Parkinson’s Foundation ‘Moving Day’ Raises More Than Expected

This year, the Parkinson’s Foundation hosted the first ever Moving Day in The Villages. Its purpose was to raise awareness and support for those living with Parkinson’s disease—a brain disorder that causes unintended and uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness and difficulty with balance and coordination.

The event raised over $115,000 and brought more than 600 walkers together at The Villages Polo Club.

Although the event was new to The Villages, supporting people with Parkinson’s is not. Rose Lang, volunteer with the Parkinson’s Foundation and retired pharmacist, moved to The Villages because of the great support network for people living with Parkinson’s—her husband among them.

“John was diagnosed in 2008, and we moved to The Villages in 2016 after living here part-time for two years. I continue to be impressed with the resources and outreach of the Parkinson’s Foundation,” Rose says. There are 10 Parkinson’s support groups in The Villages that meet for exercise, education, speakers, golf and caregiver support.

Moving Day 2024 brought people together to form teams and raise money. Some hosted garage sales and others organized a football lottery. “I put a notice in our community newsletter for a garage sale, and they filled four garages with donations,” delights Diana, another member of the Parkinson’s support community and caregiver to her husband living with Parkinson’s. “I didn’t even ask my neighbors, they just showed up.”

Diana knew it was time to move to this tight-knit community when she witnessed her husband Dale come out of his shell when the whole family came to visit. Although the sensory overload of crowded spaces tends to overwhelm people living with Parkinson’s, he lit up to be included in a comfortable social situation.

The Parkinson’s support groups plan social activities where people living with Parkinson’s and their caregivers can be comfortable. Through education events hosted by the Parkinson’s Foundation, everyone in the community can learn more about Parkinson’s and how they can support their neighbors and friends living with the disease.

The funds raised from Moving Day The Villages 2024 will help continue cutting-edge research to improve treatment and care for those living with Parkinson’s and provide free resources to them and their families.

To learn more, register here to attend a free Parkinson’s educational event on October 8^th at the Wildwood Community Center, or click here for a list of local Parkinson’s support groups.