Jack Perme

My name is Monica Perme. I joined RAGBRAI in Guthrie Center because my son, and riding partner, died July 11.

We had been looking forward to doing RAGBRAI for more than a year and were planning to use it as an opportunity to highlight our small charity, Moving Forward For Ataxia, which raises awareness about Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA) and purchases recumbent trikes for others with the disease.

Jack had SCA, a progressive neuro degenerative disease affecting balance, coordination, speech, and swallowing for which there is no cure or treatment. Remaining active for as long as possible is the goal. Passionate about helping others and generous to his core, Jack started this charity with his mom in 2024. In under 2 years they raised more than $55,000 and donated 17 trikes.

His death has had a profound impact on all who knew him and those who had only heard about him.