Moving Day walks to raise funds for Parkinson’s research
Events planned for 20 US cities this fall to raise awareness, funding
The Parkinson’s Foundation will organize events in 20 U.S. cities this fall as part of Moving Day, a walk to increase awareness of Parkinson’s disease and raise funds for research.
“Moving Day is much more than a fundraiser,” John Poma, a member of the foundation’s People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council and a Moving Day Indianapolis team captain, said in a foundation press release. “Having a positive attitude is so important, and that is something the Parkinson’s Foundation offers. Through Moving Day, we can share the Foundation’s resources and help people live well with Parkinson’s.”
In addition to in-person events, the foundation is hosting Moving Day @ Home, a virtual option. Participants of all ages and abilities can sign up for the at-home and in-person fall events on the Moving Day website. Several events will also occur in the spring.
Parkinson’s is caused by the death of neurons that produce the signaling molecule dopamine. People with Parkinson’s may develop motor symptoms, including slowed movement and balance challenges, and nonmotor symptoms like depression and anxiety.
Parkinson’s treatments and physical therapy can help manage symptoms, but there isn’t yet a cure for the disease.
Events have raised more than $50M
The Parkinson’s Foundation funds research that advances treatment options and works toward a cure. Money raised from Moving Day events will support this research and help the foundation deliver care and free resources for people with Parkinson’s and their families.
Since 2011, more than 200,000 participants have raised more than $50 million through Moving Day events. “Moving Day is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together as teams and as individuals, collectively moving us closer to a cure,” said Kayln Henkel, the foundation’s executive vice president and chief development officer.
Moving Day events feature information and fitness demonstrations for people with Parkinson’s to “celebrate movement” as a way to help manage symptoms, the foundation said.
Participants can register as individuals or as part of a team. Once registered, they can begin fundraising using the foundation’s mobile app and fundraising tools.
This year’s national sponsors are slip-on shoemaker Kizik and cell therapy developer Bluerock Therapeutics.
“Aligned with the Parkinson’s Foundation’s vision to make life better for people with Parkinson’s, our hands-free shoes eliminate barriers and fuel independence,” said Elizabeth Drori, Kizik’s chief marketing officer.
Bluerock develops cell therapies, including the experimental Parkinson’s treatment bemdaneprocel, which aims to replace lost dopamine-producing neurons. The company is sponsoring a Phase 3 clinical trial (NCT06944522) to test bemdaneprocel in people with Parkinson’s who have responded to levodopa therapy but experience at least 2.5 hours of daily off time, or periods where medication effects wear off and symptoms return. The study is currently recruiting in seven locations across the U.S.
“At BlueRock Therapeutics, we are driven to develop impactful new medicines that will help people living with Parkinson’s disease lead healthier lives,” said Seth Ettenberg, PhD, president and CEO of Bluerock. “We have a shared commitment with the Parkinson’s Foundation to provide meaningful support to the Parkinson’s disease community and are proud to be a National Partner of Moving Day.”
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