KICK A THON: Fighting Parkinson’s disease

One “Kick” at a Time

1 Million Dollars Raised!

The “KICK” Kick-A-Thon concept was developed by Irwin native Bill Viola Jr., founder of Kumite Classic Entertainment, alongside former Monroeville Mayor and Pennsylvania State Senator Sean Logan. Logan was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease in his mid-forties, while Viola had spent years caring for his grandmother, who ultimately passed away from neurodegenerative complications.

Logan created a 5K event to support his “Do Something” campaign, encouraging people to take action through exercise. Physical activity has been widely recognized as an effective way to help combat the progression and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. In 2017, Viola partnered with Logan to introduce a martial arts-inspired “Kick-A-Thon” component to the 5K — and since then, its growth and community impact have been exponential.  PIND offers a unique twist to the traditional 5K by incorporating Viola’s “Kick-a-thon” concept.  Viola explains, “There are a lot of in-house kick-a-thons that take place at schools, but none that actually kick for distance in the heat. This is the first of its kind.”  The estimated amount of kicks thrown by each participant was 1500 and with over 100 students, the total number was approximately 150,000 kicks.

Sean Logan is a Western Pennsylvania public servant, community advocate, and Parkinson’s disease awareness leader whose work bridges politics, public safety, and health advocacy.

Parkinson’s Advocacy

In his mid-forties, Logan was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease. Rather than stepping back from public life, he turned his diagnosis into a platform for action.

He launched the “Do Something” campaign, encouraging people to take proactive steps—especially through exercise—to fight the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Research consistently shows that regular physical activity can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s.

PIND 5K & Kick A Thon

Logan developed the PIND 5K to raise funds and awareness for the Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (PIND), which supports research into Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, ALS, and related disorders.

In 2017, he partnered with Bill Viola Jr. to add the Kick-A-Thon element to the event—blending martial arts with philanthropy. The event has grown into a powerful symbol of resilience, with participants literally “kicking” for a cure.

Gabby Viola starts the kick a thon:

The Viola Karate Dojo has made it their mission to KICK Parkinson’s disease—literally by assembling over 100 students kicking one mile non-stop though the racetrack at Boyce Park in Monroeville.  The students showcased their skill during record setting heat and donated over $10,000 to aid The Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (PIND) for research.  In all, over the past three years, the PIND event has raised over $1 million dollars through appropriations, grants and sponsors.  100% goes directly for experimental tests in hopes of finding the cure in Pittsburgh.

Viola said,

“The cause is near and dear to my heart.  I’ve been looking for a way to fight this epidemic, and having my school ‘Kick’ for a cure was a perfect fit.  Building character is an important part of martial arts.  My students exceeded my expectations. Their selflessness is incredible.”

A Legacy That Sparked a Movement

Her journey with neurodegenerative disease was not just a medical diagnosis — it was a profound and personal battle witnessed by her family and community. As her neurological condition progressed, those closest to her experienced the emotional weight of watching someone they loved navigate physical decline with courage and grace. What could have become quiet sorrow instead became a catalyst for action.

For Bill Viola Jr., serving as a caregiver to his grandmother during her struggle with neurological complications was transformative. It revealed firsthand the daily realities families face when confronting conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and other degenerative disorders. That experience didn’t end in grief — it ignited purpose. From that defining chapter was born the vision for the Kick Parkinson’s Disease initiative and a lasting partnership with the Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (PIND).

Phyllis’ strength, dignity, and perseverance became more than personal memories — they became guiding principles. Her resilience mirrored the philosophy of martial arts: discipline in adversity, courage under pressure, and the refusal to surrender. Through her example, heartbreak was transformed into mission, and mission into movement.

Today, every strike thrown at the Kick-a-Thon, every young athlete who participates, and every dollar raised for neurological research carries her legacy forward. What began as one family’s hardship has evolved into a community-wide commitment — to fund research, support innovation, and work toward a future free from neurodegenerative disease.

Phyllis Rossi remains the heart behind the movement — proof that even in life’s most difficult battles, love can fuel action, and action can create lasting impact.

About PIND

The Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (PIND), based in Pittsburgh, is dedicated to advancing research and treatment for neurodegenerative conditions including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, and related disorders.

