Former Alvirne High Dean Rides Again for Parkinson's

Susan Mollohan was diagnosed with Parkinson's in early 2009. By that fall she was on a bike pedaling like hell to raise funds for research. In a way she's never stopped, her own symptoms being daily motivation.

"One of my missions is to put a face to Parkinson's," she said. "Diseases don't discriminate as to who gets them."

The former Alvirne High School dean of students is training to ride her sixth New England Parkinson's Ride. She plans to ride a 100-mile route.

"This is definitely going to be a huge challenge for me," she said.

Her team, Suzy's Shakers, will be holding a fundraiser June 1 at Whippersnappers in Londonderry. There is a dinner at 6 p.m., followed by a performance, "Pasties for Parkinsons."

The entertainment will include Scratch and the Boston Baby Dolls, a burlesque troupe; award-winning guitarist/vocalist Nicole Murphy; Dima, a Middle Eastern Dancer; Sirsy, an Albany, New York rock duo; Juel Sheridan; a gymnast and aerial dancer; Vinny, the singing school administrator; and singing duet Kathy and Dan. 

Ticket prices are $25 and all proceeds to to fund Parkinson's research. For more information on this event, visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/620145.

Mollohan has also been honored by Michael J. Fox. Dovetailing with her efforts, she was this year named an Ambassador for the Michael J. Fox Foundation.