Supporters to Make Strides Against Parkinson’s in Moving Day Walks
Annual Parkinson's Foundation fundraiser also aims to raise awareness
Supporters across the nation will make strides against Parkinson’s disease this fall in Moving Day walks — the Parkinson’s Foundation’s signature fundraising effort that also aims to heighten awareness and understanding.
Moving Day, a Walk for Parkinson’s events will takes place in 19 cities throughout the U.S. on varying days in September and October. Registration is now open for local Moving Day events in cities such as Memphis, Tennessee, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta. For those who can’t make it in person, there is virtual walk dubbed Moving Day @ Home.
Funds raised support the nonprofit’s mission by helping to deliver top-shelf care to more than 196,700 Parkinson’s patients in the U.S., the foundation said in a press release.
“Whether taking part with a team or joining as an individual, everyone has the chance to move with thousands of supporters with the common goal of making [strides] toward a cure and raising funds that give more individuals access to the resources and support they need now,” said Kayln Henkel, the foundation’s senior vice president and chief development officer.
The goal of Moving Day is to drive research toward treatments and a cure, and allow the foundation to provide free resources and local services to those living with Parkinson’s, as well as their families. Since 2011, some 161,600 participants have come together to raise more than $35 million, according to the nonprofit.
The fundraiser also allows participants to honor loved ones with Parkinson’s and to celebrate movement — which is mainly affected by the progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
“We are excited to welcome back participants and are grateful for the opportunity to provide a community for anyone who has been impacted by Parkinson’s disease,” Henkel said.
New for this season is the National Moving Day Team Program, designed to provide companies a way to give back to their respective communities while raising Parkinson’s awareness.
With their participation, employers can boost their culture through engagement with employees and partners, and show support to those who have been personally impacted by Parkinson’s.
Supporters unable to make it to an in-person event are encouraged to participate in Moving Day @ Home. The Oct. 22 virtual event will allow supporters to participate in the fundraiser from wherever they are.
Walkers of all ages and physical ability are welcome. Fundraising tools are available.
“Moving Day is your chance to speak up about Parkinson’s disease and move others to take action,” states the event’s webpage. “It is a movement for change — towards more awareness, more funding, and more understanding of a disease that affects so many of our family and friends.”
For more information on Moving Day, in English or Spanish, call the Parkinson’s Foundation’s Helpline at 800-4PD-INFO (473-4636).
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