Elizabeth Madden Ogren '85

Elizabeth Madden Ogren, is the founder of Pedal and Roll for Parkinson’s, a grassroots organization dedicated to getting people “off the couch” and engaged in daily exercise to alleviate Parkinson’s symptoms. It’s easy to take for granted the brain’s ability to move a pencil or tap a keyboard, to take a step forward, to form a word with lip and tongue muscles, or simply smile. But not when you have Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by rigid muscles, poor coordination and balance, tremor, and slow movement. There is also a list of non-motor symptoms including apathy, anxiety, and depression. Treatments can mask symptoms for awhile, but they do not stop the progression and there is no cure.

Diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s in 2007, Liz initially applied the conventional healing wisdom of “rest today, feel better tomorrow”. She was in the prime of her elementary school teaching career, and she and her husband Bruce were also raising two boys, also in elementary school at the time. Liz Knew the diagnosis was serious but made no changes in her lifestyle.

Every night after dinner, she collapsed on the couch, exhausted. Parkinson’s was increasingly interfering with daily family and work activities. It was time for a paradigm shift. Right on cue, Liz’s ‘big brother’ showed up with unwanted advice. There would be no more “resting to get well”, it was time to take action against Parkinson’s.

To Mike, SJU ‘79, that meant daily trips to the health club for cardio workouts, weights, stretching, yoga, and swinging by Liz’s house to take her along. Though reluctant at first to leave the comfort zone of the couch, after just three weeks of the new regimen, Liz was convinced ‘Movement is Therapy’! © Compelled to find a broad avenue to share the amazing impact of exercise with the 20,000 people living with Parkinson’s in Minnesota. Liz discovered two prominent Parkinson’s researchers who extoll the benefits of cycling for Parkinson’s patients. Within weeks, Liz devised a plan to share the benefits of exercise, and in 2011 applied for a 501 (c) 3 called Pedal and Roll for Parkinson’s. What started as an annual bike ride and fundraising event has evolved into a year-round initiative to help people with Parkinson’s keep moving.

Pedal and Roll has a trike lending library on the Minneapolis Greenway, offers bike fittings, group rides and bike share opportunities. The organization is also developing collaborative relationships with like-minded organizations to share expertise, reduce the isolation associated with disabilities, build awareness of the many benefits of outdoor exercise, and make cycling accessible for all.

Liz is an active participant in the Minnesota, United States, and international Parkinson’s community as a voice for education, wellness, research, legislation, and advocacy for women living with Parkinson’s.