PIND’s mission centers on accelerating scientific discovery, improving early detection, enhancing treatment strategies, and ultimately pursuing cures for these life-altering illnesses. By uniting researchers, clinicians, and community advocates, the institute works to translate laboratory breakthroughs into real-world hope for patients and families.

Community-driven initiatives — such as the PIND 5K and the Kick-a-Thon — bridge the gap between science and service. These events empower students, athletes, and everyday citizens to actively contribute to neurological research, transforming awareness into measurable support.

With more than $1 million raised through grassroots fundraising, PIND continues to demonstrate the power of collective action — proving that when a community unites around a cause, progress accelerates.

9-year-old Mike Barone led the group of by donating nearly $2015 followed by 11-year-old Aidan Thornton ($900) and 5-year-old Madden McKeever ($800).   In just three years, through corporate sponsorships and race participants the 5k race, walk and KICK has surpassed over $300,000 in total donations for PIND which brings the grand total to over $1 million dollars in funds.

Viola has been involved in charitable work since his Senior year at Pitt, when he established Kumite International Collegiate Karate scholarships (The Acronym KICK). The partnership program with Western PA Police Athletic League and Eckert Seamans Law Firm allocated $50,000 in scholarship funds for karate athletes.  The program made national news when Lynn Swann (The Chairman of President George W. Bush’s Council of Physical Fitness and Sports) presenting the scholarships with Viola at the 2004 Kumite Classic in Pittsburgh.   

Although Viola is known internationally for his competitive success in karate he says,

“Trophies collect dust.  Making an impact on the community is priceless. They are making a difference and learning the value of paying in forward. I tell them, every kick of kindness creates an endless a ripple in our community.”

PIND spearheads efforts to find a cure for Parkinson’s Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s Disease, Stroke, and Alzheimer’s Disease.  The kids have already made plans to “Kick Parksinsons” again next year.  For more information please visit:  PIND5K.org

The $1 Million Dollar Mark!

PIND Event race, walk and kick Donation Breakdown 2016-2018

$125,000	PIND Race (2016)
$135,000	PIND Race (2017)
$145,000	PIND Race (2018)
$95,000	Pittsburgh Association Dinner (2017)
$50,000	Clear Thoughts Foundation Grant (2017)
$50,000	Clear Thoughts Foundation Grant (2018)
$150,000	PA Budget Appropriation (2016)
$150,000	PA Budget Appropriation (2017)
$150,000	PA Budget Appropriation (2018)
$1,050,000

 

The Bill Viola Kick-A-Thon for PIND (often called the PIND Kick-A-Thon or Kick Parkinson’s Disease event) is a unique martial arts-themed charity event created to support neurological research, especially the fight against Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions, through the Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (PIND).

🥋 What the Kick-A-Thon Is

• It’s part of the PIND 5K fundraising initiative, but with a twist: instead of—or in addition to—walking or running, martial artists literally kick for distance as a show of support and awareness.

• Participants (often students from Viola’s Allegheny Shotokan Karate and Norwin Ninjas) perform a continuous 1-mile Kick-A-Thon, throwing hundreds to thousands of kicks along the way.

• The idea is symbolic—each kick represents combat against the disease—and also a physical demonstration of discipline, endurance, and solidarity.

🙌 Who Started It

• The Kick-A-Thon concept was developed by Bill Viola Jr. (martial artist, author, and founder of Kumite Classic Entertainment) alongside former Pennsylvania State Senator Sean Logan, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in his forties.

• Viola has personal ties to the mission, having cared for his grandmother during her struggle with neurodegenerative complications, which motivated him to find a way for martial artists to “kick for a cure.”

🎗️ Purpose and Impact

• The event raises funds and awareness for PIND, a Pittsburgh-based institute dedicated to research on Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, ALS, and related disorders.

• Over the years, the PIND 5K and associated Kick-A-Thon-fundraising efforts have raised significant donations (in excess of $1 million through community support, sponsors, and participants).

• It has also helped engage families, students, and martial artists in community service and advocacy for neurological research.

📍 Participation

• Traditionally held in conjunction with community events like the PIND 5K walk/run (historically on Labor Day weekend at Boyce Park, Monroeville, PA).

• Open to martial artists of all ages and skill levels, with participants often collecting pledges or sponsorships tied to their kicks.