2021 Optimism Walk at Sherwood Island Supports Curing Parkinson’s Disease

American Parkinson’s Disease Association Release

The American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA) Connecticut Chapter is excited to host the 9th annual APDA Westport Optimism Walk apdaparkinson.org/ct – which will be held in person this year after transitioning to a virtual event in 2020. Taking place on Saturday, October 2, 2021, registration at 10 am-Walk at 11 am at Sherwood Island State Park, Westport Connecticut this annual event is part of a nationwide series of Optimism Walks that mobilize and inspire people to step up and help put an end to Parkinson’s disease (PD). There are approximately one million people living with PD in the United States – 9,000 of which are right here in Connecticut -- with more being diagnosed every day. (APDA puts participant safety first and will conduct the event with full adherence to any/all public health guidelines and safety measures required at the time of the event.)

With 15 events across the country, the Optimism Walk series brings thousands of participants together to support APDA’s mission to help every person impacted by PD live life to the fullest. By raising funds and awareness, every participant in the APDA Westport Optimism Walk is helping to make a difference for those living with the disease today and to push for answers that will ultimately make PD a thing of the past. 

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"We can’t wait to see everyone in person again!” said Erika Forte, Connecticut Board President. “When someone you love is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, it can be frustrating to not know how to help. But then we see that frustration turn into motivation, determination, and purpose when people take part in the Optimism Walk. We hear from participants who feel proud to have made a difference, who have done their part by raising critical funds that will enable APDA to provide more programs and services right here in our local PD community.”

What is an Optimism Walk? The Westport Optimism Walk apdaparkinson.org/ct is a family-friendly fundraising event that offers a short walk of up to 1.5 miles (distance is optional) and other activities including educational opportunities, raffles, sponsor activities, music and most importantly, the chance to bond with others who are similarly connected. 

It is perfect for people with PD, their friends, family, coworkers, and care partners – anyone who wants to step up and help put an end to this disease by raising much-needed funds and awareness. 

The funds raised at the Westport Optimism Walk help APDA provide essential support groups, exercise classes designed specifically for people with PD, educational conferences, and so much more. “Access to the right information and support is key to living your best life, and that’s true for the person living with PD as well as care partners, friends and family,” states Forte. “APDA is the largest grassroots network serving people with PD and their families. The more funds we raise at each Optimism Walk, the more people we can help every day.”  Local programs currently include Virtual webinars, in-person and online support groups, educational programs and  Patient Aid Scholarship grants.

Corporate partners Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Lundbeck, and Sunovion Pharmaceuticals have joined once again as National Sponsors of the full Optimism Walk 2021 event series. Representatives from these companies will be on hand to meet members of the PD community and demonstrate their special commitment to helping people with PD, families, and care partners as they work tirelessly to bring innovative solutions to those living with this disease. Local sponsors include – Adamas, Neurocrine, and Kyowa Kirin, generous support of these sponsors is critical to the success of our mission.

To learn more and register for the Westport Optimism Walk, visit the www.apdaparkinson.org/ct or call 860-248-9200.

About the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) 
The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is the largest grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease (PD) and works tirelessly to help the more than 1 million people in the US with PD live life to the fullest in the face of this chronic, neurological disorder. Founded in 1961, APDA has raised and invested more than $207 million to provide outstanding patient services and educational programs, elevate public awareness about the disease, and support research designed to unlock the mysteries of PD and ultimately put an end to this disease. To join us in the fight against Parkinson’s disease and to learn more about the support APDA provides nationally through our network of Chapters and Information & Referral (I&R) Centers, as well as our national Research Program and Centers for Advanced Research, please visit us at www.apdaparkinson.org