The Courage to Change the Things He Can: A Ride to Provide Recumbent Trikes
Jack was diagnosed in 2020, at age 22, with Spinocerebellar Ataxia, a progressive neurodegenerative disease which will eventually make anything requiring coordination or balance impossible for him.
Jack is generous, perpetually cheerful, and loves people. So, when he got this diagnosis, which would make many turn inward in despair, Jack’s response was: “I don’t know why I got this, but worrying about it won’t change anything. Maybe I can help someone else who is also struggling.”
When Jack could no longer drive, was forced to give up his usual hobbies, and was using a wheelchair for any significant distances, he discovered he was able to ride a recumbent trike. It gave him freedom, independence, and hope. In the Spring of 2021, he started with a few laps around the local park and is now able to ride up to 100 miles at a time.
Now Jack is ready to implement his plan to help others. To share the independence and hope that he has found, Jack wants to purchase trikes for other young people with Ataxia. To fund this, while also raising awareness about Ataxia and the need for accessible biking trails, in August/September 2024, Jack and his mom will ride from Maine to Ohio.
Please consider a donation to help Jack achieve this commendable goal.
Monica–Jack’s Mom
Updates (3)
March 8, 2025
Check out this video to get the latest on Moving Forward! :)
March 4, 2024
Follow us on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556285649298
February 5, 2024
Thanks to the folks at Ride With GPS who have donated a Premium Membership and especially to Dylan Mead who has been equally patient and instructive in helping us get our route mapped out. Check it out.
https://ridewithgps.com/events/293030-movingforward
Photo Galleries (1)
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Guestbook
September 13, 2025
I’m Mike Weed, a stroke survivor. Riding adaptive trikes has given me strength, freedom, and a way to keep moving forward in recovery. Every mile is a victory, and your support helps me—and others like me—roll toward a brighter future. Thank you for being part of this journey.
mike weed
September 12, 2025
Hi Jack!
Keep up the good work and positive attitude! You are a inspiration for many! I too have Ataxia (SCA3). I am now 65 and ride trikes like you for the joy they provide. I currently own a HP Scorpion 26 with a 1000 watt Befang motor (by Utah Trikes) and a Cat Trike Dumont (by Utah Trikes). Stay well and keep doing what you are doing! Steve Peterson
Steve Peterson
August 31, 2025
Go, Jack!
Rita Winters
August 24, 2025
Proud to support this campaign. Go Jack, always happy to see updates and photos, keep moving forward.
Suzanne Dale Bramble
August 23, 2025
Met a young man at the Penn State Health Rec Fest who enlightened me about this cause . He was an inspiration and I dedicate this donation to him .
Claire Malfaro
August 10, 2025
Amazing 305 miles in 24 hours! Team Jack!
Daniel London
July 22, 2025
Best of luck on your second fund-raising trike journey!
Linda
Linda Peduto
April 10, 2025
Keep on riding!
John Martin
April 2, 2025
Ride on Jack!!
Suzanne Martin
February 25, 2025
Keep rockin', Flash!
Max Hall
February 25, 2025
Go Flash! We’re rooting for you and sending lots of love!
Rachel & Jonathan Albert
January 30, 2025
Love your spirit. Great initiative!
Nanette Presswell
January 28, 2025
For my friend Flash who is so strong and keeps going no matter what.
Jennie Reinish
January 16, 2025
Realized I haven't given to your campaign yet Jack. How embarrassing! I am very proud of you. What you've accomplished, both with your ride and Moving Forward, is amazing. I hope you are able to continue sharing your joy and generosity with others
-Grant
Grant Perme
December 31, 2024
Keep hope alive!
Ray and Marcie Perme
December 9, 2024
After our trips to the San Francisco & the Redwoods, cycling in Iowa, our niece's wedding, volunteering for the election, more bike rides for people killed by traffic violence, the election and visiting elderly relatives in their 90s & 100s, we are finally getting around to congratulate you on your cycle journey!!!!
Mindy Maslin
October 13, 2024
Way to go!
James Goodwin
September 24, 2024
Great achievement, you put in the training time, and committed and executed. Great job, something to be proud of. Dad
David Perme
September 7, 2024
You’re both an inspiration!
Barb Lesky
September 6, 2024
Thank you, Monica and Jack for your kindness. Your fortitude is unmatched. God bless you in your journey.
Trudy Fix
September 4, 2024
The two of you are amazing and I'm stoked to follow the trip!
dylan mead
September 4, 2024
You're an inspiration!! Keep riding.
Anonymous
September 2, 2024
Go Jack Go !
