Pics by Beth Bennett

The Parkinson’s Unity Walk.

From Nan Abraham  ...

On April 14, 2002 a small but enthusiastic team from PLWP attended the Parkinson’s Unity Walk located in Central Park.  We were able to meet up and say hello to some of our old friends and had a chance to make some wonderful new ones as well.  

The Parkinson’s Unity Walk team did a fantastic job of setting up information booths from the major Parkinson’s organizations.  We thank them for inviting PLWP’s participation with special thanks to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation and National Parkinson’s Foundation for sharing their booths with us. There were plenty of kick off activities, which included face painting, sign making and an “Ask the Doctor” booth with the renowned Dr Abraham Leiberman. The atmosphere was very festive with, balloons and banners galore and The Dom Minasi Septet provided the music.  

These four were taken by Bruce Morgan's Daughter

 

Some highpoints of the program included a well-deserved tribute made to Margot Zobel, Founder of the Parkinson’s Unity Walk for all of her hard work.  Michael J Fox received a standing ovation from the crowd when he stepped up to the podium to say a few words of encouragement.  Joan Samuelson, President of the Parkinson’s Action Network gave a very motivational speech, which included a count down of the 10 best reasons to become involved as an advocate. She also encouraged the audience to attend the 3-day PAN Forum beginning on May 19^th and to support MJF when he testifies at the Senate Subcommittee Hearing on May 22^nd.

Although this years walk attendance of 2000 was down from last years 6000, the Parkinson’s Unity Walk raised more than five hundred thousand dollars in support.  It’s still not too late to make a donation to this worthy event. If you are interested in donating just go to http://www.unitywalk.org/

Note:

Special thank you to Jane Martha Stengel and Rande Probst, Directors of PLWP Events, for all their hard work and for making this Parkinson’s Unity Weekend a very special one.

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The numbers were down overall at the 2002 Parkinson's Unity Walk, but the spirit of hope was enormous. After all, it was only September 11, 2001, that found the Walk organizers postponing this effort to raise research dollars due to terrorists attacks. The aftermath of these devastating attacks just a few months ago was a renewed priority on life. Everyone, including crowded restaurant personnel, interacted with extreme kindness.

I used the PLWP gathering as a time to visit with my friend (whom I met at my first Unity Walk two years ago), Jane Martha Stengal. Jane and her family live in nearby Allentown, Pennsylvania. I flew (rather, the plane flew!) to Allentown then Jane & I drove into the city the next day. It was so good to see familiar faces: Bren & Nan and their families, John Parcels & his wife, Michelle; John Lester & his companion, Sherry, and others. I roomed with a new PLWP member, Beth, and was so fortunate to have made her acquaintance.

The Walk, held Sunday, April 4, at Central Park, was exciting and fun! Several recognitions and award presentations were part of the opening activities. And yes, Michael J. Fox was there to encourage our hope for a cure. I also got to meet Executive Director of the MJFox Foundation, Debbie Brooks; Mr. & Mrs. Tuchman, of the Tuchman Foundation; and NPF Director, Dr. Abe Lieberman.

This year, advocacy was promoted, desiring for everyone in their respective communities to get busy with PD awareness and raising dollars for research funding. The initial count (and donations will be collected through May) was $500,000 for research.

Lasting friendships, memories, and a feeling of "doing one's part" always lingers with those attending the annual PD Unity Walk!

Peg Willock