Dear Friends:

I am proud to be playing a part in the war against Parkinson’s. As a team member of the PD Walkers, I will be walking the 26.2 mile marathon at the IMT Des Moines Marathon on October 19th, 2008. I am making a commitment to raise awareness and funds to end the suffering caused by Parkinson’s Disease (PD). I am also walking to support a friend, who was diagnosed at 30 years old with an Essential Tremor and two years later with Young Onset Parkinson's Disease - a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder whose symptoms vary but can progress from mild tremors to complete physical incapacitation. Incidence of PD tends to increase with age, but an estimated 15% of people with PD are diagnosed before the age of 50.

Nearly five million people worldwide are living with PD. There are currently no known ways to prevent or accurately predict who will develop Parkinson’s disease, but scientists believe that, of all the brain disorders, Parkinson’s is the one closest to a cure. Advances in Parkinson’s research are likely to significantly contribute to the understanding of other devastating neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, ALS and multiple sclerosis. The opportunity for therapeutic breakthroughs has never been greater, yet research remains severely underfunded.

I’m asking for your support in our race to finish PD. My personal goal is to raise $250. Please help me reach my goal by making a contribution. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. If you don’t want to donate online, please send your donation made payable to APDA-PD Walkers and send to PD Walkers, 3726 132nd Circle, Urbandale, Iowa 50323.

I’m inviting you to make a difference in the lives of those living with Parkinson’s disease. You can play a part in the effort to eradicate this debilitating disease.

Thank you in advance for your generous support as we strive together toward the finish line on the fast track to a cure.