Liggett and Phinney to speak at Parkinson's gala

Cycling announcer Phil Liggett and former pro Davis Phinney will speak and present awards at the second Sunflower Revolution gala August 19 at the Hyatt Regency, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Phinney, whose Davis Phinney Foundation is hosting the gala, will present Dr. John M. Tew, a neurosurgeon with the Mayfield Clinic and Medical Director of The Neuroscience Institute at the University of Cincinnati and University Hospital, with the Victory Award. The award recognizes a distinguished medical professional who has made a significant contribution to Parkinson's disease research or treatment.

Phinney also will present the Every Victory Counts award, which honours the contributions of a person or family touched by Parkinson's, to Peter and Kitty Strauss of Cincinnati in recognition of their courage, optimism, grace, and tireless efforts on behalf of others living with this incurable disease.

The Sunflower Revolution gala will feature a dinner and live and silent auctions. Phil Liggett will be the keynote speaker, and Local 12 anchor Rob Braun will serve as emcee. A Parkinson's Symposium & Expo for physicians, patients, and caregivers will follow on Saturday, August 20, at the Hyatt.

Bike rides of 25 and 62 miles in the Loveland-Morrow area will conclude the event on August 21. Riders will include Davis and his wife, Olympic gold medalist Connie Carpenter Phinney, Liggett, and the legendary bicycle frame builder Ben Serotta.

To request an invitation to the gala or bike ride, please contact Cindy Starr at 584-0879 or starrcm@healthall.com.