What Crossing the Pacific for Parkinson’s Set in Motion — One Year Later

In June 2024, Team Human Powered Potential (HPP) set out on a journey few could imagine: rowing 2,800 miles across the Pacific Ocean in support of Parkinson’s research — a cause personally meaningful to all four men, and especially to Patrick Morrissey, who lives with the disease. For 41 days at sea, they had moments of awe and achievement, while also battling exhaustion, doubt and isolation. It was a relentless test of strength, trust and will — and a turning point in each of their lives.  

In Crossing the Pacific for Parkinson’s Disease, a short film directed by Nelle Fortenberry, Michael J. Fox’s longtime producing partner and The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) Board member, we take you inside their experience — and the commitment to each other and their cause that enabled them to reach the finish line.

"The journey didn’t end when we got off the boat. If anything, we’re just getting started," said Brendan Cusick, HPP's team captain.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

Now, one year later, Brendan Cusick, Peter Durso, Scott Forman and Patrick Morrissey reflect on how the World’s Toughest Row continues to shape their lives and the network that’s grown around them. "I no longer view the row as an independent event," said Scott. "It all runs together — the lead-up, the crossing and everything that’s happened since. It’s a story that keeps unfolding." 

Brendan added, "If we look at the row by itself, I think we each carried away something unique. But the broader journey — what came before and after, the community engagement, the ripple effect — that changed everything for all of us."  

That momentum, captured in the film, fueled a historic fundraising campaign — more than $41 million raised, supported by a 3:1 anonymous match and over 26,000 individual donations. For Team HPP, those numbers reflect something far more meaningful. “The money is finite. It’s been raised and spent,” said Peter, referring to MJFF’s rapid deployment of the funds to support research. “But the thousands of voices — that’s what lasts.”  

It was that collective energy — from donors, supporters and the community they rallied — that showed how impact can extend far beyond the finish line. “MJFF took inspiration to heart in a way we never expected,” Scott said. “They became a force multiplier. They amplified the voice we didn’t even know we had.”  
  
With time, the weight of what they endured has taken on new meaning. “Looking back, I can see how much our perspective has grown — not just in terms of the row itself, but in the influence we’ve had on the community and the research it supports,” said Brendan.  

Their connection to one another also shifted in lasting ways. “Our relationship has grown from acquaintances to friends to brothers — and now, family,” said Patrick. “We’ve been through something only the four of us will ever fully understand, and it’s changed the way we lean on one another.”  

Beyond the Row

Since landing in Hawaii last July, Team HPP has remained closely connected to the Parkinson’s community — speaking at key MJFF events, earning recognition for their fundraising efforts at the Peer to Peer Forum and reaching wider audiences to inspire others and advance the mission.  

For Patrick, that momentum helped him channel his voice into more focused advocacy. He joined MJFF’s Patient Council, lending his insights as someone living with Parkinson’s into efforts that directly shape research priorities and patient engagement.  

And through it all, their team mantra — “inspired to endure” — evolved into something deeper. “The concept of ‘inspired to endure’ meant one thing before the row, and something completely different after,” said Patrick. “I didn’t truly understand it until I met the people who came out to support us. They inspired me to keep going.”  

The Current Carries On

As they look ahead, Team HPP is focused not on what they’ve accomplished, but on what they’ve set in motion. "What’s next is all about keeping this community engaged and moving the needle by enabling and supporting what we know best — big, audacious endurance events," said Brendan.   

Scott added, "We want to partner with others and inspire them to embrace and commit to bold goals — both in terms of challenging themselves and being part of something that is so much bigger than themselves."  

Their ocean crossing may be behind them, but the impact is far from over — carried forward by a community committed to enduring together. Inspired by their story? Consider making a donation to help continue this momentum for Parkinson’s research. 

To see what the team has in store as they write the next chapter in the HPP story, connect with them at humanpoweredpotential.org and on Facebook and Instagram.