Parkinson's Disease Community Takes One Step Closer Towards Finding a Cure at the...

Parkinson's Disease Community Takes One Step Closer Towards Finding a Cure at
the 14th Annual Parkinson's Unity Walk
Novel Patient Resources Capture Passion and Inspiration of Community

NEW YORK, April 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The Parkinson's disease community will
unite on Saturday April 26, in New York City's Central Park, in an effort to
raise awareness and funds for Parkinson's disease research. The 14th annual
Parkinson's Unity Walk, a two-mile walk and educational community day, will
provide an opportunity to celebrate the more than one million Americans that,
along with their friends and families, fight this condition everyday.
"Each year the excitement and participation continues to grow indicating
that a single step can change the life of a person with Parkinson's. The
Parkinson's Unity Walk is more than just a fundraiser, it gives those living
with the disease hope and the promise towards the future," said Carol Walton,
executive director of the Parkinson's Unity Walk.
Together, the Parkinson's Unity Walk and Boehringer Ingelheim
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the proud partner and premier sponsor for the eighth
year, continue to support Parkinson's disease awareness and partner in the
development of needed tools. Together they have designed the "One Step Closer
Guide," a fundraising guide which provides information and tools to assist
individuals in their mission to raise awareness and increase support of the
Parkinson's Unity Walk in their own community. This unique tool is available
free for download at www.unitywalk.org, and includes creative fundraising
ideas, flyers and additional communication template materials.
As part of Boehringer Ingelheim's commitment and dedication to providing
accessible educational programs and tools for people with Parkinson's,
caregivers and physicians; a "Tai Chi for Energy and Renewal" DVD was
developed, which was designed, along with the help of people with Parkinson's,
to help support the physical and mental well-being of those affected by the
condition. At the Parkinson's Unity Walk, Boehringer Ingelheim will offer
participants the opportunity to learn more about Tai Chi and the benefits it
provides, such as potential improved balance and emotional health. Tai Chi
master and DVD instructor, Bill Douglas, will host a demonstration underneath
Boehringer Ingelheim's pink tent in the park and those who visit the tent may
receive a complimentary copy of the DVD. Attendees will also have the
opportunity to learn about a new interactive DVD providing people with
Parkinson's disease, tips on how to customize their homes to help make daily
activities, such as taking a shower, easier and potentially safer.
"It is an honor to once again be the premier sponsor of the Parkinson's
Unity Walk. The Parkinson's Unity Walk provides the perfect opportunity for
Boehringer Ingelheim to continue our commitment to aide those affected by the
condition in their daily life," commented Paul Fonteyne, executive vice
president at Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. "This commitment is
ongoing through a variety of targeted programs, such as Tai Chi, which can be
experienced at the Unity Walk."
New this year, is a live webcast from Unity Walk, which will give those
who are unable to attend the Unity Walk in person, not only the chance to
experience the spirit and compassion of the community, but also the
opportunity to be engaged and active in the day's celebration. Participants
across the country can connect their family to the Unity Walk by logging in at
www.unitywalk.org beginning at 11:00am (EDT).
"The support felt at this event is so uplifting, it encourages me to be
optimistic and hopeful. Everyone should have the opportunity to feel this
unbelievable passion and emotion that I experience each year," said Marlene
Kahan, a community advocate, Unity Walk participant and person with
Parkinson's disease. "It's a way for people to come together and for one day
create a network of friends and family that will last for a lifetime of
support."
Another first at this year's Unity Walk will be the announcement of an
award honoring Earl Ubell, former vice president of the Unity Walk Board of
Directors and internationally acclaimed medical and science reporter. The
award will be given to a journalist for outstanding contributions to the
public understanding of Parkinson's disease and related movement disorders.
The award is accompanied by a prize of $10,000.
The Unity Walk is also expected to draw impromptu attendance by celebrity
supporters. To receive more information on Parkinson's disease and the
Parkinson's Unity Walk, or to lend support and donate to the Parkinson's Unity
Walk, please visit www.unitywalk.org or call 1-866-PUW-WALK (789-9255).
About Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is the second most common chronic neurological
disorder in older adults after Alzheimer's, affecting approximately one
percent of people over age 60. Approximately 15 percent of patients develop
Parkinson's disease before the age of 50. Every nine minutes someone is
diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Symptoms include tremor, muscle rigidity,
slowed motion, shuffling gait, and a loss of facial expression. The symptoms
vary from patient to patient, but become more severe over time.
About Parkinson's Unity Walk
Founded in 1994 by Margot Zobel, the Parkinson's Unity Walk is an annual
event where the entire Parkinson's community gathers with the goal of not only
raising awareness of the condition, but of raising donations for research. The
Parkinson's Unity Walk has made a significant impact on the Parkinson's
disease community since its inception, raising more than $8 million for
Parkinson's research by uniting the community under a common goal of winning
the war against Parkinson's disease. Support for the walk has grown
considerably each year -- from 200 participants at the first walk in 1994, to
more than 10,000 last year. The event unites the strength and spirit of the
seven major Parkinson's disease organizations: American Parkinson Disease
Association, National Parkinson Foundation, Parkinson's Action Network,
Parkinson's Disease Foundation, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's
Research, The Parkinson Alliance, and the Parkinson's Institute. With 100
percent of donations given to research, the Unity Walk provides the public
with an opportunity to help the Parkinson's community and change the lives of
the millions of people suffering from the disease.
SOURCE Parkinson's Unity Walk

Stacie Mishler for Parkinson's Unity Walk, +1-866-789-9255,
staciem@unitywalk.org; or Hannah Blatt of Ketchum Public Relations,
+1-646-935-3974, Hannah.Blatt@ketchum.com, for Parkinson's Unity Walk