. I quickly realized that once they purchased their ticket into the auto fair, they did not expect to spend anything more beyond a corn dog and a ‘Sham-Wow.’ And I can’t blame them. I questioned my wisdom of exhibiting at this show, and quickly tried to think of ways to turn things around and make it more of a success. My growing frustration was soon diffused. One particular man seemed to really study the video and the car and the donation signs. He wasn’t repelled by the invitation to help cure a disease. After some careful and genuine consideration, he approached the donation jar and without stopping, placed a prepared bill in the top. With a tight throat, seeming to force back emotions, he whispered ‘My wife has Parkinsons.’ He kept moving, not wanting to engage in conversation.
In a way, I am grateful. It would have been very difficult for the both of us.
But he had given more than he realized. He gave me a gift of renewed resolve, and encouragement, right at the moment I needed it. This weekend was going to be a struggle, but if I had given up, it wouldn’t have progressed as wonderfully as it did.

Auto Show Day 1

I woke up at 5am to make the trip to Charlotte solo. Terry had to stay behind to manage our business, but would join me Thursday night. I certainly prefer having my co-pilot with me. The GPS planned a great route that took at least 45 minutes off the normal highway path we have used in the past to Charlotte. The roads were great! Just a few small towns with fewer traffic lights. Often 4 lanes, many of which were new.
Arrived around 10am for set-up and media day. Drove down a tunnel under the racetrack and into the inner field. It could not have been smoother. We were the last car into the ‘Nationwide’ garage, which is one of two long buildings with roll up garage doors lining both sides. About 40 ‘bays’ in total. The garage is normally completely empty, except on racing days, when it is filled with racecars, drivers, mechanics, their teams, parts and rolling tool bins, all of which disappear after the race is over. A 6 foot wide yellow line runs down the center floor of the building from one end to the other, designating the neutral zone, to be kept clear. For a garage, I noticed the floor was very clean, painted blue, with the exception of that yellow line.
Today, the garage was in a different ‘mode’. All the garage doors were blacked out with plastic and black pole curtains finished off the disguise. Colorful convention taffeta hung overhead to further transform the garage atmosphere into a show room. Most of the featured cars were in place, having arrived the day before. Theatrical lights were being hung to illuminate the specialty vehicles in a classy way. Two ‘bubble’ cars caught my eye first, on display from the Reno Auto Museum. They were Ed ‘Big Daddy’ Roth originals. He was known for his ‘Rat Fink’ character in the 60’s as well as a prominent custom car builder, many of which were reproduced by toy model companies.
My favorite car of the show happened to be right beside me, however, I would not discover this until it was dis-covered the next day. . .

Spring has Sprung!

The warmer weather is such a joy! And the month of April is going to be a marathon for the Time Machine! (The DeLorean will do just fine, but I'm concerned about the pilot and navigator's aging bodies.) We'll be heading to what they call 'The World's Largest Automotive Extravaganza" the first weekend in April at the Lowes Motor Speedway. Over 100,000 people are expected to attend!
Food Lion AutoFair
Thursday, April 2 - Sunday, April 5, 2009
We'll be one of the featured cars in the Nationwide Garage raising funds as a part of our mission!
Our thanks to the nice folks at the speedway for having us! (especially 'Wendy.')
Photos and further blogging will follow!
-Oliver

Blast from the Past

Consider this a post from the 'Past,' as these photos occurred before this blog was created. Plus, a friend Michael recently posted this news clipping and I thought I'd add it here. This was a DeLorean Car Show we attended in Fort Lauderdale a year or two ago and had a wonderful time! (That's me bent over looking at a red painted DeLorean.) Guests donated for a chance to ride in the time machine and raised a good amount for Team Fox -with Jeffrey Weissman's help. The Batmobile was there too and Terry jumped out to get this photo as we were stopped at a light in the street. She's quite the stunt photog. I call it 'Bat Time.'

The Grand Total!

