Moving to fight Parkinson’s disease

By Erin MacPherson Sunday,  November 5th 2017

Moving to fight Parkinson’s disease. (WPEC)

Sunday, the South Palm Beach County chapter of the Parkinson’s Foundation hosted their 6th Parkinson’s Moving Day.

50 teams and 700 people participated in the 5k walk around the FAU stadium in Boca Raton on Sunday morning.

“We’re one of the greatest centers in the United States with the highest density of Parkinson's related illness. So Parkinson's in Palm Beach and Broward Counties, we have one of the biggest concentration in the United States,” said Ed Gray, the Chair for the Parkinson’s Foundation Moving Day.

Moving day is all about raising awareness and funds for Parkinson’s disease.

Robin Miller, the Executive Director for the South Palm Beach County chapter said they raised about $125,000 on Sunday.

She said that money goes right back into the community.

“We’re providing them with all kinds of wellness classes. The more they move, the better they feel,” said Miller.

One person with Parkinson’s at the event agreed. Angela Wensley said the reason she is “still going strong after ten years” is because of her treatment and therapy.

“Not just any movement but specific big movements. Large movements that challenge the muscles that keep us hunched over and stiff. Therapies that are the best are those that counter what Parkinson's is trying to take away from you,” said Wensley.

She said she was a freelance professional engineer traveling around the world when she was diagnosed. She said she was living “a wonderful life and then I get this one handed to me.”

But she never let it bring her down.

“It is not a death sentence. It's far from them that. It's a freedom to enjoy your life like you've never enjoyed it before. You can have fun with Parkinson's so go ahead and do it,” said Wensley.

http://cbs12.com/news/local/moving-to-fight-parkinsons-disease