Walk benefits Parkinson's cure

Jo-Ann Golec feels fortunate to live the life she does. She has three children and five grandchildren, volunteers on the board of the American Parkinson Disease Association Midwest Chapter, and exercises at least 90 minutes a day, five days a week.

Golec knows she is lucky for someone diagnosed with a debilitating disease, yet so many others aren't. That's the random nature of Parkinson's disease.

Golec, 67, was diagnosed with the disease in 1997.

"If I can stay at this point, I'd be very grateful," said Golec, who credits her exercise program for her ability to maintain a normal life.

Parkinson's is a disorder of the central nervous system that can weaken speech, motor skills and movement. The disease has proved difficult to understand, let alone cure, in part because it can be so random, Golec said. While she can function well and do normal activities, some Parkinson's patients suffer extreme tremors or are confined to wheelchairs.

To encourage better understanding of the disease and to help fight it by searching for a cure, the American Parkinson Disease Association will have its 18th annual Action Walk to Find a Cure on Sept. 6, stepping off from the Grand Pavilion on Naperville's Riverwalk. Walkers can register beginning at 8:30 a.m., and the 3-mile hike will start at 10 a.m. This will be the sixth year for the event at the Riverwalk.

Organizers hope to raise $75,000 in donations and pledges, all of which will be designated for research into finding a cure.

The walk aims to "ease the burden and find a cure," said Joann Subaitis, sponsor for the Midwest Chapter's walk.

The chapter has three major events throughout the year, Golec said. In March, an educational symposium promotes awareness of and education about the disease. In June, a golf outing raises money to support Parkinson's caregivers. In September, the walk raises money for research.

"Any monetary contribution is acceptable," Golec said. "I walk every year. If people give me $5 or $500, it doesn't matter."

The Midwest Chapter also could use more volunteers and board members, Golec said.

"We have six board members, and enough room for 15," she said.

For information about the American Parkinson Disease Association or to learn more about the disease, visit apdaparkinson.org. For information about the Midwest Chapter or about the Action Walk to Find a Cure, visit apdamidwest.org or call (847) 724-7087.

If you go

What: Action Walk to Find a Cure

Why: To raise money for Parkinson's disease research

When: Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 6, walk begins at 10 a.m.

Where: From the Grand Pavilion on the Naperville Riverwalk, west of Centennial Beach

Cost: No entry fee, donations and pledges encouraged

Info: (847) 724-7087 or apdamidwest.org