Kick Parkinson’s Disease PIND
Kicking for a Cure
We gave Parkinson’s a swift KICK.
Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate and its sister program, Norwin Ninjas, joined forces with Team Kumite to support the Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (PIND) 5K research initiative led by Sean Logan and Bill Viola Jr. Through a first-of-its-kind mobile 1-mile Kick-a-thon, the Pittsburgh-area karate school is literally kicking Parkinson’s disease — one strike at a time.
PIND offers a unique twist to the traditional 5K by incorporating Viola’s innovative “Kick-a-thon” concept. Each participant threw an estimated 1,500 kicks over the course of the event. With more than 100 students participating, the grand total reached approximately 150,000 kicks in support of neurological research.
“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.”
— Bill Viola Jr.
The Story Behind the “KICK”
The concept was developed by Irwin native Bill Viola Jr., founder of Kumite Classic Entertainment, alongside former Mayor and State Senator Sean Logan. Logan was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease in his mid-forties and created the PIND 5K as part of his “Do Something” campaign to promote exercise as medicine. Physical activity has been widely recognized as one of the most effective ways to combat Parkinson’s disease and improve quality of life. Viola, who spent years caring for his grandmother during her battle with neurodegenerative complications, felt a personal calling to take action. What began as a simple idea has grown exponentially. In just four years, through corporate sponsorship and participant support, the PIND 5K has surpassed $1 million in total donations.
“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.”
— Bill Viola Jr.
Gabby Viola Spokesperson for KICK 5K
| Role | Organization | Focus / Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Martial Artist | United States Army | Represents the U.S. Army Fight Team, promoting resilience, leadership, discipline, and physical excellence through elite-level competition |
| Athlete Ambassador | Edgar Snyder & Associates | Represents the firm through competition, media appearances, and community initiatives—embodying perseverance, strength, and service |
| Goodwill Ambassador | Western PA Police Athletic League | Promotes youth mentorship, discipline, and positive police–community relationships through sport |
| Health Advocate | Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation | Raises awareness for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, empowering young athletes living with IBD |
| Student Visionary | The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (Blood Cancer United) | Leads blood cancer awareness and fundraising through student leadership and community outreach |
| Spokesmodel | Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (PIND) | Serves as a spokesperson for the Kick-5K / Kick-A-Thon, supporting neurological disease research and community fundraising initiatives |
| Team USA | WAKO USA | WAKO National Champion, representing the United States on the Olympic pathway under the U.S. Olympic Committee |
| World Champion | WAKO · WKC · ICO · NASKA | World titles earned across multiple sanctioning bodies, competing internationally in France, Hungary, Portugal, Canada, Ireland, England, and Wales |
Phyllis Rossi – KICK 5k The Inspiration
Phyllis Rossi was more than a name attached to a cause — she was the heart behind it.
Her battle with neurodegenerative disease became a deeply personal experience for those closest to her, including her family and community. Watching her face the physical and emotional challenges of neurological decline inspired a call to action — not just to cope, but to fight back.
For Bill Viola Jr., caring for his grandmother during her struggle with neurodegenerative complications was life-changing. It exposed the harsh realities families face when confronting diseases like Parkinson’s and other neurological disorders. That experience planted the seed for what would later become the “Kick Parkinson’s Disease” movement and the partnership with PIND.
Phyllis’ strength, dignity, and perseverance in the face of adversity became a living lesson in resilience — a value deeply rooted in martial arts philosophy. Her journey helped transform grief into purpose, and purpose into action.
Today, every kick thrown during the Kick-a-Thon, every dollar raised for neurological research, and every student who participates is part of that legacy. What began as a family’s pain has grown into a community mission — to honor her memory by fighting for a future without neurodegenerative disease.
Phyllis Rossi remains the inspiration behind the movement — a reminder that even in the hardest battles, love and action can create lasting impact.
About PIND
The Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (PIND) is a research institute based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, dedicated to studying and combating neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, and related conditions.
PIND focuses on advancing scientific research, promoting early diagnosis, improving treatment strategies, and ultimately working toward cures for these life-altering diseases. By bringing together medical professionals, researchers, and community leaders, the organization aims to accelerate breakthroughs that improve quality of life for patients and families affected by neurological disorders.
Through community-driven initiatives like the PIND 5K and the Kick-a-Thon concept, PIND bridges the gap between laboratory research and public engagement—empowering everyday citizens, athletes, and students to actively support neurological research.
With over $1 million raised through grassroots fundraising efforts, PIND continues to make a meaningful impact in the fight against neurodegenerative disease—proving that when a community comes together, progress follows.
