By Jennifer A. Haire
The Parkinson’s Foundation Midwest Chapter’s national Moving Day event will be held this year at Conner Prairie in Fishers and is the first Moving Day walk in the greater Indianapolis area.
The Sept. 21 fundraiser is an opportunity for people with Parkinson’s disease to get moving with a supportive community, said Lori Prokash, a volunteer and member of the Parkinson’s Foundation Midwest Chapter planning committee.
“Exercise is one of the most important parts of living with Parkinson’s,” she said. “Exercise is so important as part of your treatment plan.”
Seven years ago, Prokash’s father, now 77, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
“I just wanted to learn more about the disease, what we can expect, what we might face in the future, just to educate myself,” she said. “I think for people who have Parkinson’s themselves or know a loved one who has Parkinson’s, it’s important to really educate themselves and raise awareness about the disease itself.”
Anyone affected by Parkinson’s is encouraged to attend Moving Day. Activities will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and include exercise demonstrations, remarks from community members living with the disease, information about resources, available support through the Parkinson’s Foundation, and opportunities to connect with local providers like Rock Steady Boxing that support the moving mission.
Participants can choose between a 2.4 to 3 kilometer route or a short quarter-mile walk, in teams or individually.
“It’s really about getting people moving,” Prokash said. “We offer movement demos. People who specialize in physical therapy and working with Parkinson’s patients come in and do some demonstrations.”
In addition, the Hamilton Southeastern High School Unified Dance Team will be in attendance to cheer on the runners, Prokash said, and the team’s Indiana Fever mascot, Freddie Fever, is also expected to make an appearance.
Moving Day participants receive free access to Conner Prairie for the day.
The Parkinson’s Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with Parkinson’s. Funds raised through the Moving Day event will benefit the Midwest Chapter. The goal is to raise $50,000.
“(Participating is) a show of support for people you know or care about who have the disease,” Prokash said. “It’s also a way to get educated about what to expect.”
The Midwest Chapter serves the Parkinson’s community in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, there are 70,250 people living with the disease in these states.
Since 2011, parade walks have been taking place throughout the country.
For more information, see Movingdaywalk.org/event/moving-day-indianapolis.
