Every step counts: New York Unity Walk raises more than $1m for Parkinson’s

Activists in New York headed to Central Park for the 23^rd Unity Walk, to raise money for Parkinson’s causes and learn more about the condition

Now in its 23^rd year, the Unity Walk is the largest grassroots Parkinson’s fundraiser in the US. The event, held in New York’s Central Park, took place on 22 April and has already raised more than $1.25m for Parkinson’s research projects.

This year, Carol Walton, CEO of Unity Walk, and Muhammad Ali’s daughter May May Ali appeared on US television to promote the event.

In the televised interview with CityViews, Carol Walton said: “When you see 10,000 or 11,000 thousand people at the event, who are all in some way working to give you a better quality of life and to find a cure – it really shows that you’re not alone.”

Carol Walton, CEO of Unity Walk CEO (left); Bettina Chavanne, a journalist with Parkinson’s and May May Ali

May May Ali, Marty Tuchman (PUW Chairman), and PICC's Nick Mourlam rallying behind those living with Parkinson's at #puw2017. pic.twitter.com/Jjy1yPiVNi

— Parkinson'sInstitute (@PDpartner) May 2, 2017

The team and supporters were also invited onto the Today Show where even the wet weather couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm shown by Parkinson’s advocates.

On the day, people with Parkinson’s and their families walked the 1.4-mile course – which is suitable for those with walking disabilities – and have the opportunity to speak to Parkinson’s experts; up to 50 information stands are set up each year with movement disorder specialists, neurologists, physiotherapists, all on hand to answers questions, free of charge.

James Beck, Chief Scientific Officer at Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, showed his support for the fundraising event.

Happy to be with the #parkinson community for the @unitywalk #together4pd @PDFparkinson @ParkinsonDotOrg pic.twitter.com/9ODcmUDzdA

— James Beck, PhD (@jbeck_PDF) April 22, 2017

Walkers of all ages took part, as seen in the group for Fresco Institute for Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders at NYU Langone Medical Center was represented by a large group of all ages.

Another great day of friends, family, community & hope @unitywalk #puw2017 @NYULMC @nyuniversity #Together4PD #NYU4PDCure #research pic.twitter.com/0fQdRwxwN2

— Fresco Institute NYU (@NYUFresco) April 22, 2017

Families, equipped with home made signs, attended the walk to show their support for loved ones.

https://twitter.com/traceybwilson/status/855871229051494400

Parkinson’s Disease Foundation set up a special photo booth for the occasion.

We were excited to see my photo @PDFparkinson booth! This photo was taken after I ran the #NYC 1/2. My first PD charity effort! @unitywalk pic.twitter.com/LsMbJ7Eivm

— Chad Moir (@DopaFit) April 23, 2017

What walk would be complete without giant photo frames for walkers to take memorable snaps of the day.

Unshakeable support at the 2017 @unitywalk @APDAParkinsons @NJAPDA #puw2017 pic.twitter.com/8HBkJcQok4

— Gary Rafaloff (@grafaloff) April 22, 2017

The organisation has now raised more than $20m to date and you can follow all the latest social media updates using the hashtag #PUW2017.

Image credit: Unity Walk website

To make a donation to Parkinson’s Unity Walk click here