Optimism Walk
media release: Saturday, October 21, 2023, Warner Park | 2930 N. Sherman Ave, Madison, WI 53704
Check-in and pre-event activities begin at 10:00 am; the ceremony is at 11:00 am - Walk to follow
Fundraising is highly encouraged and much appreciated. Earn our great incentive prizes - Raise $100+ to Get an Optimism Walk Shirt; Raise $500+ Get an Optimism Walk Hat; Raise $1,000+ and Become a Circle of Optimism Member where you will be recognized during the Opening Ceremony and receive an Optimism Walk medal.
There will be food, fun, fellowship, family-friendly activities, community resources and so much more!
The walk route is one mile and is wheelchair accessible (walk as much or as little as you choose).
Rain or shine!
Dogs are NOT permitted. (Service animals only, please).
For more information: Call APDA Wisconson at 608-345-7938 or email apdawi@apdaparkinson.org. Donations can also be mailed to APDA Wisconsin | PO Box 14381, Madison, WI 53708.
The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) Wisconsin Chapter is proud to host its annual APDA Wisconsin Optimism Walk in Madison on October 21 at the shelter at Warner Park. With a new diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) every six minutes – that’s 240 people every day -- the need for increased awareness and support is critical. There are approximately one million people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in the United States – 1,500 of which are right here in Wisconsin. There are two Optimism Walks in Wisconsin this year, the first one taking place in Green Bay this past September.
Big smiles and big cheers as Walkers raise funds and awareness at a past Optimism Walk!
With events across the country, the Optimism Walk series brings thousands of participants together to support APDA’s mission to help every person impacted by PD live life to the fullest. The funds raised at the two APDA Wisconsin Optimism Walks help the APDA Wisconsin Chapter provide essential support groups, exercise classes designed specifically for people with PD, educational conferences, and so much more for the local PD community.
Megan Ramstack, Chapter Coordinator, APDA Wisconsin Chapter states, “Whether you are living with PD yourself or someone you love has been diagnosed, knowing that your participation in the Optimism Walk will make a difference can feel so empowering and purposeful. Participants tell us they feel proud to have done their part by raising critical funds that will help APDA provide more programs and services right here in Wisconsin.”
What is an Optimism Walk? Both of the APDA Wisconsin Optimism Walks are family-friendly fundraising events that offer a short walk (distance is optional) and other activities. These Walks help connect the community, and most importantly offers the chance to bond with others who are similarly impacted by Parkinson’s. It is perfect for people with PD, their friends, family, coworkers, and care partners – anyone who wants to step up and help put an end to this disease.
“Access to the right information and support is key to living your best life, and that’s true for the person living with PD as well as care partners, friends and family,” states Ramstack. “The APDA Wisconsin Chapter is working hard to serve people with PD and their families and to help them feel supported throughout their PD journey. The more funds we raise at each Optimism Walk, the more people we can help every day.”
Corporate partners Amneal Pharmaceuticals and Avion Pharmaceuticals are supporting the entire series as National Sponsors of the 2023 Optimism Walk events. Representatives from these companies will be on hand to meet members of the PD community and demonstrate their special commitment to helping people with PD, families, and care partners as they work tirelessly to bring innovative solutions to those living with this disease. Local sponsors for the event include Supernus Pharmaceuticals, All of Us Research Program, Boston Scientific, Acorda Therapeutics, and Wispact. The generous support of these sponsors is critical to the success of our mission.
To learn more and register visit www.apdaparkinson.org/wi or call 608-345-7938.
About the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA)
The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is a nationwide grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease (PD) and works tirelessly to help the more than one million people in the US with PD live life to the fullest in the face of this chronic, neurological disorder. Founded in 1961, APDA has raised and invested more than $252 million to provide outstanding patient services and educational programs, elevate public awareness about the disease, and support research designed to unlock the mysteries of PD and ultimately put an end to this disease. To join us in the fight against Parkinson’s disease and to learn more about the support APDA provides nationally through our network of Chapters and Information & Referral (I&R) Centers, as well as our national Research Program and Centers for Advanced Research, please visit us at www.apdaparkinson.org