Katie Couric Is Honorary National Chair of the National Parkinson Foundation's Moving Day—Coming to Pittsburgh Oct. 1

--Are Pittsburgh Residents Ready To Move?--

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Katie Couric has agreed to be the honorary national chair of a new fundraising walk, Moving Day, coming to Pittsburgh Oct. 1 from the National Parkinson Foundation (NPF) and its Western Pennsylvania Chapter.

Moving Day is the first grassroots campaign to spotlight Parkinson's disease (PD) awareness on a national level. The importance of good care for people with Parkinson's is near and dear to Ms. Couric—her father, John Couric, 90, died recently from complications due to Parkinson's disease.

"Parkinson's is a challenging and often debilitating disease that robs too many people of their ability to lead a full life. I watched in awe as my father bravely battled this disease and know that he greatly benefited from care, which significantly minimized his symptoms by addressing all aspects of his well being," says Katie Couric, honorary national chair of Moving Day.  "Every individual coping with this disease should have the same quality care my Dad did, and that's why the work of the NPF is so critically important. Its three-pronged mission of research, education, and outreach will help countless people suffering from Parkinson's today and will develop better treatments for the scores who will be diagnosed in the future. I am proud to be a part of this mission and in doing so, honor my wonderful father, who was a true profile in courage as he soldiered on every day to remain an active and vibrant part of the family he so loved."

The Pittsburgh Moving Day walk, which starts at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 1 at North Park, will feature a "Movement Pavilion" with stations such as yoga, dance, chair-based exercises and more. Studies show that movement is beneficial and proven to help manage the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, improving flexibility and mobility.  Even vigorous exercise such as biking and running has been shown to potentially slow down or delay progression.   NPF is rolling out this fun-filled, family-friendly event to cities across the country, not only in Pittsburgh, but also Oct. 16 in Washington, D.C., and Oct. 22 in Rome, GA. New Moving Day events are planned for 2012: Minneapolis, MN, Kansas City, Chicago, Sacramento, Sioux Falls, SD, Tallahassee, Miami and Boca Raton, FL, Cedartown and Augusta, GA.

Moving Day raises awareness of Parkinson's both nationally and in the Western Pennsylvania community. Proceeds raised from the campaign go to support local services for people living with the disease and research leading to better treatments.

"Moving Day is fun, great exercise and, without being obvious, educational," says Barbara Farrell, executive director of the National Parkinson Foundation Western Pennsylvania Chapter. "The support of Pittsburgh-area residents will enable us to continue to make meaningful changes in the lives of those with Parkinson's disease. We believe that 'people who move change the world.'"

To learn more about Moving Day and how you, your family and friends, and/or your company can get involved, please visit www.npfmovingday.org.  Moving Day is made possible, in part, through the generous support of national sponsors, including Champion Sponsors Dick's Sporting Goods, Medtronic and Right at Home, and Hope Sponsor Office Depot Foundation.  Additional national and local sponsorship opportunities are available.  Please call 1-800-4PD-INFO to learn more.

About Parkinson's Disease

PD is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that progresses slowly in most people. When approximately 60 to 80 percent of the dopamine-producing cells in the brain are damaged, and do not produce enough dopamine, the motor symptoms of PD appear. In the United States, 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, adding to the one million people who have PD.  It is estimated that four to six million people around the world have Parkinson's.

About The National Parkinson Foundation Western Pennsylvania Chapter

The National Parkinson Foundation Western Pennsylvania Chapter was founded by volunteers in 1995 with the mission to provide support and education for those afflicted with Parkinson's disease and their families, and to fund medical research to discover the cause of and cure for PD. The NPF Western Pennsylvania Chapter is the primary regional provider of non-medical services for 10,000 individuals with PD, their families and caregivers.  The chapter provides exercise and wellness programs, education, information, referral, and support. For more information call 412.365.2086 or visit www.pfwpa.org.

About The National Parkinson Foundation

NPF has a singular focus on improving the quality of care in PD.  NPF programs reach more than one million people a year through its network of 39 chapters, 43 Centers of Excellence and 900 support groups.  Since 1982, NPF has funded more than $155 million in care, research and support services.  For more information about the National Parkinson Foundation and the Moving Day event, please visit www.parkinson.org or call toll-free 1.800.4PD.INFO.

SOURCE National Parkinson Foundation