2026 Portland to Coast Team

Amy Lavallee

Amy Lavallee (a self-proclaimed superwoman) is a wife, mother to three active boys, and a person with young onset Parkinson’s disease. She has been living with PD for ten years and during that time has used her resources to raise awareness and be a representative for the young onset Parkinson’s community. She works with the Brian Grant Foundation as their community liaison and was instrumental in planning the 2025 YOPD-CON. When she is not exercising, working, or caring for her family you’ll find her traveling, reading, or knitting. This is her third Portland to Coast, she loved her first two years so much she came back for more!

Bret Hodgert

Bret Hodgert was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2024 at age 57. As the owner of Old Portland Hardware, he’s endlessly fascinated by antique drawer pulls and historical oddities—especially his collection of antique devils. When he’s not immersed in antiques, you’ll find him tending his garden or tackling the trails (rumor has it he loves steep hills!). Bret and his supportive wife, Jeneen, attended the World Parkinson Congress in Phoenix and are active with the Brian Grant Foundation. This year, he’s thrilled to join the PTC with Movers & Shakers, ready to conquer the Coastal Range under the stars.

Catherine McKinlay

Catherine and Nancy (a walker on our team PD) have been walking through life together for more than 30 years. What began as a friendship on the soccer pitch has grown into a steadfast sisterhood – one built on laughter, adoration, and showing up for each other through life’s highs and lows. That bond was put to the test when Nancy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s eight years ago. Through every twist and turn, Catherine has remained Nancy’s #1 supporter, biggest cheerleader, and trusted walking buddy. Years ago, the two of them ran Hood to Coast together, sharing the miles and the camaraderie that come with being teammates. Now, life has come full circle as they find themselves teammates once again for the iconic relay. Only this time, they’ll be walking side by side in their hot pink tee shirts for something even more meaningful: raising awareness for Parkinson’s and honoring the journey they’ve walked together for so many years.

Cathie Baker

Cathie Baker was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2012 and retired from her professional career a couple of years later. She immediately ramped up her exercise routine and hasn’t slowed down since. She has been spotted getting her steps in at the World Parkinson Congress in Phoenix by walking up and down the hallways at the convention center and the airport. She has been a longtime member of the Brian Grant Foundation’s Program Advisory Council (PAC) and also volunteers with them at community events. She has made many friends in the Parkinson’s community at the boxing gym and walking with Movers & Shakers. This will be her first time participating in the Portland to Coast relay, and she’s really excited! 

Claudia Danker 

Claudia Danker has been living with early onset Parkinson's disease since 2016. She actively participates in support groups focused on women with Parkinson's and has taken part in studies on this disease. Additionally, she is a lead ambassador for the Davis Phinney Foundation, aiming to increase the visibility of this condition within the Hispanic community. Claudia recognizes the importance of consistent high-intensity exercise to slow the progression of the disease, which is why she boxes regularly, walks daily, dances whenever she can, and hikes in the mountains with her incredibly fun and supportive group of friends by her side. Her passion lies in helping and motivating her community, which is why she coaches fellow boxers at the PD Rebel Fit Club. You can follow Claudia’s inspiring, funny and motivating Instagram posts @tinwoman_inaction. 

Jenny Wilhelm, PT, DPT

Jenny Wilhelm, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist at Oregon Health & Science University specializing in neurological diagnoses, including Parkinson’s disease. In addition to clinical care, she also seeks to enhance outcomes by assisting in several clinical intervention studies at the Balance Disorder Laboratory. Jenny serves on the Brian Grant Foundation medical advisory council and has extensive experience training medical professionals about movement and PD. Jenny loves to see her clients exercising, being part of a community and thriving. She also loves spending time outdoors with her family, whether it be in the woods or on Spring Water corridor with her community PD walkers. Jenny walked with the Brian Grant Foundation’s Portland to Coast team in 2022. She is the co-founder of Movers & Shakers and, for the third year in a row, is coordinating and walking with the team again in 2026. She is excited to be on the crazy adventure again!

Jerry Jones

Jerry Jones was officially diagnosed as having Parkinson’s in January of 2023, though it’s possible that symptoms like voice changes and hand tremors began as early as 14 years ago. A young 66-year-old, he is trying to retire from a long career of landscaping. Jerry is determined to live a loving, happy, and kind life with PD. A long-distance hiker wannabe, Jerry just likes to walk! He is a volunteer trip leader with PasstoPass (.org), a non-profit providing multi-day supported backpacking trips for people with PD. Pack llamas carry gear so that Parkinson’s hikers only have to carry a light day pack; rumor has it that Jerry is a llama whisperer. Jerry and his brother-in-law Rich (who also has PD) joined team Movers & Shakers in 2024, and they both look forward to participating for the third year in a row in PTC26. 

