Best Friend's Seek a Cure at 5th Annual Stepping Out for Parkinson's Fun Run & Walk

Step up and join the fight against Parkinson’s disease at the 5th Annual Stepping Out for Parkinson’s Fun Run and Walk in Vernon Hills this Sunday, June 14 at 11:00 a.m. Runners, walkers and advocates alike will make their way through the Half Day Forest Preserve (24255 N. Hwy 21 Vernon Hills, IL 60060) during this 5K Fun Run, half-mile walk or one and a half-mile walk, enjoying time with family and friends while raising funds for leading-edge Parkinson’s disease research at NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) Neurological Institute where physicians and scientists are helping to identify the best medication to prevent and treat the disease.

Behind this wonderful event are best friends Jodi Mara and Barb Stonecipher. When Jodi was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2006, Barb was there for her, supplying plenty of emotional support. Flash forward to a few years after her diagnosis, Jodi decided she wanted to raise funds to support research and raise awareness for the disease – Again, Barb was by her side.

Now in its fifth year, Jodi and Barb’s “Stepping Out for Parkinson’s” event has successfully raised thousands of dollars for Parkinson’s disease research. Jodi’s physician, Demetrius M. Maraganore, MD, the Ruth Cain Ruggles Chair of Neurology and NNI Medical Director, said NorthShore’s far-reaching research “definitely benefits from support.”

“Our vision is to develop methods to predict, prevent and halt the progression of common neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease. This is the aim of the DodoNA Project (DNA Prediction to Improve Neurological Health) that I lead at NorthShore. At least 1,000 Parkinson’s patients will participate, including Jodi Mara, and we are half way there. Funding support will accelerate the pace of enrollment and discovery.”

The best friends are hoping to raise $16,000 from entry fees, silent auction, raffle tickets and donations at this weekend’s event. “We’re hoping to have an attendance of around 300 people,” said Mara, who counts herself among the fortunate with the disease. “After many adjustments, I now have the right combination of medications and I’m in a stable place right now. I can exercise by walking and riding my bike with little difficulty,” she said. “One day we hope to walk in celebration of finding a cure. That’s my goal for the future.”

Online registration can be completed in advance of the event and is available at: http://www.sofpd.myevent.com/3/online_payment.htm. Tickets are $20 per adult – pre-registered; $25 per adult – day of event. $10 per child – pre-registered; $12 per child – day of event.

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. Additional details on the Stepping Out for Parkinson’s Fun Run and Walk can be found at sofpd.myevent.com/

About NorthShore:
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.