Earlier in my automotive career, my dear friend Deb Pollack and I hosted an event for the great Formula 1 World Champion and all-around wonderful gentleman, Phil Hill. Phil was suffering from the effects of Parkinson's, and Deb's mom had passed from it only a few years before -- needless to say, my passion and involvement were stirred to support this challenging disease.

So, my current plan is to head out in 'Easy Wind,' my wonderful 6-speed manual(!) 'Taco' (Toyota Tacoma) for a 2-month tour of the Lower 48 in support of the 2nd Annual Drive Toward a Cure 75 Days of Summer program, which raises funds with every mile, smile, and experience along the way.

I've dubbed this journey 'The Wolves and the Wise' to honor my father, Walter Ehoodin, who lost his battle to Covid 19 this past December. Dad was first and foremost a Scientist who had shed the poverty of depression-era Brooklyn for a successful career in Biotechnology, as a pioneer in multi-tasking blood analysis. His was not a belief, but deep love and trust of science and nature. Over his lifetime he passed this passion and so many lessons on to me.

For instance, over the last twenty years of his life, he was also an ardent supporter of the re-introduction of the Wolf into Yellowstone Park. With the wolves came healing to the landscape, returning species, fauna, and wetlands where there was drought. He and I planned a trip to visit these elegant and family-oriented beings, to see the beauty they created, and now I will do so on his behalf.

The 'Wise' part acknowledges his memory and his admiration of the great indigenous societies that once lived in harmony with nature and leaders such as Sitting Bull, the Lakota chief of the sacred Black Hills of South Dakota. Fossil sites and visits to the great towns across the land will complete the experience.

I recognize that those who have Parkinson's cannot so easily follow their passions. I kindly ask that you support them by first and foremost supporting Drive Toward a Cure and the outstanding work they accomplish.

With gratitude -- Jeff