Parkinson's Foundation offers 'Parkinson's Revolution' in Buffalo

Virtual and in-person cycling event raises awareness of Parkinson’s disease

The Parkinson’s Foundation will present “Parkinson’s Revolution,” an indoor cycling event, at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 26. Revolution Buffalo, at 1716 Main St., will be the host spin studio, and everyone is welcome to attend.

“Parkinson’s Revolution” is a high-energy, high-intensity indoor cycling experience that raises awareness about Parkinson’s disease and funding toward finding a cure. Nearly 70 riders are expected to participate, and the event’s fundraising goal is $20,000. Riders can register and learn more at www.PDRevolutionBuffalo.org.

Organizers said, “Exercise is critical in addressing the symptoms of PD. Bicycling has been shown to be a very effective way for patients to keep moving, and it is something they tend to enjoy doing. Exercise contributes to improved balance, flexibility and strength. PD weakens the brain signals to one’s muscles, but exercise helps keep those signals as strong as possible.”

“We’ve seen exercise benefit the Parkinson’s community in reducing falls, keeping them independent for as long as possible and improving their overall quality of life,” said Chris Jamele, development director for the New York and New Jersey Chapter of the Parkinson’s Foundation.

One million Americans are living with Parkinson’s, with 60,000 people newly diagnosed each year. The Parkinson’s Foundation is the nation’s leading community for people living with Parkinson’s, those who love them, and those working to end the disease. Improving care, advancing research toward a cure and providing necessary education are pillars of the foundation’s mission.

“ ‘Parkinson’s Revolution’ is a great example of how the Parkinson’s community is rallying together to combine the benefits of exercise and critical fundraising for research in one event,” said John L. Lehr, president and CEO of the Parkinson’s Foundation. “In 2022, we’re excited to continue expanding our ride to more cities around the country while continuing to empower the PD community with a virtual option and a Parkinson’s-friendly ride.”

“Parkinson’s Revolution” will feature two 45-minute rides. The first session is light and easy, while the second one will be more intense. There is also a 90-minute challenge comprising both rides as well as a virtual ride for those who can’t be there in person. Opportunities to learn more about resources available through the Parkinson’s Foundation will also be available. The event will help support the local PD community by providing them with additional resources that can help improve their quality of life.

For more information or to register, call Jamele at 716 449-3795 or visit www.PDRevolutionBuffalo.org.

The Parkinson’s Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson’s community. For more information, visit www.parkinson.org or call (800) 4PD-INFO (473-4636).

Affecting an estimated 1 million Americans and 10 million worldwide, Parkinson’s disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s, and is the 14th-leading cause of death in the United States. It is associated with a progressive loss of motor control (e.g., shaking or tremor at rest and lack of facial expression), as well as non-motor symptoms (e.g., depression and anxiety). There is no cure for Parkinson’s and 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S. alone.