Over the last 18 years, Gene Fair has made a huge impact on behalf of the National Parkinson’s Foundation, conducting fundraisers and benefit concerts in Alabama and across the country.

Gene was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease at the age of 30. Confined to a wheelchair at first, he vowed that one day he would work to beat the disease before it beat him. Gene started fundraising in an attempt to find a cure. In his efforts, Gene has raised around 2.5 million dollars toward this end.

When he is able, Gene also volunteers at local schools working with special education children, especially those with cerebral palsy. He's currently collaborating with the NASA Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala., to send a group of disabled children to visit the Center.

Gene was presented the Thomas Jefferson Award for Public Service by current President George W. Bush on June 18, 2002, in Washington D.C.

Read More Hero Stories >