Parkinson's Walk-A-Thon Fun and Successful

Tempe, AZ, February 18, 2008 - Hundreds of walkers poured into Tempe Town Park for the 2nd Annual "Walk the Fight" Walk-a-Thon and were welcomed by Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman.

Sunday's crowd was estimated at over 500 people and raised over $30,000 doubling both attendance and fundraising over the prior year. Sponsors of the event included Morris, Hall and Kinghorn, Scottdale Village Square, Medtronic, UCB and Teva Neuroscience. Dave Rajput of Hot Mix  Productions donated the DJ and MC services for the day.

The Walk was launched last year to create awareness and raise funds for the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center in Phoenix. "There were only 250 people walking the first year but we felt we were making history. We raised $14,500  and all proceeds went to the Muhammad Ali Parkingson Center" stated Jack Goldwater, President of Parkinson Network of Arizona (PNA)  an all volunteer group that put on the Walk along with the Foundation For Parkinson's and Neurological Research.

Prior to the Walk, the crowd visited over 60 vendors at a Health Fair. The participants took advantage of the Ask the Doctor Booth, along with local and national home health agench's assisted living facilities and others in the medical community. Alternative, Natural Holistic, Nutrition and fitness booths were also in attendance, as well as social and legislative activism information. During the morning, DJ Dave kept the music sunny and uplifting. It seemed to be enjoyed by all.

At 11:00 am, the crowd gathered in the stage area as Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman spoke then introduced Dr. A. Lieberman, one of the most prominent Neurologists in the US who inspired the crowd with his belief a cure for Parkinson's will be found. Congressman Harry Mitchell spoke of his campaign in congress to promote laws in the fight against Parkinson's. Ren Udall, Grandaughter of the late Mo Udall shared wonderful stories of her grandfather with the crowd. Michael Manning a Phoenix based Television  and Radio Personality spoke of warm moments he shared with his father who developed Parkinson's late in life.  John Yonushonis, President of FFPNR (Foundation For Parkinson's and Neuological Research) thanked the walkers for attending and began the countdown to start the walk. DJ Dave kicked off the walk with "Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow" by Fleetwood Mac, and hundreds of smiles were seen as the walk began on that beautiful morning.

All net proceeds of the walk this year will go to the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center whose mission  is to improve Quality of Life for those diagnosed with Parkinson's.

Parkinson's disease is a gradual neurodegenerative disease that affects more than one million Americans. To find out more about Parkinson's disease and the Walk pleas call us at (480) 833-2002).