American Parkinson Disease Assn Announces Long Island Optimism Walk

NEW YORK, NY – The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is proud to host the APDA Long Island Optimism Walk on Saturday, October 1, at Marjorie R. Post Community Park in Massapequa, NY*. There are approximately one million people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in the United States – 65,000 of which are right here in New York — with more being diagnosed every day. This year, special guest Meredith Garofalo, Senior Meteorologist from News 12 New York/Long Island will be joining to help emcee the event.

With 16 events across the country, the Optimism Walk series brings thousands of participants together to support APDA’s mission to help every person impacted by PD live life to the fullest. By raising funds and awareness, every participant in the APDA Long Island Optimism Walk is stepping up and stepping out to 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.

“The Long Island Optimism Walk is a fun and inspiring day, and such a great way to support the local PD community” said Leslie A. Chambers, President & CEO, APDA. “When someone you love is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, it can be frustrating to not know how to help. But then we see that frustration turn into motivation, determination, and purpose when people take part in the Optimism Walk. Participants tell us they feel proud to have made a difference, to have done their part by raising critical funds that will help APDA provide more programs and services right here on Long Island.”

What is an Optimism Walk? The Long Island Optimism Walk is a family-friendly fundraising event that offers a short walk of up to 1.5 miles (distance is optional) and other activities including educational opportunities, raffles, sponsor activities, music and most importantly, the chance to bond with others who are similarly connected. It is perfect for people with PD, their friends, family, coworkers, and care partners – anyone who wants to step up and help put an end to this disease.

The funds raised at the APDA Long Island Optimism Walk help APDA provide essential support groups, exercise classes designed specifically for people with PD, educational conferences, and so much more. “Access to the right information and support is key to living your best life, and that’s true for the person living with PD as well as care partners, friends and family,” states Chambers. “APDA is the largest grassroots network serving people with PD and their families. The more funds we raise at each Optimism Walk, the more people we can help every day.”  Local programs currently include exercise, dance, and movement classes, singing programs, support groups (including specialized groups for care partners, young onset PD, and deep brain stimulation), and educational conferences offered through our APDA Information & Referral Centers at St Catherine’s of Siena Wellness Center (Commack) and NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine (Old Westbury) as well through other critical programs and services throughout Long Island.

Corporate partners Amneal Pharmaceuticals and Avion Pharmaceuticals are supporting the entire series as National Sponsors of the 2022 Optimism Walk events. Representatives from these companies will be on hand to meet members of the PD community and demonstrate their special commitment to helping people with PD, families, and care partners as they work tirelessly to bring innovative solutions to those living with this disease. Local sponsors include Platinum Sponsor Sunovion; Gold Sponsors Kyowa Kirin and Supernus Pharmaceuticals; and many Silver and Bronze sponsors. The generous support of these sponsors is critical to the success of our mission.

To learn more and register for the Long Island Optimism Walk, visit the www.apdaparkinson.org/NY or call 551-258-3345.

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 one 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 $226 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

*APDA puts participant safety first and will conduct the event with full adherence to any/all public health guidelines and safety measures required at the time of the event.

Banner Image: APDA  Optimism Walk 2021. Image Credit – APDA

American Parkinson Disease Association