LAS VEGAS, NV, Date –The Parkinson’s Foundation will host Moving Day Las Vegas on Saturday May 6, 2023 at Sunset Park. More than 250 people are expected to take part in movement demonstrations and a 1-mile walk to beat Parkinson’s.
Moving Day is more than just a walk. It is a celebration of movement, which is critical in battling the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The event in Las Vegas will be fun and inspiring, including demonstrations of boxing and other movement disciplines to warm up the crowd for the walk.
It is estimated that one million people in the U.S. are living with Parkinson’s, with approximately 90,000 people newly diagnosed each year. Moving Day events across the country have raised more than $35 million supporting the Parkinson’s Foundation’s mission to make life better for people with Parkinson’s disease.
This year the Southwest Chapter of the Parkinson’s Foundation will be honoring Zoltan Mari, M.D. at Moving Day Las Vegas. Dr. Mari is making a significant impact in the Parkinson’s community as the Director of the Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorders Program and the Ruvo Family Chair at Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas. This is one of the Parkinson’s Foundation’s designated Centers of Excellence – a medical center with a specialized team of neurologists, movement disorder specialists, physical and occupational therapists, and mental health professionals.
During his tenure at the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Dr. Mari established the first clinical movement disorder fellowship training program in the state of Nevada, held many leadership positions and managed clinical studies. . He also serves as an Advisory Board member for the Parkinson’s Foundation Southwest Chapter.
Dr. Mari says, “Hope for better treatments, better life quality remains the most important cohesive force that connects the community of patients, their families, friends, and caregivers, their providers and allied health professionals, as well as patient advocacy and funding organizations. Nothing in my life has captured that amazing feeling than my collaboration with the Parkinson’s Foundation. Our shared commitment to touch and improve as many lives affected by Parkinson disease as possible is delivering on that hope and will continue to do so. The Parkinson’s Foundation brings Moving Day to Las Vegas, where we all can come together and express our support for their relentless efforts.”
Fundraising at the walk is important but so is the social aspect. “Moving Day is vital not only because it is our largest fundraising event of the year, but because it brings the Parkinson’s community together” said Robin Rhea, Development Director for PF’s Southwest Chapter. “This community really supports each other, and you can see how these interactions truly benefit everyone who attends,” she continued.
One of the critical efforts supported by Moving Day donations is PD GENEration, a clinical study by the Parkinson’s Foundation. PD GENEration examines the genetic foundations of the disease, opening doors to new treatment approaches and, hopefully, a cure. The Foundation is seeking additional participants for the study, and more information will be available at the event.
Moving Day Las Vegas will include informational exhibits and a PD Experience where people who don’t have Parkinson’s can learn what it’s like to contend with some of the affliction’s symptoms. The event draws people of all ages and walks of life.
To learn more about Moving Day Las Vegas and how you, your family and friends, and your company can get involved, please visit MovingDayLasVegas.org.
