Junior Golfers With a Purpose
Drives4Dreams is a charitable organization rooted in Virginia with collaborative partners in Florida. We are founded by three remarkable junior female golfers. Each of our founders has a personal connection to Parkinson's, with grandparents impacted by the disease.
This shared experience has fueled our commitment to support research initiatives aimed at finding a cure for Parkinson's. Continue reading to learn more about Drives4Dreams.
Bios
Mary Ann
Ria's motivation to leverage her talents to aid Parkinson's disease research is her grandmother Mary Ann.
Mary Ann is the oldest child of blue-collar Ukrainian immigrants who settled in Pittsburgh PA.
Mary Ann was a loving and devoted wife to her husband, George, for 55 years until his passing in 2017. Mary Ann and George raised five wonderful children. Mary Ann is the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren. In 2006, Mary Ann was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. It is heartbreaking for her family to bear witness to a once vibrant and active person succumbing to the devasting ill effects of Parkinson's.
Recently, Mary Ann entered stage 5 Parkinson's and passionately dedicates her time to help to find a cure for this crippling disease.
Ria
Ria is a talented 6th-grade honor student who began playing competitive golf at seven.
Ria competes in U.S. Kids Golf, Peggy Kirk Bell (PKB), Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (HJGT), and PGA Junior League tournaments. She played at the 2021 and 2022 U.S. Kids Golf World Championship and 2023 European Championship in Scotland. Also, Ria competed in a regional qualifier for the Notah Begay III Girls National Championship. In addition, Ria is a member of her school band team.
Ria loves playing with her dog Chico, bike riding, swimming, and wall rock climbing in her spare time. To honor her grandmother Mary Ann, Ria strives to use her talents and competitiveness to raise funding to research a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
KC Subramanyam Naidu
KC Subramanyam Naidu, a diligent individual, devoted much of his professional life to serving as an Accountant at the AP Electricity Board in India. Known for his unwavering commitment to his work, he contributed significantly to the financial management of the board, leaving a lasting impact on his colleagues and the organization.
Beyond his professional endeavors, KC Subramanyam Naidu was a dedicated father to two children. His commitment to family went beyond the workplace, and he poured his love and care into shaping the lives of his children.
Tragically, at the age of 50, KC Subramanyam Naidu faced the challenges of Parkinson's disease, a battle that confined him to bed for the last five years of his life. Despite the adversities, his resilience and the love and support of his family stood as a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
In his memory, KC Subramanyam Naidu is remembered not only for his contributions to the professional realm but also for his enduring love as a father, facing adversity with courage until the end of his journey.
Nishika Koduru
Meet Nishika Koduru, a remarkable fifth-grader at Bridgeway Academy who seamlessly balances academic excellence with a passion for golf. Gifted with academic talent, Nishika excels in her studies while also pursuing her dreams on the golf course as a full-time high-performance athlete at the Don Law Academy.
In the competitive world of junior golf, Nishika stands out for her dedication and skill. Despite her young age, she navigates the challenges of being a high-performance athlete with grace and determination, showcasing her commitment to both education and athletics.
Off the golf course, Nishika's heart belongs to her beloved dog, Frosty. Her love for her furry friend adds a delightful and heartwarming dimension to her busy life. Nishika's story is one of academic prowess, athletic achievement, and the joy she finds in the companionship of her cherished canine companion, Frosty.
Nirvika Koduru
Nirvika Koduru, a dynamic sixth-grade student at Bridgeway Academy, is making waves both academically and athletically. Renowned as an elite junior golfer, Nirvika has secured multiple tournament victories, showcasing her remarkable talent and dedication on the golf course.
As a full-time athlete at the prestigious Don Law Academy in Boca Raton, FL, Nirvika immerses herself in the world of junior golf, honing her skills under expert guidance. Her commitment to excellence extends beyond the classroom, reflecting a well-rounded approach to her education and passion for golf.
In addition to her academic and athletic pursuits, Nirvika finds joy and companionship in her four-legged friend, Frosty. Her love for her dog adds a heartwarming and personal touch to her busy life
Our Mission in Action
At Drives4Dreams, golf is more than a game, it's a catalyst for change. Our talented young athletes leverage their competitiveness to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson's research. Join our charitable organization in the journey to make a meaningful impact.
Reach out to us today and be a part of the change. Your message matters.
