(Massapequa, N.Y.) Home is where the dog is… except on Sunday, October 27th, when they are invited to help cure Parkinson’s Disease (“PD”), a neuromuscular disease that affects over 1 million Americans.
The Paws for Parkinson’s “Howl-O-Ween Dog & People Walkathon” will take place at Marjorie Post Park in Massapequa. This festive event is presented by the American Parkinson Disease Association (“APDA”). The goal is to raise money for Parkinson’s research.
Paws for Parkinson’s Walkers crossing Finish Line. Photo by Christopher Appoldt
Activities include a 1 mile walk, refreshments, raffles, contests, prizes, giveaways, exhibits and information tables, including an “Ask The Trainer” table, courtesy of Woofgang Dog Training and staffed by professional dog trainer Laura Garber. Musical entertainment is being provided by “Any Way You Want It” (Journey tribute band). Special canine guests will include Molly, Calypso, and other adoptable dogs from Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. A highlight of the event is the “Halloween Hounds Costume Contest”, where canines compete for prizes for best costume in various categories. Canine participants will also enjoy lots of giveaways from sponsors, including Pet Supplies Plus, Petco, Petland Discounts, Walgreens and News 12 Long Island. Everyone is invited to walk, or just enjoy the facilities and various activities.
The Master of Ceremonies is Shari Einhorn, (News 12 L.I. Health Reporter). She will be joined by neurologists Nora Chan, MD, David Kreitzman, MD and Enrico Fazzini, DO, PhD, all of whom are movement disorder specialists. They will be available to answer questions about PD. The principal sponsors of Paws for Parkinson’s are the Adele Smithers Parkinson’s Disease Treatment Center, Teva Neuroscience, and Winthrop University Hospital, along with local APDA Information & Referral Centers at NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury and St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center in Smithtown. All of these sponsors demonstrate their strong commitment to the Parkinson’s community throughout the year, by providing patient services, support groups and educational events to improve the quality of life of those affected by PD.
Walk, with or without a dog, but get your tail down to the park for some Halloween fun on October 27th. Registration starts at 11 a.m., and the walk starts at 12:30 p.m., rain or shine. Registration fee is $25, and each registrant at the event receives a T-shirt while supplies last.
To obtain a registration form & pledge sheet, call 516-626-6114 or 631-862-3560, or visit www.liapda.org, where donors can also create their own fundraising webpages.
