Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second most common neurological disorder. Every year, approximately 60,000 new cases are added to the 6 million people already afflicted with PD. There is no known cure for this disease that has a devastating effect on the physical being of those affected.
One of those affected is Jerry Herman, Beta Pi ’72. Brother Herman has been an invaluable member of Beta Pi since the day he was initiated. During his undergraduate years, he held many positions of responsibility for his chapter. After graduation, he has been a loyal and active member of Pi Kappa Alpha at Beta Pi and as the Director of the Endowment Fund and Gift Acceptance Committee for Pi Kappa Alpha Inter/National. Brother Herman is also the sponsor of the Dave Herman Memorial Scholarship awarded each Founders Day.
Jerry’s wife, Linda, is a leader in raising money for research to find a cure, address therapeutic needs, and to ease the debilitating symptoms of those suffering from this insidious disease. Linda Herman’s team, the Hermanators, participates in the New England Parkinson’s Ride, a bicycle ride event that raises funds to be presented to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF). The MJFF is at the forefront of funding research to combat PD.
On September 9, 2023, the annual bicycle ride took place. Linda Herman reports:
“What a wonderful weekend we had. 50 miles for some of us and 30 miles for others, and we all finished with a smile. The weather cooperated, with only a brief shower prior to the pre ride dinner and a sunny day for the day of the ride. Remnants of Hurricane Lee waited until the following weekend. Phew!
We did it! And thanks to all of you… ALL proceeds will go to support the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s research efforts to develop new and better treatment options and ultimately a cure for Parkinsons.”
With the help of many Beta Pi brothers, the Hermanators were able to raise over $30,000 to date, far exceeding their pre-race goal of $20,000. Beta Pi brothers who donated are:
| Joel Catania ’71 | Joseph Di Mauro ’75 | Paul Reszutek ‘76 |
| Paul Zaentz ’69 | Harvey Mackler ’72 | Rich Sussman ‘69 |
| Louis Tarnoff ’72 | Michael Benator ’74 | Mark Lopatin ‘76 |
| David Edman ’73 | Jake Levine ’70 | Gary Sachs ‘74 |
| Morty Cohen ’65 | Richard Silver ’74 | Jerry Goldberg ‘74 |
| Fred Rubin ‘80 |
If you donated but are not listed above, please excuse the omission. Linda adds, “The Hermanators thank you all for your generosity and support. Every dollar counts.”
Should you wish to donate, it is not too late. Donations can be made on Linda’s donation page at www.give.michaeljfox.org/fundraiser/4588486.
