American Parkinson’s Disease Association Virginia Chapter to host virtual walk May 22

The American Parkinson’s Disease Association Virginia Chapter is hosting its Virtual Optimism Walk May 22. Participants may register online at http://APDAParkinson.org/va. The event is one of three virtual walks happening on the same day and part of a nationwide series of Optimism Walks that are designed to mobilize and inspire people to help end = Parkinson’s disease.

About one million people in the United States live with PD.

Participants in the APDA Virginia Virtual Optimism Walk will join fellow walkers from Optimism Walks taking place in Massachusetts and the Northwest. After an online opening ceremony and celebration, participants in all three virtual events will walk separately, but together in solidarity for the PD community. Participants will be encouraged to walk safely on their own and share photos and comments online using #OptimismWalk.

The online celebration will be co-emceed by sports radio personality Mike “Sarge” Riley (98.5 The Sports Hub, Boston) and Dave “The Groz” Grosby (host emeritus of 710 ESPN, Seattle) with guest Bill Rasmussen, founder of ESPN.

“Year after year our Optimism Walk has gathered 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 Kendra Lapointe, president of the APDA Virginia Chapter. “The funds raised at our Optimism Walk help APDA provide a wide array of programming for the PD community to keep people supported, engaged, and informed while they need to stay at home.”

Programs include virtual support groups, information and referral services, patient aid scholarships, virtual webinars, online education, and others.

To learn more and register for the APDA Virginia Virtual Optimism Walk, visit http://APDAParkinson.org/va or call 757-495-3062.