“Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging.” Joseph Campbell
“Remember. Every day, some ordinary person does something extraordinary. Today, it’s your turn.” Lou Holtz
People who move can change the world: “Moving Day® is the National Parkinson Foundation’s annual fundraising walk event. It is a fun and inspiring fundraising event that unites families, friends and communities both large and small in the fight against Parkinson’s disease. This celebration of movement features a family friendly walk course, a kids area, a caregivers relaxation tent and a special Movement Pavilion featuring yoga, dance, Tai Chi, Pilates, etc. all proven to help manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s. It will be ‘A day to move, a day to move others, a day that moves YOU!’.” [http://www.parkinson.org/get-involved/moving-day-walk-for-parkinsons]
Moving Day® NC Triangle was Saturday, November 3, 2018 at the Dorothy Dix Park, Raleigh NC. And it was so nice that our team picture from 2017 made the cover for the RTP Event (See below).
Fund Raising, Organizations and Walks: Having a walk is neither novel nor new, but it enables the National Parkinson Foundation to fund research and community projects, and it unites us all briefly to focus on Parkinson’s and togetherness. Over the years, my research laboratory has been boosted and supported by various non-Federal organizations, namely, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure (Komen). And both organizations for many years have had their own fund-raising walks/runs. Thus, as a tribute and thanks to the generous funding of research projects and fellows by the AHA and Komen, for many prior years, my laboratory group would participate and help raise funds for the annual Triangle Heart Walk and the Komen Triangle Race for the Cure®, respectively. Pictures below are from the Komen event a few years ago.
The 2018 Moving Day Walk: Similar to the AHA and Komen events described above, my participation in Moving Day is both personal and professional. I have Parkinson’s and I am trying hard to support numerous Parkinson’s organization, continue to stay focused on Parkinson’s advances, and remain committed to helping others with Parkinson’s through outreach/education/blog activities. Thus, Moving Day was both important and very personal to me. 2018 was the 4th year the team named Carolina Parkinson’s has come together for Moving Day, and we had a great turn out.
A Time of Self-reflection: “The moment you realize this is a life-altering event, adapt, survive, create positive changes, keep moving, and focus; life-altering yes but use Parkinson’s to reaffirm your life-living effort.” (Frank C. Church)
Moving Day preparation went smoothly [fundraising, recruiting teammates to walk and the team T-shirts arrived early this year (yay!)]. As hoped, it was a beautiful fall morning with sunshine and a Carolina blue sky. I was totally inspired by the day, great friends and great people around me; all walking/talking to raise funds for Parkinson’s foundation, and to support the election and support me in my efforts dealing with Parkinson’s. I am truly blessed with wonderful students and great friends. In fact, the past four years have been remarkable in both turnout and partnership for the walk with me; so very thankful for the support, friendship, and love.
What a great group of people, very thankful!
Thank YOU: Thanks to everyone who donated to the team (both those who walked and those unable to be present) and thank you so very much for your constant support, friendship and love! This year’s (2018) fundraising effort put team Carolina Parkinson’s in 16th place from about a total of ~90 teams. Yes, I have already begun thinking about Moving Day 2019.
“Nobody would choose to have a disease visited upon them. Still, Parkinson’s forced me to make a fundamental life decision: adopt a siege mentality – or embark upon a life journey.” Michael J. Fox
Journey with Parkinson's 