From left to right: Patrick Morrissey, Scott Forman, Brendan Cusick and Peter Durso, known as Team Human Powered Potential. Photo courtesy of World’s Toughest Row.
Editor’s Note (9/13/24): The fundraising information was edited to reflect final numbers.
After enduring 41 days, 1 hour and 57 minutes of rigorous rowing and unpredictable weather, the four members of Team Human Powered Potential (HPP) successfully crossed the Pacific Ocean — and together, we raised a record-breaking $41 million for Parkinson’s research. This extraordinary feat of endurance, supported by an unprecedented 3:1 anonymous donor match, rallied a record number of donors, with every dollar going directly to research.
Covering 2,800 miles from Monterey, California, to Kauai, Hawaii, Team HPP’s 41-day journey to complete the “World’s Toughest Row” tested both physical and mental limits and sparked a wave of support from the Parkinson’s community, turning inspiration into action.
Setting off on June 8, Brendan Cusick, Peter Durso, Scott Forman and Patrick Morrissey quickly lost sight of land and had only the sea and sky within view. Without the aid of a sail or engine, the team rowed continuously in two-hour shifts, pausing only to eat and sleep.
“There's so much to take away from the experience of being in such a simple yet hostile environment, throwing everything at you, testing your very spirit, your very resolve and strength, but knowing that you can carry through with it and you can do it,” says Brendan, HPP's team captain. “I knew I could do it because I had three amazing humans next to me and had what was in my heart, mind and spirit. It's untapped what any human can do if you just put your heart and mind to it.”
Each member of Team HPP has a connection to PD through loved ones, but for Patrick, who was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s in 2019, the endeavor was even more personal. "You do a lot of thinking out on the water and I was able to reflect on the similarities between the ocean and Parkinson’s. Just as the ocean brings unexpected challenges like sudden storms or rogue waves, Parkinson’s adds unpredictable stresses in different environments,” says Patrick. “As a team, we were able to manage my symptoms despite the obstacles we faced on the water. The team took over rowing to help me reset, ensuring I got some decent sleep, and I adjusted my medication schedule to better align with my rowing needs.”
Alone on the world’s largest ocean without a support boat to guide them, Team HPP experienced moments that were both awe-inspiring and fear-inducing. The constant movement of the boat, unfavorable winds and currents and shifting sea temperatures added to the relentless nature of their journey.
Yet, despite the hardships, the team experienced extreme moments of beauty and serenity. Sitting in silence in the vast expanse of the ocean, they found solace, free from the distractions of daily life. The faint glow on the horizon at dawn marked the end of another long night of rowing, bringing a sense of relief and accomplishment every morning.
In the end, it was the team members’ unwavering spirit, combined with support from the Parkinson’s community, that propelled them to the finish line. "Our loved ones, supporters, the Parkinson’s community were our tailwinds that brought us home,” says Scott. “And boy did we need it,” he laughs alongside his teammates, “because there weren’t any out on the ocean.”
Created by Peter, the team’s mantra, “We did a thing. We did it together. It couldn't have been done any other way,” embodied the spirit of their endeavor. Their boat, adorned with the slogan “inspired to endure,” served as a constant reminder of their mission to honor those living with Parkinson’s, with every stroke of their oars bringing them closer to the 2,800-mile finish line and their initial $28 million fundraising goal.
As the Parkinson’s community rallied behind them, thousands responded with messages of support and donations that helped surpass the ambitious $28 million goal. The overwhelming generosity prompted the extension of the historic 3:1 match by an anonymous donor, inspiring a new and even bolder challenge: raising $41 million in honor of their 41 days at sea.
Once again, the Parkinson’s community rose to the occasion. Motivated by the team’s commitment to the cause and the extended match, supporters came together, and we reached the $41 million goal. This record-breaking achievement set a new benchmark in fundraising, with nearly $15,000 raised for every mile rowed — the most ever generated by any team in the history of the “World’s Toughest Row.”
Team HPP has proven that with determination, unity and compassion, extraordinary feats are possible. Reaching this significant milestone is a testament not only to their efforts but to the dedication of every donor, fundraiser and advocate who supported the cause. Together, we can continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, bringing us closer to a world without Parkinson’s.
To read the press coverage from CNN, click here. To view the full arrival video, click here. To learn more about what motivated the team to complete this epic journey, click here.