Spring / Summer 2024 | Community 23
Parkinson ’ s Unity Walk :
A 30-Year Community Tradition
By Liv Newlon
In 2023 , the Parkinson ’ s Unity Walk in New York City ’ s Central Park attracted 2,500 participants .
Every year in late April , as a capstone to Parkinson ’ s Awareness Month , thousands of members of the Parkinson ’ s community and their friends gather in New York City ’ s Central Park to walk , stroll , jog and run to raise funds for Parkinson ’ s research . But there ’ s a more important reason they come together : to build and renew lasting connections to each other .
On April 27 , the Parkinson ’ s Unity Walk marked 30 years of connecting with friends old and new , fundraising for research programs and embracing a community of support .
“ Connecting with other people with PD brings a closeness that matters and lasts ,” says Jim McNasby , a longtime Unity Walk participant who lives with PD and is general counsel at The Michael J . Fox Foundation . “ When you have a common enemy , friendships can form quickly and last for a long time .”
Since it was established in 1994 , this event has had the same vision . MJFF became stewards of the Unity Walk in 2023 and is dedicated to continuing its tradition on behalf of the PD community . With 200 participants in its first year , the event attracted 2,500 participants last year and is growing .
“ Our ultimate goal is to continue building upon the incredible framework that was already created and to continue stewarding this event that helps thousands of people impacted by PD ,” says Stephanie Paddock , MJFF ’ s vice president of community fundraising and events . “ We ’ re looking forward to building and expanding , and we ’ re thrilled to see event numbers growing each year .”
The Unity Walk has become a much-anticipated annual event in the Parkinson ’ s community . As this newsletter was published , it was on target to raise more than $ 1 million this year . Patricia Beilman , a seven-year participant , summed up the collective feeling about its goal : “ There is nothing more gratifying than to know I can make a difference . Every contribution , no matter the amount , helps us all become closer to a goal — to cure PD .”