The National Parkinson Foundation Announces $50,000 in Grants to Support Programs and Resources for Parkinson's Patients and Caregivers in Metro Atlanta

ATLANTA, April 4, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- April is Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month and the National Parkinson Foundation (NPF) is ready to turn up the volume on Parkinson's awareness in Atlanta.

Due to the success of the inaugural Moving Day^® Atlanta (www.movingdayatlanta.org), a grassroots fundraising and awareness event that takes place in communities across the US, NPF has more than $50,000 to invest locally for educational programs and wellness classes to help those living with Parkinson's disease maintain or improve their quality of life. Interested grant applicants should contact Megan Conyers at [email protected] or 305.537.9921 (applications are due April 30).

Moving Day is a campaign to raise awareness and funds through annual fundraising walks. Each walk features a "Movement Pavilion," with stations such as yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, dance and much 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 of the disease. The aim is to encourage people to stay active and move for better health.

"My husband Ben was diagnosed at age 28 and navigating through all the changes has been difficult," stated Effie Jackson, a Moving Day Atlanta Committee Member. "Events like Moving Day are so important to not only raise awareness for this debilitating disease but to foster a community that supports each other. Sitting still is not a choice; we need to keep on moving to make a difference for those living with Parkinson's disease."

Through funding and awareness from Moving Day, NPF hopes to provide new opportunities for wellness and learning for those affected by Parkinson's disease in metro Atlanta.

An estimated one million people live with Parkinson's disease, a progressive brain disorder for which there is no cure. In addition, millions more are involved in caring for those who suffer from this complex disease affecting speech and motor function. 

We want to urge everyone in Atlanta to join our community as we take steps to promote greater awareness of Parkinson's disease. Individuals can visit www.parkinson.org to access helpful resources and www.movingdayatlanta.org to register for the 2014 Moving Day Atlanta event that will take place on Saturday, November 1, 2014, at Centennial Olympic Park.

For information about local opportunities and the grant application process, please contact Megan Conyers at [email protected] or 305.537.9921. Grant applications are due April 30, 2014 (grant recipients will be notified by June 1, 2014).

Contact:
Annie Long, Moving Day^® Atlanta Coordinator
[email protected] 
404-400-2705

SOURCE National Parkinson Foundation