Record turnout for UNMC Skate-a-thon for Parkinson’s

January 28, 2017

640 skaters participate in 24-hour event

The six skaters who skated all 24 hours at this year’s UNMC Skate-a-thon for Parkinson’s “chill out” on the UNMC Ice Rink after completing their marathon skating effort.

OMAHA, Neb. —

A record total of 640 skaters participated in the seventh annual UNMC Skate-a-thon for Parkinson’s, as the 24-hour skating event concluded at 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon at the UNMC Ice Rink.

This marked the third consecutive year the event has topped 500 skaters, and the first time it has exceeded the 600 mark. 

The event is held in memory of event founder Colleen Wuebben, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2005 at the age of 52 and died in 2013 at the age of 60. 

Jenny Knutson, daughter of Ted and Colleen Wuebben and one of the event coordinators, said early estimates look very promising, as more than $11,000 were collected at the registration tent alone. She said online proceeds, pledges for skaters, and corporate sponsorships are yet to be processed. 

“I know the Creighton Prep hockey team exceeded its $800 goal, and that’s not included in the $11,000 total,” she said. 

When the final total is calculated, Knutson said she is confident that the seven skate-a-thons at UNMC will have netted more than $170,000 in proceeds. The total after the 2016 skate-a-thon was more than $155,000. 

Proceeds go toward clinical and basic science Parkinson's research at UNMC as well as Parkinson’s Nebraska, an organization started by the Wuebben family to provide affordable exercise, education and services to improve quality of life for persons with Parkinson's. 

“We are just overwhelmed with the response,” Knutson said. “This event just keeps getting bigger and better every year. It’s very encouraging for the future.” 

Six skaters – Chris Rush, Mike Schoch, Ronnie Stark, Eric Winner, Abby and Jim Janicki – skated all 24 hours. This marked the fourth consecutive year that Rush has skated all 24 hours. In skating all 24 hours, it is estimated that each of the marathon skaters logged more than 16 miles. In addition, a Parkinson’s patient, Suzanne Arney, participated in the opening ceremonies.

http://www.ketv.com/article/record-turnout-for-unmc-skate-a-thon-for-parkinsons/8650557