The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Coming together to help fund Parkinson’s research
LITCHFIELD>> Walkers and joggers converged on White Memorial Conservation Center for the third Annual “Walk in the Woods” for Parkinson’s Research on Sunday.
Thewalk, sponsored by the Torrington Area Parkinson’s Support Group, allows anyone to register, donate and help raise awareness while helping to fund research to find a cure.
“This year the walk drew around 250 participants and raised an estimated $16,000, although the official numbers are not in yet,” said Joe Pathe, volunteer and adjutant with American Legion Post 38. “We have been doing very well with the walk. The weather is beautiful and we have had good attendance.”
Every year seems to have a little more participation, Pathe said.
“This year we had 67 prepaid walkers and $6,000 in pre-paid funds,” he said.
Among the festivities included antique cars, a fire truck, raffles and tents set up for baked goods, educational material and activities for children.
“The walk started out when we were all in a meeting and it was suggested we should hold an annual walk. The first time, we didn’t even have tents but we have since progressed,” said Susan Pelchat, chairman of the walk. “For the last few years we have had wonderful weather and good turnouts.”
Along with the money raised donated to the Michael J. Fox foundation and the Parkinson’s disease Foundation, this year some of the funds raised will help those afflicted in the community.
“This year we have a new objective to give up to four scholarships for Parkinson’s sufferers to participate in an exercise program called ‘Keep it Moving’ at the Sullivan Senior Center in Torrington,” Pelchat said. “It is very important for people afflicted with Parkinson’s to exercise, and this programis run by Charlotte Hungerford Hospital and is tailored to patients’ needs.”
Last year the walk drew a crowd of over 200 participants and raised more than $18,000.
Along with the proceeds raised, John and Glenn Royals— along with friends from the Litchfield Hills Historical Auto Club — donated a theracycle exercise bike specially made for those with the disease in memory of their father, John Royals III, who died of Parkinson’s.
“We are glad to be able to donate this bike,” said Glenn Royals. “It can be hard for someone with Parkinson’s to peddle a stationary bike. This one is power-motored and computer-monitored. It has been shown that patients see a 35 percent improvement with forced exercise machines like the theracycle.”
The exercise bike will be donated to the Sullivan Senior Center andwill bemade available free of charge.
“This is the community coming together to try to find a cure,” said Kim Fischer, her second year participating in the walk. “The people here are very helpful. It’s a great thing.”
According to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, an estimated 5million peopleworldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease. In the United States, 60,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year alone. Currently, there is no way to prevent or accurately predict