20th Parkinson's Unity Walk Raises More Than $1.6 Million in Donations for Parkinson's Research

KINGSTON, N.J., July 22, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Over 11,000 people from across the country came together on Saturday, April 26^th in New York's Central Park in support of the 2014 Parkinson's Unity Walk.  Friends and families were united in a common goal to raise awareness and funds to support research for better Parkinson's treatments and hopefully one day a cure.  Through their collective efforts, more than $1.6 million in donations were raised; 100% of which will fund research by seven leading Parkinson's foundations.

"Our commitment to fundraising enables valuable Parkinson's research into more effective therapies to enhance the quality of life for those who are living with Parkinson's and hopefully one day a cure.  We can't thank our supporters enough for their tireless devotion on this day and all year long," said Martin Tuchman, Chairman of The Parkinson Alliance, the umbrella organization for the Parkinson's Unity Walk.

"The Parkinson's Unity Walk symbolizes the united front and teamwork it takes to understand and manage this disease.  Close to 500 registered teams made up of family and friends walk alongside companies and organizations who are working behind the scenes for the Parkinson's community.  Healthcare professionals at the Ask the Healthcare Experts booth help to make this a day of community and education," said Carol Walton, Chief Executive Officer of The Parkinson Alliance.

Sponsor participation allows all donations to go to Parkinson's research.  Partners of the 2014 Unity Walk include AbbVie, Teva CNS, UCB, US WorldMeds, Boston Scientific INTREPID Study, Chelsea Therapeutics, LSVT Global, Medtronic, MRI Interventions, and Partners in Parkinson's.

Supporters are encouraged to visit www.unitywalk.org and Pledge to Walk in 2015.  It is never too early to build support and raise funds to combat Parkinson's disease.

About Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that affects over one million people in the U.S. where approximately 60,000 new cases of Parkinson's are diagnosed each year.

About The Parkinson Alliance
The Parkinson Alliance is a national non-profit organization, dedicated to raising funds to help finance the most promising research to find the cause and cure for Parkinson's disease; and is the umbrella organization for the Parkinson's Unity Walk.  Since its inception in 1994, one hundred percent of donations to the Parkinson's Unity Walk have gone to research. 

Contact
Helaine Isaacs
Event Director
Parkinson's Unity Walk
866-789-9255
[email protected]

SOURCE The Parkinson Alliance