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'Moving Day Buffalo, A Walk for Parkinson's' raises funds & awareness for Parkinson's disease

Mon, Sep 6th 2021 07:00 am

The Parkinson’s Foundation will host its annual “Moving Day Buffalo, A Walk for Parkinson’s” at the Eastern Hills Mall on Saturday, Sept. 18. The event begins at 9 a.m. Between 300 and 500 people are expected to engage in movement demonstrations, Parkinson’s-related exhibits and a half-mile walk to beat Parkinson’s disease. Funds raised through “Moving Day” will support research and programs to improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease and their families.

One million Americans are living with Parkinson’s, with nearly 50,000 known cases in New York alone, and 60,000 people newly diagnosed nationwide each year. “Moving Day Buffalo” is described as “a fun and inspiring fundraising event that unites the community in the fight against Parkinson’s.”

“Moving Day” events across the country have raised more than $30 million to improve care and advance research toward a cure. This is the tenth year for “Moving Day Buffalo,” and the event is on the cusp of exceeding three-quarters of a million dollars raised over that decade.

“ ‘Moving Day’ is vital not only because it is our largest fundraising event of the year, but because it brings the Parkinson’s community together,” said Chris Jamele, development director for the Parkinson’s Foundation New York and New Jersey chapter. “This community really supports each other, and you can see how these interactions truly benefit everyone who attends.”

A press release stated, “Studies show that movement is highly beneficial, and it is proven to help manage the symptoms of PD, easing pain, improving flexibility and increasing mobility. The aim is to encourage people to stay active and move for better health. ‘Moving Day Buffalo’ celebrates movement and will include demonstrations of how boxing and yoga can help. These are just two movement disciplines that are proven to aid in managing Parkinson’s symptoms.”

Bob Russell of Youngstown has been battling Parkinson’s disease for 15 years. His wife, Lori, has been by his side every step of the way. The Russells have been active members of the local Parkinson’s community, giving their time and talents to help with support groups and numerous events. They will be participating in this year’s walk along with a large team of family and friends.

Bob said, “It means the world to see my friends and neighbors coming out to bring attention to the Parkinson’s community. Living each day with Parkinson’s can be challenging, but better treatments, programs and research make all the difference. This event always gives me hope and reminds me I’m not alone.”

Funds raised through “Moving Day” support the Parkinson’s Foundation national mission by delivering quality care to more than 145,000 people living with Parkinson’s, funding innovative research toward finding a cure and providing free resources and local services for people living with Parkinson’s and their families. Initiatives such as PD GENEration, which is the Parkinson’s Foundation clinical study into the genetics behind the disease, are examining the basic causes of the ailment. “Moving Day” supports this research while also funding home testing kits that have allowed the community to participate in this study. Funds from the walk also support community grants that are awarded to local-level programs such as “Art Moves Me,” a gallery-based dance program designed for people living with brain and movement disorder diseases. This popular program takes place at the Burchfield Penney Art Center.

To learn more about “Moving Day,” visit www.MovingDayBuffalo.org. 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 U.S. 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 a new diagnosis is made every nine minutes.

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