LOS ANGELES, CA, May 19, 2020 – The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is hosting the APDA California Virtual Optimism Walk on Sunday, May 31. One of four virtual Optimism Walks happening on the same day, the APDA California Walk is part of a nationwide series of Optimism Walks that mobilize and inspire people to step up and help put an end to Parkinson’s disease (PD). There are approximately one million people living with PD in the United States and with more being diagnosed every day it is more important than ever to raise essential funds and awareness. Each and every virtual participant will help make a difference for those living with the disease today and to push for answers that will ultimately make PD a thing of the past.
Participants in the APDA California Virtual Optimism Walk will join fellow walkers from coast to coast. After an online celebration and opening ceremony, participants in all four virtual events will walk separately, but together in solidarity for the PD community. Due to social distancing, participants will be encouraged walk on their own and share photos and comments using #OptimismWalk so together they can still be uplifted by a great sense of community and camaraderie.
The APDA California Virtual Optimism Walk is an important opportunity for friends, families, and individuals who are affected by PD to show support, share stories, get a little exercise, and feel inspired and motivated. It’s an important chance to bond with others who are similarly connected.
“Year after year our Optimism Walk has brought together friends, family and even strangers who are all in this fight together, and that doesn’t change with our virtual format – we are still in this together” said Leslie A. Chambers, President and CEO, APDA. Chambers continues, “the funds raised at our Optimism Walk helps APDA provide much-needed support groups, exercise classes designed specifically for people with PD, as well as a wide array of virtual programming we’ve adapted and created to keep people supported, engaged and informed while they need to stay at home” Local programs currently include support groups and exercise programs though the APDA Information & Referral (I&R) Center at Stanford University, education and art-based programs at the APDA I&R Center at Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Providence Saint John’s Health Center, and much more. With new virtual Optimism Walks, participants head out on their own, but are united in spirit from coast to coast!
APDA is the largest grassroots network serving people with PD and their families. The more funds raised, the more people who can be helped, which is why each Optimism Walk is a positive way to take the frustration and challenges of life with PD and turn that into motivation, determination and purpose. Participants share stories using #OptimismWalk, bond over their shared experiences, and revel in the
camaraderie that often lasts long after the Walk is over.
Corporate partners Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Lundbeck and Sunovion Pharmaceuticals have joined as National Sponsors of the full Optimism Walk 2020 event series. Neurocrine Biosciences has joined as a national platinum sponsor of the Virtual Optimism Walks, and Acadia Pharmaceuticals is a national gold sponsor of the Virtual Optimism Walks. Local California sponsor Boston Scientific will also be involved. Representatives from these companies will participate in the online Opening Ceremony and demonstrate their commitment to helping people with PD, families and care partners as they work tirelessly to bring innovative solutions to those living with this disease. This generous support is critical to the success of our mission.
To learn more and register for the California Virtual Optimism Walk, visit the www.apdaparkinson.org/CA or contact 718-873-5705 or [email protected].
For a full list of events and dates, visit the Optimism Walk section of the APDA website.
About the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA)
The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is the largest grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease (PD) and works tirelessly to help the more than 1 million people in the US with PD live life to the fullest in the face of this chronic, neurological disorder. Founded in 1961, APDA has raised and invested more than $207 million to provide outstanding patient services and educational programs, elevate public awareness about the disease, and support research designed to unlock the mysteries of PD and ultimately put an end to this disease. To join us in the fight against Parkinson’s disease and to learn more about the support APDA provides nationally through our network of Chapters and Information & Referral (I&R) Centers, as well as our national Research Program and Centers for Advanced Research, please visit us at www.apdaparkinson.org
The American Parkinson Disease Association
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