MJFF raises almost $2M in NYC Parkinson’s Unity Walk

The 2026 Parkinson’s Unity Walk raised almost $2 million, with more than 3,000 people participating in the 1.2-mile walk in New York’s Central Park on April 25, The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) said.

An anonymous donor helped, matching every dollar raised up to $1.4 million. The match is open until the end of May. All funds will support MJFF’s Parkinson’s research fund and public policy priorities.

“Community-driven events like the Parkinson’s Unity Walk are central to the Foundation’s mission and play a vital role in advancing research and fundraising toward a world without Parkinson’s disease,” Stephanie Paddock, MJFF’s vice president for community fundraising and events, said in a foundation press release.

The interactive event featured educational programming and informational resources from local Parkinson’s groups and advocates, industry representatives, and community partners. Those included America’s Got Talent host Terry Crews and his wife, actor, singer, and producer Rebecca King Crews, who has been living with Parkinson’s for nearly 10 years and uses her platform to raise awareness for the disease.

“We’re very excited to partner with The Michael J. Fox Foundation to find a cure,” King Crews said. “I believe with all my heart that if we put our brains together about Parkinson’s the way we have about so many other diseases, we can cure it and prevent it.”

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Parkinson’s is caused by a progressive loss of nerve cells that leads to the motor and nonmotor symptoms characteristic of the disease. An estimated 1.2 million people in the U.S. live with Parkinson’s and related diseases, a number that is predicted to double by 2050.

A recent MJFF report found that in 2024, the annual economic impact of Parkinson’s in the U.S. exceeded $82.2 billion, with costs projected to reach $112 billion per year by 2045.

For more than 30 years, the Parkinson’s Unity Walk has brought together thousands of participants through the dedicated efforts of patients and families, supported those with Parkinson’s, and funded hundreds of research projects.

The day’s programming included on-stage demonstrations and featured movement and exercise groups, including Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, Rock Steady Boxing – Eastern Island, Dance for PD, Moving Brains Foundation, Parkinson’s Voice Project, and Pickleball for Parkinson’s.

MJFF community partners participating in the event included the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, the Parkinson’s Foundation, and PMD Alliance.

“This event, year over year, is about bringing the Parkinson’s community together and ensuring everyone walks away with meaningful connections, valuable resources and most importantly, hope and encouragement,” Paddock said.