Annual Parkinson's Walk-A-Thon Steps Off Saturday

Don’t let the name fool you, organizers of the “I Gave my Sole for Parkinson’s Walk-A-Thon and 5K Run” say it’s actually a fun-filled event geared toward the entire family.

Scheduled for the morning of May 14 at the South Lake athletic complex, the event is a fundraiser for the Michigan Parkinson Foundation. In addition to the walk and run, activities will include a bounce house, face painting, clowns and a fun run for young children. A continental breakfast will be available to all participants.

The Parkinson’s Walk-A-Thon and 5K Run has become an annual local tradition. This is the fifth year the event has been held in St. Clair Shores. South Lake has been the host every year except last year, when the field was under construction and the event was moved to athletic complex.

Spearheading the event’s organization are South Lake Board of Education member Vincent Marino and Matthew Dishman, director of business and operations for South Lake. 

Both have been affected by the disease. Marino was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease approximately 10 years ago, and Dishman feels a personal connection with the illness because his father-in-law had Parkinson’s disease.

“We always say, ‘Everybody knows somebody with Parkinson’s,’” Dishman said.

Since his diagnosis, Marino has been very active with the Michigan Parkinson Foundation. In fact, he has helped establish a local support group. The Michigan Young Onset Parkinson Support Group meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Monday of each month in the South Lake Administrative Center.

Marino came up with the idea of hosting a local walk and run after attending a similar event at Maybury State Park in Northville. For eastsiders, it was a long drive, and participants had to pay a state park fee to enter the park. Marino expressed his concerns to the Michigan Parkinson Foundation, which in turn suggested that he organize his own fundraising event.

Marino said he is gratified by the warm reception that the local Walk-A-Thon has received. South Lake provides the location, and many district staff and community groups annually volunteer during the event, including bus drivers, custodians and Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops.

Last year’s walk, which raised approximately $90,000, included 501 participants and 100 volunteers, organizers said.

“The South Lake community is totally behind us and with us, and we’re very appreciative of that,” Marino said.

Local businesses and municipalities have also joined in supporting the event. Many businesses have donated funds or other items such as food and water bottles. St. Clair Shores Mayor Robert Hison and Eastpointe Mayor Suzanne Pixley each donated $100 to be awarded to the first-place male and female runners.

“This has turned into a big community event, and we look forward to having another great walk this year,” Dishman said.

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common degenerative neurological disorder. The illness strikes people of all ages and its common symptoms are resting tremor, rigidity, postural instability, and a slowed ability to start and continue movements.

Although it can be difficult for Parkinson's patients to move, that should not discourage them from attending the Walk-A-Thon, Marino said. Many volunteers will be on hand to help participants walk or stroll around the track. One year, Dishman drove one of the participants around the track.

Marino vividly remembers last year, when a participant inflicted with Parkinson’s was painstakingly attempting to walk the track. Marino took his arm and slowly but surely helped him finish the lap. When the two men sat down to take a rest, the man looked at Marino and asked, “Ready to go for another round?”

Later, Marino learned form the man’s wife that he had rested all week just to build up the stamina to participate in the Walk-A-Thon. Marino emphasized that the money raised from the event goes directly to helping Michigan Parkinson’s patients just like that man.

“This is local money raised for local people,” he said.

For more than 25 years, the Michigan Parkinson Foundation has provided education and support to patients, their families and health care providers, according to literature from the foundation. Fundraising events such as the Walk-A-Thon and 5K Run help the foundation continue to provide the necessary programs and services that the local Parkinson’s community has come to rely upon.

Registration for the Parkinson’s Walk-A-Thon and 5K Run will take place from 9-10 a.m. Opening ceremonies will begin at 10:15, and the walk/run will start at 10:30. Award presentations will begin at approximately 11:45.

Online registration is $20 for runners, $15 for walkers ages 13 and older, and $10 for walkers ages 12 and younger. To register, visit http://www.parkinsonsmi.org/fundraising.php. Online registration ends May 10. Registration is available on the day of the event for an extra $5 per person.