Paul Harrison of Abbott Properties will be joined by his friend Peter Lawrence at North-South Trail on June 3 for a “Ride Across RI for Parkinson’s,” a fundraiser organized by Harrison for the American Parkinson Disease Association (ADPA), Rhode Island Chapter.

The ride begins at 5:30 a.m. at Douglas State Forest in Douglas, Massachusetts. On Harrison’s first attempt, the 77-mile ride took him over 13 hours.

Harrison’s goal for the fundraiser is to not only bring awareness to Parkinson’s, but to the astounding number of military veterans who suffer from the disease.

“[Veterans] gave their life for our country and still are,” Harrison said.

After watching his brother-in-law, George, fall victim to Parkinson’s after serving in Vietnam, as well as in the roles of husband and father, Harrison took notice of how many other military members followed that path – 110,000 American veterans, in fact. As a realtor, Harrison continued to meet people who had the disease, including another veteran.

Furthermore, Harrison did not neglect the toll that caring for a “deteriorating” George took on his sister.

“It’s hard on everyone, it’s hard on the family,” Harrison confessed.

While people cannot register for the ride, Harrison encourages them to donate to the fundraiser in honor of his mission at www.apdaparkinson.org/rhode-island