Moving Day Chicago event aids Parkinson's Foundation
Nearly two years ago, Chicago Cubs national anthem singer John Vincent gained a personal understanding of Parkinson's disease and how it affects patients and families.
His father, Vince, had just been diagnosed with dementia when the doctor noticed Vince's shaking hands and ultimately determined he also has Parkinson's.
"My dad is strong-willed and has overcome a lot in his life, including colon cancer, so over the past few years, as both the dementia and Parkinson's have begun to take a noticeable toll on his health, we've all struggled watching him decline," Vincent said.
"We are lucky to have a close-knit family who continually steps in to help and support one another. My sisters, in particular, take on a lot of responsibilities, giving my mom breaks as the primary caregiver."
Vincent will honor his dad and show his support for the larger Parkinson's community by singing the national anthem at the Moving Day Chicago walk. Vincent has entertained crowds worldwide with covers of Frank Sinatra, Louis B. Armstrong, Johnny Cash and more.
Approximately 2,000 people are expected to gather for Moving Day Chicago on Oct. 16 in Soldier Field's South Lot. The event will begin at 9 a.m. and feature fitness demonstrations, information booths, the We Move Ceremony and a family-friendly walk along the lakefront.
Funds raised through Moving Day Chicago benefit the Parkinson's Foundation and help support lifesaving resources, quality care for people living with Parkinson's and research programs at Parkinson's Centers of Excellence in Chicago.
While exercise is an important part of healthy living for everyone, for those with Parkinson's, exercise is a vital component to maintaining balance, mobility and activities of daily living.
Research shows that exercise and physical activity cannot only maintain and improve mobility, flexibility and balance, but also ease non-motor PD symptoms such as depression or constipation.
Experiencing symptoms of both dementia and Parkinson's, 87-year-old Vince has trouble incorporating exercise into his daily life; however, he manages his symptoms with prescription medications. He has trouble understanding why his tremors have worsened and his muscles are often stiff. These are common symptoms of Parkinson's.
"Watching a parent battle illness is heartbreaking," Vincent said. "I'm grateful there are organizations like the Parkinson's Foundation and caring health care professionals to help people like my dad face what lies ahead."
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative, progressive disorder that affects dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. People with PD may experience tremors, slowness of movements (bradykinesia), gait and balance problems, and non-motor symptoms, including depression, anxiety, constipation and cognitive impairment.
Approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's each year; in Illinois, there are an estimated 29,700 people living with Parkinson's disease.
The Parkinson's Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson's disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson's community. For information, visit www.parkinson.org.
To learn more and register for Moving Day Chicago, visit MovingDayChicago.org. Registration is free and participants are encouraged to fundraise.