Andrew Rubin is a young San Diego filmmaker whose father was diagnosed 10 years ago with Parkinson’s disease. His grandfather and cousin also suffered with the disorder. So, when Rubin was approached by director and co–producer Ricardo Villarreal to co-direct a feature length documentary about the inspirational Larry Smith, who fights the effects of Parkinson’s every day, Rubin jumped at the opportunity.

Parkinson’s disease is not one of those illnesses you hear a lot about in the media. It destroys muscle control, causing both tremors and rigidity, uncontrollable movements, slurred or loss of speech, fatigue, depression and a host of other debilitating symptoms.

Larry Smith on his recumbent bike.

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There is no national Three-Day walk, major star-studded telethon, or instantly recognizable colored ribbon symbol. Yet, about 1.5 million people in the United States are affected by this incurable and progressive neurodegenerative disease, with about 50,000-60,000 new cases reported every year.

Larry Smith is the uncle of Villarreal’s wife, Katie Skow Villarreal, the film’s producer. A Ride With Larry puts a human face on the day-to-day fight against Parkinson’s disease through the story of this retired Connecticut police captain, now a bakery owner living in Vermillion, South Dakota. Afflicted with, but not beaten by the progressive effects of 20 years of the disease, Smith plans to bike across South Dakota on a recumbent tricycle this May, to bring about awareness.

The ride will demonstrate the power of keeping the body active and mind positive in the fight against Parkinson’s, and show that even though there’s no cure, the best antidote against succumbing to it’s effects is living life to its fullest.

The film’s trailer opens with Smith trading in his cane for a bike. He pulls it out of the garage and settles himself in, with all the accompanying movements and tremors that Parkinson’s inflicts on his body.

“I know people who got diagnosed with Parkinson’s and they just gave up,” he says. “Sat in a wheelchair and refused to get up. I’ll never give up. Someday this will probably take me, but I’m not going to walk away from life.”

Barring a medical breakthrough, Parkinson’s patients do not recover. Their symptoms will worsen and their quality of life will deteriorate. However, studies have shown that certain activities, such as riding recumbent bikes or playing certain Wii games can improve the system and slow down the progression of the symptoms.

The filmmakers hope this documentary will spur a national awareness campaign. Says Rubin: “There’s often a stigma attached when someone has Parkinson’s, because with the slurred speech and other symptoms, sufferers seem like they are drunk or somehow impaired. As I talk to more and more people, I’m amazed how many know someone impacted by this disease, yet there is so little public awareness about it.”

Andrew Rubin.

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Along with Rubin and the Villarreals, the filmmakers include executive producer Stephen Nemeth, who heads up the independent film company Rhino Films. Nemeth has been executive producer on 14 films and producer on 10 others, including the Johnny Depp-starring Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Also working as producer on Ride with Larry is Rubin’s brother, Matt.

Starting in February, the crew will be shooting as Larry Smith trains for his ride, and will then follow him as he sets out in May. Like all independent filmmakers, they need capital to accomplish this. They are currently running a fundraising campaign through Kickstarter, an internet-based platform, and have set a goal of $50,000 by February 2.

“It’s really important that we reach this goal,” says Andrew Rubin, “because with Kickstarter, if you don’t meet your goal, everything is refunded and we get nothing.

“We want to make a difference in the lives of those with Parkinson’s disease, family members and caretakers. Beyond Parkinson's disease, anyone facing a life altering illness can find inspiration in Ride with Larry.”

Donations are tax-deductible, and donors become a part of the film with named credits, as well as tangible gifts and awards, such as cycling jerseys, hotel stays and even an Amazon Kindle.