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For Immediate Release Contact: Carol Walton Parkinson’s Unity Walk 1-866-PUW-WALK (1-866-789-9255) [log in to unmask] The 2003 Parkinson’s Unity Walk Reception May 28, 2003 New York City, NY On May 28th, the Parkinson's Unity Walk Board of Directors held a reception to formally thank their sponsors, volunteers, and other individuals for making the 2003 Walk possible. The reception took place in New York City Hall's historic Council Chambers and featured cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a brief program, and desserts. The program began with Executive Director Carol Walton addressing the audience. “It was the first time in the Walk’s history that it rained all day. In spite of the weather, we had over 4,000 people who came to the Walk. I think this truly makes a very strong statement about the courage and determination of the Parkinson’s community. As Joan Samuelson (President of the Parkinson’s Action Network) is so fond of saying, we are “invisible no more.” Carol explained that last year’s Walk was actually a combination of two Walks because the September 2001 Walk was cancelled due to the events of 9/11. As a result, many people generously donated twice. Carol stated with pride that this year the Walk has raised more than $500,000. The funds will be distributed to The American Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, The National Parkinson’s Foundation, The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, The Parkinson Alliance, The Parkinson’s Institute, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, and The Parkinson’s Action Network to further the Parkinson’s research agenda. The program continued with Carol Walton reading a letter issued by City Council Speaker Gifford Miller expressing his “profound appreciation for the work of the organizers, sponsors, volunteers and participants whose vision and dedication enable The Parkinson’s Unity Walk to aid the 1.5 million Americans who are suffering from this awful disease.” Parkinson’s Unity Walk president Evan Stern thanked sponsors and volunteers for their dedication. Event Manager Trina Stokes also thanked sponsors and volunteers, including Julia Haensel, present at the reception, who took four buses to volunteer her time on the day of the Walk. The program concluded with Carol Walton and Margot Zobel, last year’s recipient and Founder of the Parkinson’s Unity Walk, presenting the Alan Bonander Humanitarian Award to Nancy Abraham and Brenda Tucker, co-Founders of People Living with Parkinson’s (PLWP). Nancy’s and Brenda’s moving acceptance speeches brought thunderous applause from the audience. Included among the guests were Nathan Slewett, the Chairman of the Board of the National Parkinson’s Foundation; Robin Elliott, Executive Director of the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation; and representatives from Pfizer, Titan Pharmaceuticals, and Amarin. For more information, please contact the Parkinson’s Unity Walk at 633 Third Avenue, 27th Floor, New York, New York 10017; Phone: (toll free) 1-866-PUW-WALK (1-866-789-9255; Fax: 609-688-0875; E-mail: [log in to unmask]; Web: http://www.unitywalk.org * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn