Leg Amputee CEO of Kirk Gibson Foundation Completed Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb For Parkinson’s Fundraiser

Photo Courtesy of the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s |Steve Annear and his wife Shawna, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa.

CEO REACHES THE PEAK FOR PARKINSON’S.

STEVE ANNEAR, CEO OF THE KIRK GIBSON FOUNDATION, SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES ‘KILIMANJARO CHALLENGE’ CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN WITH ONE LEG TO RAISE FUNDS TO HELP THOSE WITH PARKINSON’S.

The climb may be over, but the fundraising continues due to a generous donor’s offer to match every donation up to $250,000

(BIRMINGHAM, MI – September 22025) After climbing to an elevation of 19,341 feet during a grueling climb that started on August 25^th and logged 47 miles, over 9 days, Steve Annear, CEO of the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s, and his wife Shawna have completed their Kilimanjaro Challenge, climbing the highest mountain in Africa.  Steve and Shawna began training over a year ago with the goal to raise funds and awareness for the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness which officially opens next month in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Before he departed for Tanzania in late-August, Steve had met his fundraising goal of $250,000 which was matched by a grant from the Lasch Family Foundation Fund.  While Steve and Shawna celebrate reaching the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro,  the fundraising continues as Tom Archipley, a Director on the Board of the Kirk Gibson Foundation and longtime friend of Kirk Gibson, and his wife Dina, have pledged to match every donation made 1 for 1, until a new goal of $250,000 is achieved. This generous new pledge provides an overall opportunity for the foundation to potentially raise over $1,000,000 to support those living with Parkinson’s in Michigan.

As if the rigorous year-long training and final trek to Kilimanjaro’s summit weren’t demanding enough,

Steve, an amputee since age 11, completed the 47-mile climb on crutches.  His determination and perseverance served as inspiration to the team at the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness.  Steve, who was named the Foundation’s CEO in 2022, has led the strategy behind the opening of the Center, including its mission, the design and development of the 30,000 sq.ft. facility, and programming tailored exclusively for members and their care partners.  The thought of benefiting the Center and supporting members and their families encouraged him through the more arduous moments of his ascent. His personal goal, which he successfully completed, was to complete this fundraising initiative prior to the Center’s grand opening, which will be October 6, 2025.

“The Kilimanjaro Challenge has always been about more than reaching the summit. It’s about showing up for the Parkinson’s community, for those living with the disease and for the Care Partners walking beside them,” said Steve Annear, CEO of the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s.  “With the generous support of corporate and public donors, the Center can continue to improve the quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s.”

“Throughout our many years of friendship, Kirk’s commitment to improving the lives of individuals with Parkinson’s and their Care Partners has been unwavering,” says Tom Archipley, Director on the Board for the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s.  “Dina and I are honored to celebrate Steve Annear’s amazing accomplishment and support this final fundraising effort before the Center’s opening.”

“Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is an incredible accomplishment in itself and doing it to support the Parkinson’s community in Michigan makes Steve and Shawna’s achievement even more extraordinary,” added Kirk Gibson. “I would also like to thank all of the generous donors and my good friends, Tom and Dina Archipley, for supporting our pre-opening fundraising efforts.”

Donations to the Kirk Gibson Foundation that are made now,

will be matched by Tom and Dina Archipley until the goal of $250,000 is achieved. Companies and organizations can join current supporters and sponsors like The Lasch Family Foundation Fund, Mitch Lyons Wealth, Lineage Foundation for Good, Planet Fitness and Giroux Pappas. All proceeds will benefit the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness.

For more information on the Center and to make a donation, please visit KirkGibsonCenter.org and click on “Donate.”

About the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness

Set to open on Monday, October 6, 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 for the Parkinson’s community. 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.

About the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s: 

The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s was formed by former professional baseball player and manager, Kirk Gibson, after his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease in 2015.  Gibson spent most of his career with the Tigers, but also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates.  Gibson now spends his time supporting his mission and vision of spreading awareness for Parkinson’s and providing inspiration and hope to others who are living with Parkinson’s. The foundation was originally 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 Disease in 2015, Gibson 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

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