JOIN THE 23RD ANNUAL STEP UP FOR PARKINSON’S WALK

23RD ANNUAL STEP UP FOR PARKINSON’S WALK AT BAKER PARK IN NAPLES

Saturday, February 12, 2022, Supporting programs to help our community members live well with PD

The Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida’s (PASWFL) 23rd Annual Walk will take place on Saturday, February 12, 2022, from 9:00 am-Noon at Baker Park in Naples. Step Up for Parkinson’s raises awareness and funds that directly benefit more than 7,000 members of our community who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in Collier County, and southern Lee County. PD affects over one million Americans and is the second-most common degenerative neurological disorder after Alzheimer’s disease. There is no cure for PD and someone is diagnosed with PD every nine seconds. Registration is $25 through January 10, 2022; $30 after,  $35 at the event. $5 for Furry Friends (pets), $10 for children under 12. Tickets are available at parkinsonassociationswfl.org.

 “The event attracts hundreds of supporters who walk for those who are losing that ability because they are affected by a disease that is associated with a progressive loss of motor control,” said Mary C. Schoeffel, CFRE, Executive Director of the PASWFL. “Our organization is the front-line resource for our community members diagnosed with PD, neurodegenerative diseases, and their care partners. We provide movement, speech, music, and support sessions because research shows that a proactive approach to managing PD during the early stages significantly prolongs a person with PD’s ability to stay active and counteract some of the degenerative effects of PD.”

Based on current statistics from the U.S. Census and studies by the National Parkinson’s Foundation, Southwest Florida has one of the largest PD populations in the country, creating a growing demand for the organization’s programs. The services and support the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida provides are complimentary to members with Parkinson’s Disease and their care partners. These programs are offered without government funding and are made possible through donations from community members and fundraising special events.

 “A new diagnosis brings with it so many questions. What should I expect? How long will I be healthy? What treatments and interventions are available? Where can I get help?” says Schoeffel. “We are here to answer those questions and to help our members find the resources they need in our community. In addition to the many movement, support, speech, and educational programs we offer, we have direct connections with neurologists and movement disorder specialists within the state of Florida. Our 23rd annual walk on February 12, 2022, is more important than ever to fund the critical services we provide. We are grateful to our wonderful Volunteer Chairs – Kari Bone, Felicia Saraceno, and Greg Beaugez – who are committed to creating a fun event for all participants while raising contributions to support programs.”

 For twenty-five years, PASWFL has provided front-line evidence-based, effective programs and services that improve the quality of life, educate, enrich, and empower our community members affected by PD and related neurological diseases. Each week the PAWSFL offers more than 20 activities for members with PD and their care partners as well as the greater SWFL community. There are no fees associated with becoming a member; the membership application is available online at www.parkinsonassociationswfl.org.  The event is sponsored by BrightStar Care and Terracina Grand

 Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact Mary C. Schoeffel with any questions at MSchoeffel@ParkinsonAssociationSWFL.org or 239-417-3465