Peter Schnorr
August 31, 2024
Following your trek and cheering all the way! Big hearts to you!
G Swanlund
August 30, 2024
Way to go, Jack!
Cathy Perme
August 28, 2024
Fantastic work, Jack! Your work and trek are an inspiration!
Steve Figgatt
August 23, 2024
Keep going with your campaign of joy!
RITA WINTERS
August 20, 2024
Hi
Zachary Stone-Tatro
August 17, 2024
Cheering you on from Los Angeles! Hearts!
G Swanlund
August 17, 2024
Wonderful to learn that you are riding for Ataxia to help spread awareness! Good luck! Cheering you on.
Marilyn
Marilyn Perry
August 16, 2024
I am with you evey mile of the way. Go, Jack and Monica!
Cynthia Kelly
August 16, 2024
You both are amazing and I’ve loved following along on your journey! Good luck! You’ve got this one day one pedal at a time!
Kim Lastrina
August 13, 2024
Good luck! Can't wait to hear all about it
Jonny, Liz & Mona Egan
August 13, 2024
Keep pedaling Jack!!
Patrick Conlon
August 11, 2024
Go Jack! I admire your courage and generosity. Safe travels!
Linda Ingham
August 9, 2024
Jack Perme exemplifies what our most celebrated works of art and literature have always done: he shows us a new way of seeing and being. He thinks of others. He faces life with courage and humor. Where the mainstream world would be looking for something to whine about or someone to blame, Jack Perme looks for a way to improve, serve, and show kindness. He's one of our role models.
-- Melissa and Richard Severance
Melissa B Severance
August 4, 2024
Best Wishes!
Linda Skuba
August 1, 2024
Wishing you an amazing ride! You are truly an inspiration!
Megan Musto
July 31, 2024
Jack, i am proud of you and wishing you all the best on your journey… Love your aunt
Cynthia Rush
July 31, 2024
WOW! What an inspiring and generous gift to others, Jack! Here\'s to you and your BIG journey! Sending love and strength for this amazing ride!
jan swanlund
July 30, 2024
A great endeavor and Goal! Good Luck Jack
Jim Diesing
July 29, 2024
Go Jack!
William Loftus
July 29, 2024
Great cause! Best of luck Jack. John & Lynn Loftus
John Loftus
July 29, 2024
Good Luck Jack.
Lou Bucelli
July 29, 2024
Good luck on your trip!
Richard Baldwin
July 25, 2024
Good luck, Monica and Jack!!
Sarah Wood
July 25, 2024
Good luck to all!!!
Terri Halpern
July 23, 2024
What an amazing endeavor! Monica and Jack our family sends you all the best! Hoping for smooth travels and a successful ride. You are both an inspiration!
The Lyster Family
July 20, 2024
Keep on trucking Jack!!! You are amazing!!
Sandi Brettler
July 17, 2024
Jack and Monica - you inspire me! Best wishes to you both on your upcoming ride!
XO Carmela
Carmela Kranz
July 13, 2024
Super effort, all the luck!
David Perme
May 12, 2024
Safe travels Jack & his mom (Monica) can’t wait to follow your journey.
Suzanne Bramble
April 7, 2024
Go, Jack, go!
May Toms
April 6, 2024
Have a great ride!!!
Anonymous
March 30, 2024
Wishing you tailwinds and fair weather!
Melanie Mazanec
March 20, 2024
Great cause...Bravo !
Jim Powers
March 19, 2024
Great to chat during the Philly Bike Expo!
Christopher Corbran
March 18, 2024
Hi Jack!
It was great to meet you Saturday at the Philly Bike Expo. Good luck on your ride!
Christa B.
March 16, 2024
Keep riding bud!
Sean Tompkins
March 9, 2024
Wishing you a successful campaign and happy journey! -Zoe, Will, and Cokie
Zoe Scott
February 6, 2024
Keep Moving Forward Jack!
Michael Cammer
February 5, 2024
Go Jack!!!
Beau Casey
February 1, 2024
Jack is our super hero! We love you Jack keep on pushing….Jermaine All Star Images..
Jermaine Thomas
January 10, 2024
GODSPEED
Miroslav Jencik
January 10, 2024
Great idea Jack! Best of luck on your trek from Maine to Ohio!
Matthew Rush
December 15, 2023
Jack,
I am happy to drop a check in the mail today to help you in your quest, and to share your campaign site with friends to help raise funds for you! Best of luck to you and your Mom on your journey!
Linda
Linda Peduto
November 24, 2023
Jack , Wishing you well on your quest to ride. I hope all you plans gel and wheels are turning in your favor soon!! Good Luck Bob
Robert Gostisha