Terry and I enjoy a long drive home from wherever we've been, because it gives us a chance to unwind in a private, relaxed atmosphere (a DeLorean Time Machine cockpit!), undisturbed, with nothing to do but enjoy the scenery rolling by and reflect on the recent events.
Part of this ritual involves asking each other, 'What was your favorite part of the trip?' (And then sometimes we break it down into smaller categories, such as 'favorite part of the convention?', or 'favorite encounter or restaurant?', etc.) -I think now we'll have to add a new category called 'what was the freakiest looking costume you saw?' :)
We both agreed that the people we met was the best part. Literally hundreds of Back to the Future fans, both young and -not so young!, Michael J. Fox fans, folks with Parkinson's (some of whom admitted it was 'not public knowledge', and those whose lives are affected by Parkinson's in some way or another. There were so many generous people, and yet we were being thanked over and over again. It seemed backwards.
(By the way, the freakiest looking costume was a tie between 'Borat in swimsuit', or 'Blue guy wearing little more than glitter!')

As we mentioned in a previous post, for every few people that were only focused on 'taking', there was a person who wanted to contribute, stopping to learn more about TeamFox, and make a donation. I came up with a phrase, "Your contribution today may cure your future self." It's a little spooky, but hopeful at the same time. A generous contribution can be self-serving!

So, speaking of generousity, we added up the donations for the convention and,
drum roll please. . .
A total of $1477.18 was raised for Team Fox!
Terry's preparing a cashiers check for an even $1500. and we'll mail it off tomorrow!
Check out the short video
Oliver

No Place Like It!

We had originally planned to rush back to the hoverport in South Carolina after the show, but considering the amount of energy we have left after a day of conventioning, we quickly decided to stay one more night and make the drive on Tuesday. (We were going to need a hotel room either way, and we were really enjoying the Peabody! Those ducks are great!)
Got up early Tuesday and toured the creative design departments with a friend at Universal. We signed a non-disclosure agreement, so no photos to show, but what we saw was really COOL!
Then it was off to see the remains of the Back to the Future Ride, aka 'The Simpsons'.
I'll only say these two things:
1. The 'roller coaster' car had gull wing doors. (Hmm.)
2. The movie was bright, clean, crisp, and well done, using the newest technology.
It was nice to see the restored Back to the Future train on display. and we saw Doc Brown riding his bike past the park's time machine.
Time for a quick photo and we were off, to HOME!

The obligatory stop at an orange stand was made, and I'm happy to say the drive was uneventful and pleasant, aside from a (distracted) trucker that almost plowed into a small car.
Driving a time machine, I've learned that other drivers may not be looking where they're going.
It was good to be home with the puppies, and I drank fresh-squeezed OJ this morning for breakfast! What a great trip!
Next up, the GRAND TOTAL!!!!!
-Oliver

MegaCon Final Day

The convention is a blur, but as Marty would say. . . 'It's been educational.'
The vendors were very friendly, many of them coming by to chat before the hall opened to guests each morning. The event owner even stopped by to make sure everything was going well for us, which was very kind, considering how busy she must have been. Terry and I started a list of things we should bring next time we do such an event. Everything from basics, like clear tape, to more design-based items, like a larger banner. By the end of the day, our list was over a page long! :) -We'll have to see if it will all fit in the car -and still leave room for us to get inside!
Nate Pratt, a talented artist, (and Back to the Future fan) stopped by throughout the weekend to check in on us and offer assistance, and presented us with a skillfully rendered Doc Brown illustration.
Near the end of the convention, Terry spoke with the staff and got clearance for us to exit first thing, right at 5:00, before anything else happened. This was GREAT, but required us to be packed up and ready to time travel on their word. Nate sprung into action and helped, so when it was time, Terry gave her seat to him, while she preceded the vehicle down the aisle, making sure the way was clear. It was a nice little parade to finish the event, with the vendors left and right, shouting lines from the movie as we departed.

MegaCon Saturday

Saturday was much busier with lots of costumed fans roaming the aisles. A few celebrities stopped by our display to lend their support. Terry and I compared notes afterwards about the large number of attendees that spoke about how Parkinson's affects their lives. One lady just lost a good friend at the age of 40 due to the disease and a gentleman lost his wife, who had experienced complications during a brain surgery trial.
It's a real challenge to educate folks about our purpose and why the time machine is on display.
The iconic vehicle certainly triggers attendees to whip out their cell phones and cameras, but we try to encourage them to do more than just 'take.'
Take a photo, but give hope.
Fortunately, for every person that misses the point, there is another that donates, just for the sake of contributing, expecting nothing in return.
It's a surprising balance.

MegaCon!

