The annual fundraiser and community tradition will be held again this weekend as the community comes together to raise awareness and fund research for Parkinson’s disease.
The 12th Annual Parkinson’s Disease Walk will be held this Saturday at Crain’s Roost Park in Altamonte Springs, drawing an estimated 2,000 community members to the state’s largest gathering of the Parkinson’s disease community.
Todd Stewart, past president of the Parkinson’s Disease Association of Central Florida (PACF), said the event is a visual and tangible demonstration of support for people like him living with Parkinson’s disease.
“Events like this are important to raise money, but also because all of our employees are there to feel supported, connected and loved,” he said. “It’s nice to see people who are all fighting different battles, but they’re all trying to get through it the best they can. We’re all trying to help each other out as much as we can. It really helps.”
PACF’s current president, Sarah Brady, found herself taking on the role of caregiver after her late husband was diagnosed with the disease in 2018. She hopes to shed more light on those who love and support people with Parkinson’s disease.
“As much as we want to showcase the work we do and the services we can help make available to everyone, we also want to remember our caregivers,” she said. “This community is so great. We all know what that experience is like when you’re in a room with 400 people[at a fundraising event]. From a caregiver perspective, it’s a different role.”
Orlando Magic executive advisor John Gabriel, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 18 years ago, will open the event program, and Family First Elder Law community relations manager and former news anchor Carla Ray will emcee.
The walk is just one part of Saturday’s event, which also includes resources for people with Parkinson’s disease, Orlando Magic 407 dancers, face painting, balloons, raffles, prizes and more.
During Mr. Stewart’s four-year term as president, PACF raised $1 million to support services in Central Florida, including support groups, Parkinson’s disease research, caregiver support, Parkinson’s disease awareness, and educational materials. The goal for Saturday’s event is to raise $150,000.
“I am committed to increasing public awareness of our organization because it has the potential to increase our impact and our tangible impact,” Brady said.
Parkinson’s disease, a progressive brain disorder, is the world’s fastest growing neurodegenerative disease. More than 90,000 people are newly diagnosed in the United States each year, and an estimated 20,000 people live with the disease in and around Central Florida.
That’s why it’s all the more important for our community to come together for this annual event.
“It’s a really fun and uplifting environment and experience,” Brady said. “I think you just leave there feeling like, ‘I have a tribe, I have a community, I have a place to go.’ When you see 2,000 people there, you know you’re not alone.”
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If you go
The 12th Annual Parkinson Walk will begin at 8 a.m. April 4 with the opening ceremony at 9 a.m. at 274 Cranes Roost Blvd. At Altamonte Springs. The event is free to attend, but fundraising and registration are encouraged. More information: parkinsoncf.org
