Movers & Shakers Support Group Members Exercise to Manage Symptoms

Members of the Evanston Movers & Shakers support group will be uniting with the local Parkinson community for Moving Day Chicago, an annual walk to benefit the Parkinson’s Foundation on October 5, 2024.

“Our support group is truly special, in large part because we all care about each other, are willing to help one another and have formed genuine friendships,” said Will Linder. “The same feelings of support and togetherness can be found at Moving Day Chicago.”

Will was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in November of 2020 at age 70. A published author, Will was working on a book when he began experiencing difficulties typing. A neurologist confirmed Will had hallmark symptoms of Parkinson’s and together they devised a treatment plan that includes medication and exercise.

Will cycles as often as four times per week, lifts weights and incorporates balance training into his routine. The frequent movement provides both physical and mental benefits; he finds exercise alleviates his PD symptoms and improves his emotional wellbeing. Additionally, his occasional pickleball games boost his mood and foster social connections.

But managing a neurodegenerative disorder can present challenges for patients, care partners and friends, so when Will’s neighbor Jim Young (who was diagnosed with PD in May of 2020) shared his idea of starting a local support group, Will was interested. With no other PD support groups in the Evanston area, Jim recognized the need to create such a resource in his hometown.

Their first meeting in December of 2021 attracted nearly ten people; today the Evanston Movers & Shakers’ mailing list contains more than 50 names and they continue to welcome new members. Members are active in the larger PD community, supporting fundraisers and doing advocacy work.

Like Will, Jim prioritizes exercise to manage his PD symptoms. Jim and other support group members play ping pong every week, and most days of the week he raises his heart rate to 125-135 beats per minute for 30 minutes on his Peloton bike and/or treadmill.

The Parkinson’s Foundation’s Moving Day walk raises funds to support the organization’s work, increases public awareness of PD and celebrates the importance of movement for those living with Parkinson’s. Will and fellow support group member, Jack McLoraine, are serving as team captains, and collectively, the team has raised more than $7,200, to date.

For more information and to register for Moving Day Chicago, visit www.movingdaychicago.org.