Governor Jeb Bush Is Honorary Chair of National Parkinson Foundation's Moving Day in Florida

--New Fundraising Walk Launching in Miami, Boca Raton and Tallahassee in 2012--

MIAMI, April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush has agreed to be honorary chair of the National Parkinson Foundation's (NPF) 2012 Moving Day walks in Florida.  Three Moving Day walks are scheduled in Florida: Miami, Oct. 7; Boca Raton, Oct. 21; and Tallahassee, Sept. 29.  Moving Day is the first national campaign to spotlight Parkinson's disease (PD) awareness on a grassroots level.

Former Gov. Bush understands the importance of good care for people with Parkinson's—his father, former President George H.W. Bush, 87, suffers from a form of Parkinsonism.  Parkinsonism is a condition that causes a combination of the movement disorders seen in Parkinson's disease such as tremor, slow movement, impaired speech and muscle stiffness.

"I am honored to serve as honorary chairman for the first-ever Moving Day walks in Florida," said former Gov. Bush. "This role has a personal meaning for me—I've witnessed firsthand how much even a vibrant individual like my father struggles with this disease. Parkinson's strikes not only older people, but those in the very prime of their life. That's why the mission of the National Parkinson Foundation—improving the quality of care—is so vitally important."

Moving Day is a campaign to raise awareness and funds through annual fundraising walks. Each walk will feature a "Movement Pavilion," with stations such as yoga, Pilates, tai chi, dance and much more.  Studies show that movement is beneficial and proven to help manage the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, improving flexibility and mobility.  Even vigorous exercise such as biking and running has been shown to potentially slow down or delay progression.  NPF is rolling out this fun-filled, family-friendly event to fifteen cities across the country in 2012.

"We are delighted that former Gov. Bush is serving as the honorary chair of Moving Day to raise awareness of Parkinson's disease," states NPF President and CEO Joyce Oberdorf. 

Former Gov. Bush joins Katie Couric, national Moving Day honorary chair, in helping raise awareness both nationally and in the communities where NPF chapters are participating in this campaign. Proceeds from the campaign go to support local services for people living with the disease and research leading to better treatments.

To learn more about Moving Day and how you, your family and friends, and/or your company can get involved, please visit www.npfmovingday.org.  Moving Day is made possible, in part, through the generous support of national sponsors, including Dick's Sporting Goods, Medtronic and Right at Home, and Office Depot Foundation. 

About Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that progresses slowly in most people with PD. When approximately 60 to 80 percent of the dopamine-producing cells in the brain are damaged, and do not produce enough dopamine, the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease appear. In the United States, 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, adding to the one million people who have Parkinson's disease.  It is estimated that four to six million people around the world have Parkinson's.

About The National Parkinson Foundation (NPF)
Founded in 1957, the National Parkinson Foundation's mission is to improve the quality of care for people with Parkinson's disease through research, education and outreach.  NPF has funded more than $164 million in care, research and support services in the past thirty years.  For more information about the National Parkinson Foundation and the Moving Day event, please visit www.parkinson.org or call toll-free 1-800-4PD-INFO.

About Former Gov. Jeb Bush
Jeb Bush was the 43rd governor of the state of Florida, serving from 1999 through 2007. During his two terms, Bush championed major reform of government programs in education and Medicaid. Currently, Bush is the founder and chairman of the board of the Foundation for Excellence in Education.  

Media Contact:
Leilani Pearl
NPF Director of Communications
305-243-7951 (Office)
305-322-3828 (Cell)
[email protected]

SOURCE National Parkinson Foundation

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