‘Moving Day, A Walk for Parkinson’s’ marks 15th year with events across US
Parkinson’s Foundation's largest fundraiser will hit over 50 cities by year's end
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The Parkinson’s Foundation’s Moving Day fundraiser is marking its 15th anniversary this year.
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Walks will be held in more than 50 U.S. cities across 30 states by year's end.
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The funds raised support research, better treatments, quality care, and free resources for patients and families.
The Parkinson’s Foundation‘s largest annual fundraiser — Moving Day, A Walk for Parkinson’s — is marking its 15th anniversary, and the U.S.-based nonprofit has announced dates for a series of walks across the nation that aim to generate funding that will advance research and support care for people with the neurodegenerative disease.
By year’s end, these events, designed to also raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease, will have been held in 53 U.S. cities in more than 25 states.
Registration is now open for local events, where participants may join individually or as a team of family and friends, or as coworkers. Companies may also join at the national level, making a formal commitment to sponsorship and participation in events.
In addition to local events, the foundation is also hosting Moving Day @ Home, a virtual walking event where supporters of all ages and abilities may participate from anywhere in the country.
“It’s an honor to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Moving Day, which has grown into the nation’s largest Walk for the PD [Parkinson’s disease] community,” Kayln Henkel, executive vice president and chief advancement officer of the foundation, said in a press release noting the milestone.
According to Henkel, “Moving Day continues to reach areas in need of vital Parkinson’s resources, support and human connection and offers a vibrant, inclusive space where people of all abilities can unite with a shared purpose: to improve care and accelerate research for PD.”
Monies raised by Parkinson’s walks will support research, programs
Fundraising tools are available online, including a Fundraise for Parkinson’s App. There’s also a social media toolkit, fundraising tips, and guides for first-time participants, team captains, and corporate teams.
Among the tips: Asking family members, friends, and coworkers to donate to the event; offering fitness classes or volunteer work in exchange for donations; hosting an online auction or raffle; or asking local businesses to donate gift cards or services.
After registering, supporters are given access to the Participant Center, a personal online fundraising center with tools to help them reach their fundraising goals.
By donating any amount from $100 to more than $1,000, participants can earn exclusive rewards to help raise awareness, including a Moving Day T-shirt, a visor, a canvas tote, and a lightweight jacket.
Money raised from Moving Day events will support research to develop better treatment options and advance toward a cure, deliver quality care for people with Parkinson’s, and provide free resources and services for patients and their families.
Since 2011, Moving Day has brought together more than 220,000 participants and raised nearly $56 million to support the foundation’s national mission, helping deliver care to nearly 200,000 people with Parkinson’s, according to the foundation.
When the doctor said ‘you’ve got Parkinson’s’ I was devastated, felt alone and adrift. Participating in Moving Day reinforces how we are not alone and how much support and care is available for those with [Parkinson’s].
People living with the disease say the program also provides community.
“When the doctor said ‘you’ve got Parkinson’s’ I was devastated, felt alone and adrift. Participating in Moving Day reinforces how we are not alone and how much support and care is available for those with [Parkinson’s],” said Michael Fava, team captain at the Moving Day event in The Villages in Florida who also serves as a volunteer.
“I continue to participate and support Moving Day because it represents unity and hope for a cure,” Fava said.
