Bob Bansfield moves others to take action at Parkinson's Foundation's Moving Day Chicago walk

Bob Bansfield is indebted to his physical therapist for more than just helping him get moving quickly and safely after experiencing blood clots in his legs. The therapist noticed Bob had a subtle gait abnormality and referred him to a neurologist at Northwestern Medicine's Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center.

It was here that Bob was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD). This was in the fall of 2018, shortly before his 59th birthday.

"I was healthy and never suspected I was living with a serious illness, so the Parkinson's diagnosis was a surprise," says Bob. "Once I came to accept the diagnosis, I focused on a plan to manage the disease and slow its progression."

An avid reader, Bob set out to learn about Parkinson's and how he could use his passion for running to improve his health. Bob and his doctor developed a plan that includes medication and exercise.

Research shows that physical activity can not only maintain and improve mobility, flexibility and balance but also ease non-motor PD symptoms such as depression or constipation. Working out six days a week, Bob crossed the finish line of his seventh Chicago Marathon on his 60th birthday in 2019.

While he's hung up his running shoes, today Bob still remains very active, lifting weights, walking, cycling and stretching most days of the week. His commitment to exercise has paid off; the disease has progressed slowly and challenges with his gait are sporadic. Fortunately, Bob has not developed other PD symptoms in the five years since his diagnosis.

"I'm benefitting from past research studies, particularly those focused on medication and exercise, so I feel obligated to pay it forward and contribute to current scientific studies that may help the next generation of people living with Parkinson's," Bob says. "I participated in a drug trial and the medication that was being tested is now awaiting FDA approval. And recently, I joined a study that requires I wear a device to track my fitness habits and data."

Bob further pays it forward as vice president on the Parkinson's Foundation Midwest Chapter's board. He'll be participating in the chapter's Moving Day Chicago, an annual event that will bring together the local PD community on Oct. 29, at Soldier Field for a morning of movement, inspiration and fundraising.

His friends and family will walk as team "Twist and Shout with Bob." In 2022, collectively the team raised more than $5,700 for the Parkinson's Foundation and they are aiming to surpass that figure this year.

For information about Moving Day Chicago and to register for the event, visit www.MovingDayChicago.org.