The Parkinson's Unity Walk (PUW), a grassroots organization, began in 1994 through the dedicated efforts of patient, families, support groups, and friends who were affected by Parkinson's disease. Their main goal was to raise awareness and funds for research to find a cure for Parkinson's.

Over the last thirteen years, the Unity Walk has grown from 200 participants in the first event to well over 10,000 participants in the 2007 walk. The funds raised for the Walk have also dramatically increased with each passing year. In 1994, the Unity Walk raised $16,000 in research funds, and in 2007 a new one-year record raising over $1,700,000 for Parkinson’s research.

Generous donations of time and service to the Walk have expanded
fund-raising and awareness well beyond earlier expectations. Donations from the Unity Walk have gone to support research for the following major U.S. Parkinson's foundations:


The Parkinson's Unity Walk directs donated funds to increase research to find a cure. Six of the seven participating organizations use the dollars they receive to fund specific research studies. The Parkinson's Action Network seeks to maximize federal funding of Parkinson's research through a concerted nationwide advocacy effort.

From the very beginning, 100% all of the donations raised by walkers and contributors has been and continues to be designated for research. Corporate sponsors and individual research foundations fund the operating expenses of the PUW.

Visit Grants & Funding to view the PUW Funds Research Grants.

Leaders
Carol Walton: Executive Director
Margot Zobel: Founder and Director
Kenneth Aidekman: Cofounder and Past Chair
Martin Tuchman: Chairman
Evan Stern: President
Bob Ubell: Vice President
Denny P. Jacobson: Treasurer
Jocelyn Thomas: Secretary