Foundation Hosting Virtual, Contactless Moving Day Events

The Parkinson’s Foundation has announced that this year’s Moving Day walk season will include virtual and contactless events.

Moving Day, which is the Foundation’s signature fundraising event, aims to increase awareness about Parkinson’s disease, as well as raise money that will fund research and provide expert care for people in the Parkinson’s community.

“In the last 10 years, Moving Day has united more than 150,000 people in the fight against Parkinson’s disease and has raised more than $30 million to fund cutting-edge research and community programs,” John L. Lehr, the president and CEO of the Foundation, said in a press release.

The Foundation is putting on more than 45 Moving Day events this year, including Moving Day USA — a virtual walk event at 1 p.m. ET on May 22. This virtual event welcomes everyone in the Parkinson’s community, particularly people for whom there is no designated local event.

Various local events also will take place; each event will be tailored to that community’s state and city guidelines regarding health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While Moving Day will look different this year with virtual and contactless events, our commitment to making life better for people with Parkinson’s disease remains as strong as ever,” Lehr said.

Leading up to the various events, participants and teams will have the opportunity to fundraise. Money raised from the event will go toward  supporting Parkinson’s-related research and providing care to people in the Parkinson’s community.

As an example, the Foundation launched PD GENEration last year, the first national study to offer genetic testing and counseling to people with Parkinson’s at no cost. This study was supported, in part, by funds raised during previous Moving Days.

“As someone living with Parkinson’s disease, Moving Day is more than just a walk, it’s a celebration of movement which is proven to help manage PD symptoms,” said Steve Fischlin, Parkinson’s Foundation chapter board member and Moving Day team member. “For some, that movement may happen from the comfort and safety of their vehicle or home but no matter what, we can participate and feel empowered and united with the entire Parkinson’s community.”

More information about events can be found at MovingDayWalk.org, or by calling the Foundation’s free helpline at 800–4PD-INFO (800–473–4636).