Thousands of Dollars Raised During the Choose to Move Race for Parkinson’s

Media Contact:
Johnette Cruz
jcruz@mpccministry.com

INDIANAPOLIS — Over 700 participants took part in the 2nd Annual Choose to Move: Race for Parkinson's in September and was deemed a complete success. Because of the participants and donations, a high number of funds were raised to continue the support of the Indiana Parkinson Foundation. Additional monies raised will provide the Parkinson's community and their families assistance in wellness, fitness, and support through the Climb Program. The event that took place on Saturday September 20 in Fishers included thirty Purdue Army ROTC students from Purdue University honoring Veterans with Parkinson's Disease, a 5K family run/walk, live entertainment and wellness booths.

ABOUT PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Approximately 50,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in the United States each year with 4-6 million people affected by the disease worldwide. The average age of onset for Parkinson's disease is 60, however 5-10% of patients are diagnosed with early onset of the disease before the age of 50. Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder caused by the loss of dopamine producing brain cells. When a majority of dopamine producing cells has died, patients may begin showing symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Early symptoms are subtle and occur gradually; however, as the percentage of dopamine producing cell deaths increase, symptoms may begin to interfere with daily activities.

ABOUT THE CLIMB

There is no cure for the disease, but since 2009 The Indiana Parkinson Foundation has been committed to finding ways for people with Parkinson's to get their lives back. Launched in 2011, The CLIMB is a place for exercise, reflection and connection to renew people with Parkinson's disease for the work and pressures of their daily lives. The Climb helps the Parkinson's community by providing medical contacts, physical therapy and specialized programs of exercise, yoga, massage, speech therapy, motivational and spiritual support. Our board of directors, the lead trainer and his assistants and other specialists provide a welcoming, caring and relaxed atmosphere for people with Parkinson's disease to mentally, physically and spiritually fight the effects of the disease.

ABOUT THE INDIANA PARKINSON FOUNDATION

The Indiana Parkinson Foundation is a nonprofit organization with the goal of improving the quality of life for those individuals affected by Parkinson's disease. The purpose of this foundation is to come along side people with Parkinson's disease to assist them in a multitude of ways. IPF is completely funded by donations and is available to people with Parkinson's disease in three locations throughout the Indianapolis metropolitan area and South Bend. For more details on the Indiana Parkinson Foundation and to register for the race, please go to www.indianaparkinson.org or call 317.560.5648