Terry and I arrived on time to drive the time machine into the Orange County Convention Center on Thursday. There was a long line of vehicles at the loading docks, but we were asked to go to the front of the line (presumably so we wouldn't drive over anyone setting up their booth!)
It's always a thrill for me to drive on carpeting. (The time machine likes it too!)
The decorating staff was very friendly and helped us get into position. We hung the Team Fox banners high and proud, then Terry arranged for a power source so we could plug the car in. The car's battery can operate all the lights and effects for a period of time, but will eventually go dead if the engine isn't recharging it. We spent time cleaning the car up and then checked into the Peabody Hotel next door. Ducks were enjoying swimming in the hotel lobby's fountain, as is tradition. We were beat from the drive and the set-up and the weather was lovely, so we enjoyed it by relaxing in a hammock in my favorite secret Orlando place, then having dinner with friends at Cafe TuTu Tango. We recommend this restaurant -not only does it have wonderful food, and art, but belly dancers as well. I was invited to join one of them and did my best (briefly.) Oh my!
Friday morning it's prep time. I set the computer and photo printing gear and Terry does a mad dash for an extra collection jar. She finds one at a convenience store, a 3 gal water jug with a long skinny neck. The $ goes in but how do we get it out! Deal with that later. The show starts off well. Vendors walking by make donations. What a great start.
When the public comes in, it's all hands on deck. R2D2 stopped by, as well as Joey Fatone and Lou Ferrigno. Terry was interviewed for about 10 minutes by a camera crew with Orange TV. Both of us taking photos, talking with all manner of characters and having a blast showing the car. The day flies by with visits from friends and well wishers.
At 7:00pm sharp, the show ends for the day, and our 'board of directors' takes us to Epcot for a fancy french dinner! The frenzy, excitement, questions, and everything is almost overwhelming, not to mention standing on the concrete floor for 10 hours, but it was a great day. -And we'll be ready for Saturday, which is supposed to be REALLY crazy.
-O.

Busy, busy, busy!

We've had a little warm weather here in South Carolina (It'll reach 70+ degrees today), and the flowers are already blooming in anticipation of Spring.
Similarly, interest in our mission is stirring, and we're adding dates and locations to our calendar!
MegaCon in Orlando Florida has invited us to participate in their 2009 extravaganza and we are looking forward to meeting lots of Back to the Future fans, taking lots of photos for people with the time machine, and collecting lots of donations for Team Fox!
We just returned from a MJFF Roundtable discussion in Atlanta, GA (Terry details this wonderful experience in another post.) Atlanta Magazine staffers emerged from their offices to show their enthusiasm and wrote us up in a nice article!
We're looking at another potential Orlando leap in April for the Exotic Car Festival, as well as Lake Lanier, GA and also Texas.
-Oliver

MJFF Research Roundtable

Yesterday Oli and I attended the Atlanta round Table discussion held by MJFF.
In attendance were an estimated 40 persons. Some Doctors, Scientists, patients and folks like us, interested in understanding more about the foundation and it’s progress.

Oli and I arrived in Atlanta around 2 in the afternoon. We went past the Underground and the new shopping center where the Ikea store is. We drove down Peachtree noting people’s reactions to seeing a time machine drive by. It was fun. We then pulled into the drive of the Hyatt where the round table was being held. The car is a magnet for attention. Folks walking by stopped to take photos. Patrol cops came over to make sure we were okay. The hotels employees all came out to see the car. The Atlanta Magazine’s offices are in the building across the street and we had some fun with them. One fellow (the editor of the magazine), wanted to sit in our car. I answered 'yes if you put $20 in Mr. Compassion', (Mr. Fusion.) He did, and the photo was on their website the next day!

We stayed out front until 3:30 when Oli drove Jack, the parking manager, down to the garage, or ‘parking lobby’ where the car was parked for the evening. Very nice temperature controlled facility, with large automatic doors that sweep up and down quickly, and probably the prettiest lighting we’ve ever seen in a garage!

