The 5th Annual Stepping Out for Parkinson's Fun Run & Walk Raises Over $14,000

On Sunday, June 14, runners and walkers “stepped up” and joined the fight against Parkinson’s disease at the 5th annual Stepping Out For Parkinson’s 5K Fun Run and Walk in Vernon Hills. Over 250 members of the surrounding community came together to enjoy a day with family and friends while supporting those affected by Parkinson’s disease. This year was the first time a running element was added, and also the first time the event was held at the Half Day Forest Preserve, which was big enough to host the growth in attendance that the Fun Run and Walk has undergone.

Proceeds from the event will directly support leading-edge research at NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) Neurological Institute where physicians and scientists are helping to identify the best medication to prevent and treat Parkinson’s disease. NorthShore’s broad range of research and clinical trials bring more options—and more hope—to patients and their families. This year, event organizers and best friends Jodi Mara and Barb Stonecipher went above and beyond, raising over $14,000 which will directly support NorthShore’s Parkinson’s disease initiatives.

“One day we hope to walk in celebration of finding a cure, noted Mara, who counts herself among the fortunate with the disease. “That’s my goal for the future.” Stonecipher, added, “There are so many people who know someone with Parkinson’s and have been affected by it. It is crucial that we all do our part in making sure that everyone with this disease can be properly supported and that we are doing all we can to assist in finding a cure.”

For more information about NorthShore or ways to support the innovative care and research being provided by NorthShore Neurological Institute, please call (224) 364-7200 or visit foundation.northshore.org.

About NorthShore University HealthSystem:
Headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) is a comprehensive, fully integrated, healthcare delivery system that serves the Chicago region. The system includes four hospitals in Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park and Skokie. NorthShore employs approximately 10,000 staff and has 2,400 affiliated physicians, including a 900 physician, multispecialty group practice with some 100 office locations. Further, NorthShore supports teaching and research as the principal teaching affiliate for the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

The NorthShore Research Institute focuses on clinical and translational research, including leadership in clinical trials, medical informatics and genomics. The NorthShore Foundation is the organization’s primary philanthropic entity. The Foundation raises charitable contributions and engages volunteer friends in support of NorthShore’s ongoing mission to preserve and improve human life.

NorthShore has significant capabilities in a wide spectrum of clinical programs, including Kellogg Cancer Center, NorthShore Neurological Institute, NorthShore Orthopaedic Institute and NorthShore Cardiovascular Institute, as well as high-risk maternity and pediatrics. NorthShore is a Magnet recognized organization, the first in Illinois designated as a system to receive this prestigious honor that demonstrates excellence in nursing. NorthShore is a national leader in the implementation of innovative technologies, including electronic medical records (EMR). In 2003, NorthShore was among the first in the country to successfully launch a system-wide EMR with demonstrable benefits in quality, safety, efficiency and service to patients. NorthShore has been recognized by multiple national organizations for this notable achievement.