A Cross-Country Mission Fueled by Love
This summer, a cross-country journey is capturing hearts and uniting motorcycle enthusiasts, rare disease advocates, and families impacted by myotonic dystrophy (DM). Patrick "Pat" Cornell aka "Vroom Old Man"—a 60-year-old Navy veteran, 9/11 first responder, and retired firefighter—is riding 125,000+ miles in 125+ days to raise awareness and funds for DM, a little-known but devastating genetic disorder that affects more than 150,000 Americans.
Pat isn’t chasing a record for himself. He’s riding for Janice—his wife of over 7 years—and the Mantz family, who have battled myotonic dystrophy for generations. “It’s affected our sisters, cousins, and nieces, grandparents, aunts, and uncles,” Janice says. “But Pat refuses to let the disease define our family’s future.”
Their mission is personal. Their message is universal.
What Is Myotonic Dystrophy?
Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is a progressive, inherited neuromuscular disease that can affect skeletal and smooth muscles, the heart, lungs, gastrointestinal system, endocrine organs, and brain. Because of a genetic phenomenon called anticipation, symptoms worsen and appear earlier in successive generations. The average diagnostic delay is 7–10 years, often leaving families misdiagnosed or without proper care for decades.
“I’m not doing this for me,” Pat explains. “I’m doing it for the families who live with this every day. I want them to know they’re not alone—and I want the world to know this disease exists.”
A Powerful Pit Stop in Oakland
On Day 43 of his ride, Pat visited the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation (MDF) headquarters in Oakland, CA. He met with the Foundation's CEO, Dr. Tanya Stevenson and local team members Kleed Cumming (Director of Communications and Technology), Scarlett Chidgey (Director of Development), Dr. Nadine Skinner (Director of Evaluation & Research Programs), and Crystal Henley (Administrative & Development Operations Coordinator).
Over lunch, Pat shared stories from the road and strategized with the team about how to use his journey to build visibility and support for families impacted by myotonic dystrophy.
On the Road and Rallying the DM Community
As his wheels turn across the U.S., Pat is connecting with the DM community at every turn—with plans to meet with MDF Support Group Members, Board Members, Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) members, and industry partners. These visits create moments of powerful connection, raise local awareness, and elevate stories of resilience. Click here to view Pat's live route tracker! >>>
“It’s not just a ride. It’s a statement,” Janice said.
Through every shared story and mile traveled, Pat is helping strengthen the national myotonic dystrophy community.
A Ride with Heart, Hope, and Horsepower
For the Mantz family, DM has meant generations of loss and uncertainty. Pat’s ride is more than symbolic—it’s deeply urgent.
“We’ve watched this disease take too much from the people we love,” Janice shared. “This is Pat’s way of fighting back—with the full power of his heart, grit, and engine.”
Her sister, Diana Popik, added, “It’s exhausting to explain this disease over and over—to doctors, teachers, even friends. Pat’s ride is giving voice to families like ours.” Click here to watch an interview on the mission behind Pat's ride with Diana and Michelle Tice on Astound TV!
MDF CEO Dr. Tanya Stevenson called Pat’s journey “a powerful reminder of how one person’s love and determination can move a nation. His courage is sparking change and bringing our community together.”
MDF Scientific Advisory Committee Chair Dr. Andy Berglund emphasized, “We’re making breakthroughs in DM research—but public awareness and funding are still our greatest hurdles. That’s why voices like Pat’s matter so much.”
Gear, Grit, and Gratitude
Pat’s ride is supported by trusted gear and equipment partners including Indian Motorcycle, Denali Electronics, and KLIM Gear. These companies have outfitted Pat with high-performance tools that help keep him safe and on the road—no matter the conditions.
Get Involved: Share the Story, Fuel the Cause
Pat’s journey is part of a growing movement leading up to International Myotonic Dystrophy Awareness Day on September 15. The Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation invites everyone to:
- Share Pat’s story with friends, family, or media contacts
- Donate to support research, advocacy, and care programs
As Pat rides into his next city, he looks forward to meeting local families, visiting research institutions, and building bridges that will carry forward the fight against DM. Every mile brings us closer to visibility, understanding, and a cure!
Donate Now to Pat's #RideForDM!
Help Pat Hit Primetime!
Know someone in media? Help us amplify this story! Share it, pitch it, or forward it to a journalist. National attention can help unlock research funding and bring visibility to families living with myotonic dystrophy!
To follow the journey or contribute to the campaign, visit: www.myotonic.org/Pat125