The meeting started off with a reception. We sat a table with a young couple from Georgia, he an EMT and she a lawyer-to-be. The meeting got started at 6, it was a live webcast. Debi Brooks, cofounder of the foundation, did the introduction and then the speakers each had an opportunity.
The discussions ranged from clinical trials, their outcomes and the route the foundation might follow in the future. We did learn something new about the symptoms and complications of PD. We’re familiar with the physical aspect of the disease, but the panel brought forth the cognitive effects of PD. Depression, apathy and dementia are part of the puzzle.
It’s still a puzzle to me, -and the panel it seems. But they are inspired to continue down each and every avenue that they believe might bring about results which in turn will bring about the elusive cure.

The question and answers from the guests present and from the web continued the discussions of “sham” surgeries, (or ‘simulated’ as I prefer them called) in the double blind trials. Interestingly, we found out that those given a placebo or simulated surgery during a trial will receive the treatment for free if that particular trial proves effective!
Stem cell research, both embryonic and adult, re-programming cells.
Implanting “seeds” to help grow the brain back, needing healthy “soil”, (brain) to grow healthy connections. Mind-boggling? Yet, the evening left me hopeful. Understandably there were a lot of individuals wanting their specific answers. The panel did give general answers, noting that the PD patient must look at their individual health, and specific needs and circumstances. Each patient should speak with their doctor before entering a clinical trial.
Hope is what I came away with. Yes, this was a meeting to inform people that are involved with the foundation. So hope is important, and the MJFF has clear objectives: Drive the best parkinson’s research and deliver improved therapies and a cure.

When Oli and I are on the road and we stop to get gas and people want to take pictures of the car we say Yes! But give hope! We all need hope, and we all can give something!

Debi acknowledged the Team Fox Members present. A gentleman from Atlanta who is a PD patient, and is funding an advertising campaign in the Atlanta area to raise awareness. And Oli and I, the time travelers. I wonder if there shouldn’t be a gathering for Team Fox Members where we can discuss our fund raising strategies. Together we are strong.
-Terry

Creative Support!

I recently found a wonderful website!

It features a really great 'Back to the Future' style font, along with other fonts and creative services by a nice guy named David Occhino.
What a pleasure it was when he offered to support our mission with his talents! He is currently working on a logo to help give us a visual identity, so be watching this blog and our website for the new artwork!
David also generously sent a donation to Team Fox through our website, so we (and many others) thank him very much!
-Oliver

Frosty re-entry!

We just returned from a time leap to Indianapolis for a special event held at the Marriott Hotel.
A light, fluffy snow fell on the way up through Kentucky and we stopped in Lexington overnight. The next morning, Terry's door was frozen shut! We had to get the heat going to warm up the inner latches. Sitting in the lobby and watching the hot steam from the exhaust of the DeLorean we listened to the news about the presidential inauguration. We, as a nation, have definitely traveled through time. What a historic moment to have witnessed.
When I returned to the time machine, everything was nice and toasty! All signs of frost were gone, and the door opened without resistance, and I think the car was much happier having a moment to wake up before finishing the drive to Indianapolis.
At a carwash to remove 1000 miles of highway from the stainless steel, a lady stopped to talk and made a donation. This happened several times throughout the trip, which gives you a warm feeling, even when it's 19 degrees! The water from the wash formed little icicles, dripping off the car and freezing almost instantly. I sent a photo to Stephen Clark of BTTF.com, and he replied with excitement about the new special effect! The car does look like it just traveled through time, as in the movie, with a light covering of frost and 'floppy doors.' When it gets cold, the air in the door struts contracts and they don't lift the doors all the way up. (The same thing happens in the movie, if you watch closely in the Twin Pines parking lot scene!)
O.

Funny Cartoon

A friend of mine from 30+ years ago that I recently re-connected with sent me this cartoon from a local artist in her area.
I can relate to the little guy's impatience. So often we want the future (and the things it holds for us) to come TODAY.
Every time we meet a group of people, invariably someone asks us if our time machine really goes into the future. And I always answer in the affirmative.
Our DeLorean Time Machine is carrying us into the future. But it requires patience, because it can only do it one day at a time.

Thank you, Kit, for thinking of us and sending the comic. I really like the reference to hoverboards! If I recall correctly from the movie, they appear sometime around 2015, so not much longer to wait! :)
And a special thank you to Travis Fox / www.comicstripjoint.blogspot.com
for granting permission to post his clever comic here.
O.

Fellow Bloggers!

I had a nice email from Adam Peron from Team Just Giver, and they've mentioned us and the mission in their blog. So check it out, and while you're there, you can read about their efforts to help find a cure for Parkinson's disease!
http://apps.just-giver.com/Blog/
Thanks Adam!

