Four men known as “Team Human Powered Potential” (Team HPP) that were determined to raise awareness of the challenges and complexities of Parkinson’s disease rowed 2,800 miles across the Pacific last summer in a grueling effort that generated more than $43 million for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF). 

In recognition of their awe-inspiring action, the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum has honored Team HPP with the 2025 Cash, Sweat & Tears Award. The annual award recognizing inspiring peer-to-peer fundraising volunteers is sponsored by Blackbaud.

Peer-to-peer fundraising engages a nonprofit’s supporters in an activity such as a walk, bike ride or a virtual challenge and solicits friends, family, neighbors and colleagues of the participants for donations. Collectively, peer-to-peer fundraising programs raise billions of dollars annually for thousands of nonprofits nationwide.

More than $10 million dollars was raised through peer-to-peer fundraising by Team HPP and that amount was matched on a 3-to-1 basis by a generous anonymous donor to generate a total of more than $43 million.

THPP was nominated for the award by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, the world’s largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s research.

THPP was one of nine teams that participated in the 2024 edition of an event called “The World’s Toughest Row” from Monterey Bay, California to Hanalei Bay, Hawaii last summer.  THPP was made up of Patrick Morrissey of Durango, Colorado, diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in 2019, alongside his friends Brendan Cusick, also from Durango, Peter Durso of Couer d’Alene, Idaho and Scott Forman of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Morrissey became the first person with Parkinson’s to row across the Pacific.

“Just as the ocean brings unexpected challenges like sudden storms or rogue waves, Parkinson’s adds unpredictable stresses in different environments,” says Morrissey. “As a team, we were able to manage despite the obstacles we faced on the water. I hope to inspire at least one person to be able to endure and then they inspire another person, and it continues,” says Morrissey. “This team, the Parkinson’s community, my family and friends inspired me to endure. We’re all one big team.”

“Amazing folks like the members of Team HPP are the heart and soul of peer-to-peer fundraising,” said David Hessekiel, the forum’s president. “We are proud to honor these incredible volunteers as a symbol of the millions of people who energize organizations with their contributions of time and talent.”

“Our community continues to find extraordinary and thoughtful ways to champion our mission and bring us closer than ever to a cure,” said Stephanie Paddock, MJFF Vice President of Community Fundraising and Events. “Rallying and inspiring thousands of supporters along the way, Team HPP has amplified what’s possible through the power of community and determination. We congratulate the team on their well-deserved honor and how their tremendous feat will continue to inspire more people and families on the role we each play in making a world without Parkinson’s inevitable.” 

 “Blackbaud® is honored to be back presenting the Cash, Sweat, & Tears Award at the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum this year and we could not have dreamt of more deserving honorees than the members of Team Human Powered Potential.” said Blackbaud’s Natalie Cole, Director of Enterprise Relations.

Photo credit: World’s Toughest Row