Moving Day Chicago battles Parkinson's disease

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The National Parkinson Foundation wants people around the Chicago area to get up and get moving on Oct. 18.

More than 2,000 people representing 150 teams are taking part in the annual Moving Day Chicago in Lincoln Park. In its three-year history, Moving Day Chicago has raised over $1 million for local research and programs that help improve the lives of patients and families affected by Parkinson's disease.

The event includes a 1.6-mile walk course, entertainment, children's activities and a Movement Pavilion where fitness instructors will lead exercises such as boxing, dance and Tai Chi. Studies show that movement helps manage Parkinson's disease symptoms and improves flexibility and mobility.

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that progresses slowly in most people. When 60-80 percent of the dopamine-producing cells in the brain are damaged, the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease appear. In the United States, 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, adding to the one million people who have Parkinson's disease. It is estimated that four to six million people around the world have Parkinson's.

The National Parkinson Foundation mission is to make life better for people with Parkinson's disease through expert care and research.

Paul Blom, interim CEO of the National Parkinson Foundation, and Bob Baittie, who is battling the disease, joined ABC7 Eyewitness News live from Moving Day Chicago.

4th Annual Moving Day Chicago to benefit the National Parkinson Foundation

Oct. 18, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Lincoln Park South Fields, Chicago

Admission: No fee

Visit MovingDayChicago.org

LINKS:

http://www.parkinson.org (National Parkinson Foundation)

http://movingdaychicago.org (Moving Day Chicago)