Themed Sermon!

Sunday January 4, 2009
It was a soggy Sunday morning, but the smiles were bright at Christ Community Church in Huntersville, North Carolina. Our DeLorean time machine was invited to kick off a 5 week program of bible study for Driven their youth services. “A Look Back at what the Scripture teaches about the Future.” Chris Dortch, the Youth Minister was ready to inspire and we were happy to help. Even with the drizzle the car was well received. The Youth members of the church as well as the adults of the church gathered around to have their photos taken. We even raised some additional funds for Team Fox with donations in 'Mr. Compassion.'
The service was relaxed and fun. Rock music and improv started it off. Each leader taking a moment to reflect on the lessons to come and Chris driving home the message to look for the signs found in the Bible.
He ended with a kind blessing for us and our Mission we said good bye to a fine group of people.
I’m still amazed that a movie from 1985 remains so relevant 24 years later.

Happy New Year!

"Time flies like the wind, and fruit flies like a banana."
2008 proved to be brief, varied and full of the unexpected.
Our mission plans took an unexpected turn as we dealt with the recession.
The business we have been building up over the past six years was struck hard by the economy and we were faced with the challenge of saving it from bankruptcy. For several months, it looked quite grim, as other businesses failed, closing all around us one by one. Fortunately, it looks as if we've beat the odds and will recover in time.
Terry says everyone has their battles, and I can't help but think what it must be like for those battling Parkinson's disease. But I believe that any challenge can be overcome and our goals will be reached, even if it takes longer than expected.
As Doc Brown says in Back to the Future, Part 3:
'The future isn't written yet. So make it a good one.'
-Oliver

PartyPast

The Back To The 80's Party last night was great fun. Jeff Smith and his partners and staff hosted a totally awesome event. When we arrived in the time machine, the building emptied out into the chilly parking lot and we were surrounded by a crowd with big hair, neon leg warmers, and lots of smiles. Inside, Jeff doubled as D.J. and had prepared hours of vintage 80's videos which played on the screens throughout the club, including a nice tribute to Back to the Future and the Huey Lewis video 'Power of Love.'
At one point, the space-time continuum was endangered when a second Marty McFly arrived and a paradox occurred. (See Photo.) But things seemed to work out just fine. 'Zack' is a huge fan of the film and a really nice guy.

80's Party!

Here's a last minute surprise!
Join us at Tequila Mockingbird, 3140 U.S. 17 Business in Murrells Inlet, SC on Friday, December 12. The DeLorean Time Machine will be on public display from 9:30pm until after midnight! Dress in your favorite 80's apparel (or Back To The Future costume!) and prepare to enjoy a fun evening. 80's music videos will be shown, and the restaurant will have plenty of dancing, and a full menu for a 'totally awesome' party.
Admission is free, however, donations to the Michael J. Fox for Parkinson's Research are always welcome.

Appearances

We've been scheduled to make a few private appearances in the first part of next year. We'll be in Huntersville, NC, on January 4th, and then Lake Lanier Islands, GA, in April. There's a possibility we may be time traveling to Massachusetts in late January for an event and fund raiser, but we'll have to see how things develop. . .
-Oliver

Thanksgiving

I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving. (Turkeys being the exception, I guess!)
Black Friday came quickly and we brought the DeLorean Time Machine out for display to a mall here in Myrtle Beach. We were able to hand out literature about Parkinson's disease and the mission, and even took in some donations from generous shoppers!
-Oliver

Blue Mountains Majesty

The Time Machine took Terry and I to the Carolina/Tennessee mountains on November 8th. We were anxious to see Fall colors and the car was eager for a drive. Everyone was satisfied! There is nothing quite like the roads flowing through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Gatlinburg was chilly, but the curvy-winding road (known as the 'Tail of the Dragon' ) from there to Cherokee is so much fun to drive! Lower gas prices added to the enjoyment.

And the results are in. . .

The Incredible Pumpkin Patch has faded once again until next year, but the great news is that the display raised over $500. again this year for Parkinson's research!

