 |
 |
An update on the fourth annual Parkinson's Unity Walk '97. We're moving to Central Park. Sorry General Grant, the Walk begins and ends at the Band Shell near the 72nd Street - 5th Avenue entrance to the Park. A televised public service announcement featuring Eli Wallach and Anne Jackson has begun airing on our local New York City Fox station, FOX 5. It has been distributed to other local stations and will begin airing more frequently in September. A radio PSA is in the works. Donna Hanover, broadcast journalist, First Lady of the City of New York and Honorary Marshal of the Parkinson's Unity Walk, will devote an hour-long segment on WOR's Joan Hamburg's radio talk show to Parkinson's. WOR is at 710AM. The program will air on Thursday August 14th at 11AM. Included on the panel will be Earl Ubell, health and science editor for Parade Magazine, Pete Hamill, Editor-in-Chief of the Daily News, Margot Zobel, President of the Parkinson's Unity Walk and Dr. John Rogers, neurologist at Beth Israel Hospital. What's that rumble I hear in the distance? Why it's the Parkinson's 'Ball of String' rolling down from Rochester, through the Adirondacks and on to the NY Thruway. At this rate it should be in Manhattan by mid- September. Yes, the Ball of String is preparing to roll down Broadway, visit the Statue of Liberty, maybe take in a play or two. It won't be all fun and games, though. There will also be visits to hospitals and clinics toraise awareness. Of course the supremely special sphere's trajectory will bring it into Central Park on Saturday, September 27th for the annual Parkinson's Unity Walk. Just another day's work for the Super Ball of PD Awareness. No autographs, please. I'm sure at least some walkers will join me in the "Has-been" Walk - a completion of our two-mile course in reverse gear so we can see where we has been rather than where we are going. Kind of a nostalgia walk. Hopefully, this little feat will dramatize the difficulty PWP's face with freezing. If it helps some folks "unfreeze" by taking a few backward steps - just think what two miles of backward walking will do? (You might want to consult your physician first.) Perhaps this little stunt will garner some much needed PD PR if the Ball of String story doesn't completely fill the headlines. Entertainment for the Walk will include an all-star jazz combo led by jazz pianist, Herman Foster. He is currently contacting other musicians to put together a crowd-pleasing jazz show. As always there will be prizes, refreshments, raffles, T-Shirts and lots of friends. Form a 5 member team for more prizes and fun. For more information contact Margot Zobel [log in to unmask] or 212 580 6505 Help us by Pre-Registering NOW! Regards, Ken Aidekman Fund the Research. Find the Cure.