Baltimore, Maryland (PressExposure) August 17, 2010 -- Stacey Mann, a Maryland born artist with personal ties to Parkinson's Disease has established Hike the Park for Parkinson's, an annual hike to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for Maryland's Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center, a leader in Parkinson's disease research.
The hike, slated for Saturday, September 4, 2010, from 8-12 pm, at Oregon Ridge Park in Hunt Valley, Maryland, is part of a rising grassroots effort occurring throughout the United States to engage people through their local communities to become active in the fight against the disease. The fundraising goal of the hike is set at $50,000.
Parkinson's disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States, afflicting 1 out of every 100 people over the age of 60. Although no two people are affected in the same way, symptoms include involuntary shaking, extreme muscle rigidity, dysfunction and slowness in limb movement and extremely impaired balance. With proper treatment, the symptoms can be controlled, though medication can eventually lose effectiveness, leaving the afflicted person unable to move, speak or swallow.
"Almost five years ago, my father was diagnosed with Parkinson's, and I was inspired by his strength and courage to get involved. Because researchers predict a cure is possible in as little as ten years, I feel like now's the time to do everything we can to help." says Mrs. Mann. Born and raised in Bel Air, Maryland, Mrs. Mann, a graphics artist, threw herself into establishing a non-profit organization called Promises for Parkinson's, which aims to create fundraising opportunities such as Hike the Park to help support the cause.
"We're hoping to recruit hike participants of all ages and lifestyles, who will aim to raise a minimum of $100 each. Additionally, we are seeking support from the business community in the form of contributions, company-organized teams, and a variety of sponsorship opportunities."
For those interested in participating, information about the hike and Parkinson's Disease is available by visiting http://www.hikethepark.org or by calling the Promises for Parkinson's office at 202.494.6864. More information can be obtained about Promises for Parkinson's by visiting http://www.promisesforparkinsons.org. As a new organization, an annual report has not yet been published.