We doubled our efforts, advertising and length of the event, but just reached half of our hoped-for goal.  -Another reflection of the economy!  I'm so glad we did double our efforts so that the results at least matched the previous year!  We unknowingly countered what would have surely been a big drop.  So many people showed up to see the display, take photos and enjoy the spectacle.  And it's nice they felt compelled to give.  They were getting something for their donation!

A note for anyone who might consider collecting donations for the cause:  It is SOOOO easy to put out a collection jar.

-O.

Cable Show

Here's a photo from the shoot Monday morning. There were three cameras and lots of lights. I wish I could have felt as comfortable as Jeffrey did. He seemed quite at home!
O.

Hollywood, Southern Style.

On Monday, October 20th, Terry and I appeared on a local show to talk about ToTheFuture.org and the mission.  Diane D. Stokes is the host of 'Southern Style', which has been on the air for more than 20 years.  She is an amazing host who can instantly perceive the important parts of a story, develop smart questions on the fly, while remembering the names, dates, times, and other critical information of the topic at hand.  -And she's really good at making her guests feel at ease and very welcomed.  

It just so happened that Jeffery Weissman (George McFly in BTTF 2,3!) was in town and generously offered to join us for the taping.  I was a bit nervous, but Terry and Jeffery did well!  As soon as it airs, I'll post the clip here.

-O.

Nice smiles!

Met two really nice couples tonight from the Washington D.C. area who complimented us on the Pumpkin Patch fundraiser.  One of the wives asked me about what our connection with Parkinson's disease was (expecting an affected family member).  I told her simply that we admired Michael J. Fox and his acting work, and we chose his foundation as our charitable focus.

She introduced me to her husband who revealed that he had lived with Parkinson's for 10 years now, and was grateful for the medications that certainly helped his symptoms.  We all agreed that a cure will be discovered soon.

-O.

Pumpkins and Politics

Happy October!!!! The Incredible Pumpkin Patch is up and running, with plenty of people coming by and taking photos. Hector is coughing pumpkin seeds on 'victims', (who seem to really enjoy it!) -Check out the video I've added:
Donations are at about half of what they were this time last year, which seems to reflect the overall economy. Most businesses around us are suffering and I can only imagine this is also why support for the mission is strained. We'll keep on working and planning, even if we have to set a launch date for later than we had wanted. Although I'm not a 'political person', I'm thinking after the elections are over, worry and uncertainty will diminish and the welfare of the nation will improve.
-Oliver

Fund Raising!

We watched some of the Labor Day telethon and was amazed at the record $65 million raised for the Muscular Dystrophy Association!
Although we're told over one million Americans suffer from Parkinson's (more than Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, Lou Gehrig's disease -combined,) there are parallels among them all. A cure for one, might translate into treatment for others which is an exciting thought.

Parkinson's doesn't have a telethon, but we're going to make sure it has a year-long marathon, -featuring a DeLorean Time Machine!

The Mission has been blessed.

Over the weekend Oli and I traveled in our Time Machine to Albemarle, North Carolina. We were asked there to be part of a Back to the Future sermon at the Encounter Christ Church. We went to help this new church and in the end the church offered to help us. Our mission was blessed by Pastor DiDio and his congregation will pray for us. Thank you Encounter Christ Church.
(That's Pastor Alan and his wife Tera and little Evan in the photo.)

Each day some one tells me of their family's struggle with Parkinson's. I sometimes wish that we had started our mission sooner. But I'm reminded even by those that have lost a loved one that we are on our mission now. It's not a wish; it is happening and I want to thank all of you for your support, and prayers.

Say a prayer for us, think kind thoughts, make a donation or write to us. Each effort helps us on our way to reaching our goal: Finding a cure for Parkinson's.

-Terry

Pumpkins For Parkinson's!

We've been hard at work on a seperate Team Fox project for the fall season.
For the past 5 years, we've decorated with jack-o-lanterns, and it has grown to be such a spectacle, that guests come from all over to take photographs. Last year, we made a sign that suggested, 'Take Photos, and Give Hope', with a collection jar nearby -and we raised $500!
This year our goal is $1000.
We've got over 500 jack-o-lanterns to rig and light, along with corn stalks, hay bales, fog, lights, scarecrows, fall leaves, etc! It's a lot to coordinate, but at least we've turned it into an easy opportunity for visitors to turn their delight into help finding a cure for PD.
-O.

Put Your Mind To It.

