An Instagram post from Ryan Reynolds after team HPP completed their row
We thought about our 26,000+ supporters behind our incredible endeavor who were donating and cheering for us from dry land…
— Brendan Cusick
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In the summer of 2024, four friends launched a rowboat off the coast of California and set out to cross the Pacific.
No engines. Just muscle. Sweat. Salt in their eyes.
And a mission that was bigger than any wave.
We endure to honor those affected by Parkinson's and help drive progress toward a cure.
The FOUNDERS’ Story
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We’re not your typical nonprofit. We’re a movement. A mix of athletes, dreamers, and visionaries. Some of us live with Parkinson’s disease.
What we have in common is we refuse to hear the words “that’s impossible.”
We believe in one simple truth:
Humans can do extraordinary things
When we move forward together
We will find a cure in my lifetime. I truly believe that.”
Patrick Morrissey
HPP CO-FOUNDER
The first person diagnosed with Parkinson’s to row across the Pacific. Professional engineer, and former President/COO of GF Properties Group. Former NCAA Division 1 wrestler and lifelong multisport athlete. Husband to Dena and father of two wonderful adult daughters. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019.
We’re moving with purpose and tenacity—turning possibility into progress against Parkinson’s. We’re not slowing down”
Scott Forman
HPP CO-FOUNDER
Emergency medicine physician and entrepreneur. Founder and CEO of ThirdRockMD. Former international high-altitude mountain guide and lifelong ultra-endurance athlete. Husband to Catherine and father of an adventurous and creative adult son, who designed the original Team HPP boat wrap.
When you commit your heart and mind to something, amazing things can happen.”
Brendan Cusick
HPP CO-FOUNDER & TEAM CAPTAIN
Former professional mountain guide and high-altitude climber. Lifelong mountain endurance athlete. Founder of Summit Energy Coaching. Reclamation and sustainability professional in the oil and gas industry. Husband to Lara and father of two budding humans.
When we push limits, it changes how people with Parkinson’s see their own.”
Peter Durso
HPP CO-FOUNDER
Emergency medicine physician. Humanitarian and disaster response volunteer. Medical evacuation flight physician. Former competitive swimmer, currently coaching middle- and high-school teams.
Husband to Tara and a lifelong endurance athlete.
41 Days
2,800 Miles
30-FT. Swells
$43 Million for the Michael J. Fox Foundation
news
How I Became the First Person With Parkinson’s to Row Across the Pacific
01.28.2025 | Men's Health
news
Eat, Sleep, Row, Repeat: Team Human Powered Potential Conquers the Pacific
07.23.2024 | The Michael J. Fox Foundation
Notes that helped us power through
YOU Inspired Us To Endure
“One day, we received a message with over 100 comments shared on social media from those following our journey. This truly gave us strength. We passed my phone around to read the messages, and each of us disappeared into the cabins, crying, absorbing the power of fellow human spirits in support of our crossing.”
— Brendan Cusick
Y’all are awesome! I have no frame of reference to understand how tough you are. My brain can’t even wrap its puny self around the bad-assitude that is you!
- Ryan M.
You are inspiring so many people and making a huge difference in the lives of those with Parkinson’s now and in the future. Rowing with a cause.
- Nina R.
We wake up in the morning and think – they are still rowing. We sit down to dinner and night and say a prayer and think – they are still rowing. We go to bed at night, once more with you on our minds and think – they are still rowing!
- Scott S.
You are all inspiring us one agonizing stroke at a time. On a lighter note, I bet you’ll never order salt again for future margaritas!
-Scott S.
Fellas! First off you are crushing it. Yeah it’s hard. Yes it’s long. BUT there is a finish line and each and every stroke gets you closer to that line.
- Bill G.
BREATHE! Remember your why. The @michaeljfoxorg does. And so does everyone who suffers or loves someone living with Parkinson’s. I love you. And I am so proud of Team HPP!! Kudos to all of you!
- Catherine F.
You guys are so inspiring! Row, row, row your hearts out – I am cheering for you all the way from Chicago!
- Val M.
I know this has been crazier and wilder than anything you expected and you keep crushing every challenge.
- David K.
Inspired
to endure
to endure