Leg Amputee CEO of Kirk Gibson Foundation to Take Ultimate Challenge and Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro For Parkinson’s Fundraiser

Photo Courtesy of the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s | Steve Annear and his wife Shawna, training for the Kilimanjaro Challenge.

THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE CLIMB MOUNT KILIMANJARO BUT HOW MANY CLIMB IT WITH ONE LEG? 

 Steve Annear, CEO of the Kirk Gibson Foundation, will lead the “Kilimanjaro Challenge” to raise funds for the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness.

(BIRMINGHAM, MI – July 1, 2025) In a bold display of determination and purpose, Steve Annear, CEO of the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s, is preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with only one leg. The 47-mile ascent will start on August 25^th, and he is scheduled to reach the mountain summit on September 4^th.  The goal for the “Kilimanjaro Challenge” is to raise funds and awareness for the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness, opening this fall in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

Born with a blood circulation disorder that led to the amputation of his left leg at age 11,

Annear, who does not use a prosthetic leg, has never let physical limits define him. In 2022, he successfully completed the Detroit Free Press Marathon on crutches, raising over $100,000 for the Parkinson’s community. Now, he’s preparing for his most grueling challenge yet, scaling Africa’s highest peak with his wife, Shawna, by his side.

“This climb is personal,” said Annear. “It’s about honoring people who are living with Parkinson’s disease. When the Kirk Gibson Center opens this fall, it will be a place where they can find their own strength. Everything’s possible when you push through the pain, the limits, and the doubt. This is the lesson Gibby’s taught us in his career and his battle with this awful disease.”

Annear’s climb is symbolic of the journey that people with Parkinson’s face every day. His personal story of resilience has become a rallying point for the team responsible for opening the facility, including dozens of volunteers and donors. Since being named the foundation’s CEO in 2022, he has led the strategy behind every detail, including the center’s mission, the design and development of the 30,000 sq.ft. facility itself, and programming tailored exclusively for members and their care partners.

The Lasch Family Foundation Fund pledges to match donations up to $250,000.

The Kilimanjaro Challenge is an opportunity for the community to celebrate the opening of the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness. The Lasch Family Foundation Fund has generously pledged to match donations up to $250,000 before Annear reaches the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro on September 4^th.

“My wife, Suzanne, and I are honored to continue to support the Kirk Gibson Center and the difference it will make for thousands of families,” said Rick Lasch. “We’re especially proud to stand with Steve, who always makes time to help others. He’s been preparing for this climb for over a year. We commend him for leading by example and showing us that great things happen no matter the odds.”

“Since the day I met Steve, I’ve seen him motivate and challenge himself and the people around him,” said Kirk Gibson. “We’re lucky he’s leading our team in the fight against Parkinson’s. I also want to thank the Lasch family for continuing to support the foundation and for coming on board so friends and fans across the country can join us in cheering on Steve and Shawna.”

Donations to the Kirk Gibson Foundation will be doubled between now and September 4, 2025,

when Annear reaches the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Companies and organizations can join current sponsors like Mitch Lyons Wealth, Lineage Foundation for Good, and Planet Fitness. Every dollar will help the foundation unlock the full $250,000 in matching funds from the Lasch Family Foundation Fund.  All proceeds will benefit the Center.

About the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness

Set to open this fall, the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness will be the first of its kind in Michigan. Located at 31440 Northwestern Highway in Farmington Hills, the center will offer group exercise classes and other movement-based activities, educational programs for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners, and other resources. There are no membership fees, and all programs will be free of charge. No insurance is necessary to participate.

About Kirk Gibson

Gibson is a former Major League Baseball MVP, two-time World Series champion, and a legendary Detroit Tigers outfielder known for his toughness on the field and iconic clutch performances. Since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015, Gibson has dedicated his life to helping others with the debilitating condition.

For more information about the Kilimanjaro Challenge and the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness, please visit www.KirkGibsonFoundation.org.

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About the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s:

The Kirk Gibson Foundation was created in 1996 to provide college scholarships to both athletes and non- athletes at Waterford Kettering and Clarkston High Schools, where Kirk’s parents, Robert and Barbara, taught for many years. After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2015, he expanded the mission of the Foundation to improve the quality of life of those living with Parkinson’s through the development and delivery of activity-based programs. Kirk’s vision is to provide inspiration, hope, and help to those living with Parkinson’s disease and their loved ones. Since that expansion, the Foundation has raised more than $3 million towards research grants and programs to support the Parkinson’s community.

Additionally, the Foundation wants to create awareness and understanding about Parkinson’s disease. Too many individuals are in denial about the disease or fear a stigma associated with Parkinson’s and delay seeking medical help. Early diagnosis and treatment can provide years that are virtually symptom-free. It’s imperative to know that life expectancy is about the same as for people without the disease. While life will change with a Parkinson’s diagnosis, many symptoms can be managed with proper medication and movement therapies, and patients can still live an active and enjoyable life. The Foundation will continue to fund and grow outreach programs as well as improve awareness through hosting special events and by increasing fundraising activities.  For more information, please visit www.KirkGibsonFoundation.org