Just finished a video of our wonderful friends from the 'Back To The Future' films.
I'm no Spielberg, but I think it turned out nice enough.
Let me know what you think. It's on the videos page.
http://www.tothefuture.org/Video.html
or you can view it below!

-O.

Tango Time Machine!

Tonight was the Tango Charity Ball, and we showed up a little early, around sunset.
The club was quite retro, and really came to life after 9:00pm. We met several members of the Grand Strand Tango Society and other dancers and passersby. There were a few vacationers who stopped just to see the car and make a donation, which was great!
The dance floor was roomy enough to move about, but not too crowded. Two screens overlooking the dance floor played the Back To The Future movies. Really fun to see people dancing while the 'Enchantment Under the Sea dance' is going on!
-O.

Donation! -and Charity Ball!

The Ball is 5 days away and we've received our first donation, a check for $500 from Edward M. Gore Sr. Thanks Ed!!
The Ball is Friday August 1st, at 2001 Dance Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. All proceeds will be donated to the Fox Foundation.

Our DeLorean Time-Machine will be greeting folks at the front door for photo ops and Mr. Compassion is ready to receive donations. Wear your dancing shoes, Oli and I hope to see you there.
Terry

Time and MJFF

January is coming quicker than I imagined! The mission is still on track and we continue to prepare -from routes, to puppy-care while we're away.
Communicated with Dana Barden with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research and she has been most helpful with suggestions and general support.
I'm preparing a press release to get the ball rolling and officially 'announce' what is about to happen!
-O.

Meeting People

Terry and I met a nice family who were vacationing in Myrtle Beach. They were fascinated with the time machine and made a kind donation. As we talked, the wife/mother told us that her father had died from Parkinson's disease.
They said they were enjoying the beach and she caught me a little off guard when she thanked us for doing what we're doing.
To say the time machine is a great conversation piece is an understatement, indeed.
O.

Team Fox!

Received a nice phone call today from Sam at Team Fox. He was encouraging and complementary about our 'ToTheFuture.org' website.
It gave a nice boost to our tired bones. (It's Summer Season here at the beach, and we're working 14-15 hour days.)
O.

Tango!

We're going to attend the Grand Strand Tango Society Charity Ball!
August 1st, Friday night, 8pm at "Club 2001," Myrtle Beach, SC.
Suggested donation is $10 and 80% of the door proceeds benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. (The other 20% pays for the drinks and other expenses.)
We'll be there with the Time Machine to support the event, and I'm told the 'Back To The Future' movies will be shown on the screens inside the club.
Ballroom, Tango, Swing, Salsa. Sounds fun!

-On a related note: In this July 2008 issue of "Scientific American" on page 80, it states under 'Tantalizing Tango Finding:"
In a study by Gammon M. Earhart and Madeleine E. Hakney of the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, it was found that tango dancing improved mobility on patients with Parkinsons's disease. Researchers found that after 20 tango classes, study subjects 'froze' less often. Compared with subjects who attended an exercise class instead, the tango dancers also had better balance and higher scores on certain physical tests.

Interesting!
-O.

4th of July

Happy Independence Day!
Last night we drove the car to Barefoot Landing for the evening and it drew quite a crowd. The lights on the car really shine at nighttime and make for nice photographs. We met a tourist who was in town with family because doctors had given his brother 24 hours to live. The brother has Parkinson's, but as he described it to us, he said he didn't shake. The disease freezes his muscles. -It affects each person differently. Seeing the car seemed to lift his spirits a little and he made a donation and we wished him well.
O.

Rehearsal

Terry and I drove the time machine to a few 'hot spot' locations in Myrtle Beach, SC.
It was very encouraging and we learned a lot in just a few hours of speaking with folks.
Just one example of a 'noteworthy' encounter was a young man who is an actual research scientist from West Virginia who works on Parkinson's studies (as well as other neuro-muscular challenges.)
Although part of our mission is to raise awareness, I believe we'll be learning more ourselves than we ever imagined.
-O.

If you're gonna cure Parkinson's disease, why not do it with some style?

My wife Terry and I are driving our DeLorean Time Machine to all 50 states to raise awareness and funding for Parkinson's Research. Our website is:
http://www.ToTheFuture.org
This is our blog to report about our mission and hopefully, we will receive encouraging words from YOU to help us along the way.