More that 600 people helped raise donations over $15,000 for the 2005 Parkinson's Unity Walk!

Ron Hyland, of Keswick Pines Lifecare and Physical Therapist, is well known within the Parkinson's Community of Toms River, New Jersey. He directs exercise classes for people with Parkinson's and has over 90 participants. "He works wonders with people with Parkinson's," stated Eddie Walton, an advocate whose husband Bob has been attending Ron's class for over 4 years. "Everyone adores him because of his kindness and sense of humor."

Ron and his exercise members organized a Walk for Parkinson's within three months. "I never dreamed that we would have this success in such a short time. We have wanted to have this Walk for over four years now," Eddie commented.

Eddie called the Unity Walk office to ask how they can coordinate a Walk for Parkinson's research. They wanted to have it on the Boardwalk in Seaside Park. Some people are not able to make it to New York City, she said. She found out that anyone could coordinate a Walk, and send the donations to the Parkinson's Unity Walk so that 100% of the funds will go to Parkinson's research.

Eddie, full of excitement, called Ron and said to him, "call Trina at the Unity Walk office and she will explain what we need to do."

Ron gathered a committee of dedicated people, scheduled a date, a time and a place and they were well on the way to launch their first Walk for Parkinson 's in Seaside Park. "My personal goal was $5000.00. I was totally shocked when the first checks started to come in. I really love doing it and I feel like we can make a difference. The Walk would not have happened if it weren't for the members of the exercise class. It's a two way street and we are going to shoot for a bigger and better Walk next year," Ron noted.

The members contacted local businesses and secured over 36 SPONSORS for this event who donated gift certificates for the raffle drawing. This is an amazing example of what can be accomplished.

The sponsors included:
Shore Neurology, Toms River Elks Lodge, Princeton Insurance Company Advanced Open MRI, Wall-mart, ShopRite, Toms River Fitness & Aquatic Center Keswick Pines Lifecare, Ortley Fish Market, Pathmark, Super Foodtown, A & P, Southwinds Grille, Sophia's Bistro & Pizza, Mr. Alan the "original Florist", Dina Marie Salon, Mattina's Bakery, Corner Post Diner, Silver Threads, Gold's Gym, Il Giardino, Nobel House Salon, Shore Rehab, Leslie's Crafts, Caf Italia Ristorante, Peter's Lavallette Florist, Fumosa Bros. Baker Inc., Bayside Caf, Applebee's, L.A. Perfection Nails, Inc., Johnny on the Spot, Donovan's Bar & Grill, Hair Zone, Cornerstone Wine & Liquors, Schlosser Real Estate, Lester Glen Buick

Dollars raised by this event support our mission: Fund the Research—Find the Cure

Thank you!