A Daughter's Mission to Help Her Father and Others Conquer Parkinson's Disease

    SPRINGFIELD, VA, September 04, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Stacey Mann, a Springfield VA resident, has been on a mission to help her father and others conquer Parkinson's Disease. Five years ago, she founded Promises for Parkinson's, a 501c3, to raise money for Parkinson's research and to help individuals living with the disease. This year, Promises for Parkinson's will hold the fourth Annual Hike the Park for Parkinson's at Oregon Ridge Park in Hunt Valley Maryland. To date, the hike has raised $36,000 for genetic research being conducted at Maryland's Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center.

This year's hike, slated for this Saturday, September 7, 2013, from 8-12 pm, at Oregon Ridge Park in Hunt Valley, Maryland, will continue to spread awareness for Parkinson's and engage people from the Mid-Atlantic area to fight for those living with the disease. The fundraising goal of the hike is set at $15,000. All funds raised will support Maryland's Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center and Promises for Parkinson's Care Program, which supports individuals living with Parkinson's.

Parkinson's disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States, afflicting 1 out of every 100 people over the age of 60. Although no two people are affected in the same way, symptoms include involuntary shaking, extreme muscle rigidity, dysfunction and slowness in limb movement and extremely impaired balance. With proper treatment, the symptoms can be controlled, though medication can eventually lose effectiveness, leaving the afflicted person unable to move, speak or swallow.

"Almost eight years ago, my father was diagnosed with Parkinson's, and I was inspired by his strength and courage to get involved. While science works on a cure, we want to help improve the daily lives of Parkinson's patients." says Stacey Mann, Executive Director of Promises for Parkinson's. Established in 2009, Promises for Parkinson's aims to create awareness of the disease and create fundraising opportunities such as Hike the Park to help support the cause. Promises for Parkinson's is a completely volunteer based organization and is therefore able to donate 90% of every dollar raised directly to Parkinson's research.

"The hike allows anyone, regardless of hiking ability, to get involved and make a difference in the lives of those living with Parkinson's disease. Registration is ongoing and sponsorship opportunities are available"

For those interested in participating, information about the hike and Parkinson's disease is available by visiting www.promisesforparkinsons.org or by calling the Promises for Parkinson's office at 1.800.269.0624. Stacey Mann and her father are available for interviews.

Contact: Stacey Mann, Promises for Parkinson's - 1.800.269.0624 6717 Doane Avenue, Springfield, Virginia 22152 [email protected]

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