Mayor Michelle Blanton read a proclamation that declared April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month during a recent Circleville City Council meeting.
The Riffle family is the key organizer of the annual Parkinson’s Walk for a Cure that will be held Saturday, April 27 at Mary Virginia Crites Hannan Park, 1230 Pontius Rd, Circleville. On-site registration will begin at 9 a.m. A minimal registration fee of $25 that includes PWFAC 2024 t-shirt.
Reading from the proclamation, Blanton said, “Whereas we recognize the important role of the Parkinson’s Walk for a Cure plays in meeting the needs of people affected by Parkinson’s disease through family and clinical support, early detection and diagnosis of disease, education, advocacy and research.”
In its 13th year, the annual walk is a fundraiser to help fund research for a cure and help local families during Parkinson’s Awareness Month.
“We started this walk in 2012 after my dad had passed away with Parkinson’s and a few years prior to that Steve’s dad had had passed away with Parkinson’s and at that time there just was no media presence or information available unless you actually contacted the foundation,” Teresa Riffle said. “So we wanted to spread awareness of the disease and our walk has grown each year. In 2015, Ohio Health got involved with us and they have helped us along the way to make it what it is today. Along with all the other support from area businesses and just community support with residents and those who offer to volunteer. And we have the majority of our sponsors are the same year after year. So they’ve been with us for quite some time area businesses.”
Riffle continued, “Ohio Health now has a Parkinson’s wellness program and there are different exercise programs depending on the skill level of the patient. And that’s vital because the best medicine for Parkinson’s disease is exercise and it is geared towards people with the disease and the person running the class has always focused, focused on the neurological aspect of physical therapy in the patient.”
Half of the walk’s proceeds remain locally in the community through the Parkinson’s Fund, which is managed by the Pickaway County Community Foundation (PCCF).
Riffle said that money goes a long toward helping others.
“We have purchased equipment and things that people in the community need to help them live more independently at home as well so they can see us if that is needed,” she said.
Steven Riffle added, “We would just like to thank the leaders of the community, each of you for what you do and how you do it. This is not about us, it’s about a community that’s coming together and nothing is stronger than a community with a sole purpose and driven leaders at the front. So we thank you all and we thank our community for this.”
For further information on Parkinson’s disease, please visit our organization website — https://pwfac-oh.org/
If you should have any questions regarding either event or how to donate, please contact Teresa Riffle, Riffleteresa@gmail.com, message via Facebook — Parkinson’s Walk for a Cure, Cell 740-412-1030.
Most Popular
Comments / 0