Kerry Rae Connolly

Kerry Rae Connolly was 40 when her late husband Harry was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease. Six years later, Harry had a massive stroke while undergoing deep brain stimulation; he became disabled and confined to a wheelchair, and overnight Kerry Rae became his full-time care partner. Harry passed away three years later. To honor Harry, Kerry Rae volunteers locally with the Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon. Globally, she has served on planning committees for the past four World Parkinson Congresses (Portland, Kyoto, Barcelona, and Phoenix). Kerry Rae is the author of the newly published memoir: “A Messy Kind of Grace: A Young Caregiver’s Story of Love, Loss, and Life Beyond Parkinson’s”. She walked with the Brian Grant Foundation’s PTC team in 2022 and then co-founded Movers & Shakers, which she is coordinating and walking with for the third consecutive year.

Nancy Husbands

Nancy is returning for her 2nd year in van 2. Nancy has a husband named George and two sons, Robert and Eric.  She was diagnosed with PD in 2018 and, like everyone, is trying to keep her legs moving. PTC seemed like a good fit. Besides providing an incentive to exercise all year, the team is made up of some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. (People keep offering you food!) Nancy had to retire early from a teaching career because of Parkinson’s, so to keep busy besides walking, she tutors elementary school students in Reading and Math, volunteers at a non-profit used bookstore, does a little sewing, plays “golf,” and prepares wonderful gourmet meals for her husband.  (That last one is a lie.) She’s excited to be participating in the 2026 PTC with the Movers and Shakers.  

Peggy Faber

Peggy is a former CFO and proud mother of three, whose journey took an unexpected turn with a Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2018. A goal-oriented person, one of Peggy’s biggest dreams was to complete 50 marathons in 50 states. There were several setbacks along the way such as a broken leg, (or two), a new pair of knees, the pandemic and of course Parkinson’s. Despite these obstacles, Peggy never gave up. She fought with a toughness she didn’t know she had and chased that dream until it became a reality. In September 2024 surrounded by family and friends she crossed the finish line at the Adirondack Marathon in upstate New York completing her dream of 50 Marathons in 50 States! Fitness is a way of life for Peggy who belongs to several Parkinson’s focused gyms and works hard to maintain a lifestyle that supports both physical strength and emotional resilience. She strives to raise awareness for Parkinson’s and inspires others to fight hard, never give up, and be the best version of themselves that they can be. This will be her first time walking in the PTC relay with Movers & Shakers. 

Rich Denman

Rich Denman had been an active climber and hiker, but awareness of balance issues caused him to curtail mountaineering. This, and other symptoms observed by his family, led to a diagnosis of Parkinson’s in 2017. Rich sold his business in 2023, allowing him to reduce stress and focus on self-care, travel, volunteering, and hiking. In March 2025, Rich underwent DBS surgery and is healing from that as well as appreciating many key benefits. Rich is joined on team Movers & Shakers by his brother-in-law Jerry Jones, who also has PD. Rich and Jerry are often found on trails together. They are both active volunteers with PasstoPass (.org), a non-profit organization in its 10th year. PtP offers multi-day supported backpacking trips for people with Parkinson’s; pack llamas carry gear, so PD hikers only have to carry a light day pack. Rich and Jerry are leaders for the Oregon PtP activities, and Rich serves as a board member, helping the organization expand regionally and nationally. Along with Rich’s brother-in-law Jerry (who also has PD), this will be his third year walking with Movers & Shakers in the Portland to Coast relay.  

Todd Vogt

Todd Vogt has been involved with the sport of rowing for over 30 years as both an athlete and a

coach. His Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2018 has not slowed him down! Todd is a 5-time member of the US Paralympic Rowing team, representing the US at the World Rowing Championships in 2019, 2022, and 2023. He was the Alternate for the US Rowing Team at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics, and he rowed on the US Paralympic Team at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. When not rowing, Todd enjoys spending time with his wife Heather and his dog Hank. Todd walked with the Brian Grant Foundation’s Portland to Coast team in 2022, and he’s excited to walk with Movers & Shakers for the second year in a row.

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