PARACHUTING FOR PARKINSON'S
Leap of faith - and a lifetime
"Nonie" Stumvoll, 77, met her jump mate and instructor Joseph Johnson on Sunday afternoon in the jump zone at Brainerd International Raceway.
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"Nonie" Stumvoll and instructor Joseph Johnson prepared to land during the "Parachuting for Parkinson's" event Sunday at Brainerd International Raceway.
Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
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It was the day she would live out a lifelong dream - and raise awareness for Parkinson's disease. Nonie's husband, Don, has suffered from the disease for nine years.
She also has a friend who has Parkinson's - Dale Walz, former Baxter police captain and state legislator. Walz has suffered from the disease since 2004. Together they dreamed up the "Parachuting for Parkinson's" event to draw attention to the disease and raise money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Strapped to Johnson, Stumvoll smiled after successfully making her first skydiving jump.
Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
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A group of friends and supporters wearing their "Parachuting for Parkinson's" shirts looked skyward as jumpers each took their turn falling from the blue sky, finally coming to rest in the camping area at BIR.
Walz made his successfully jump, along with Minnesota Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau, an avid skydiver.
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau, with instructor Joseph Johnson, headed for the landing zone at the "Parachuting for Parkinson's" fundraising event Sunday at Brainerd International Raceway. Molnau was among several who jumped to raise money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
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Fundraising continues for the event, with donations being directed to pfpmn.org.