Massapequa Walk To Fight Parkinson's Disease Set For September

MASSAPEQUA, NY — Registration is now open for the Long Island Optimism Walk in Massapequa. The walk in the Marjorie R. Post Community Park raises money to combat Parkinson's disease and supports the more than 10 million people worldwide living with the condition.

The 2019 Long Island Optimism Walk is slated for Sept. 21 at 10 a.m. and is organized by the American Parkinson Disease Association, the largest grassroots network committed to fighting the disease in the United States, according to its website.

Someone is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease every nine minutes, the organization said. The events page lists a variety of reasons to get out and walk. Among them:

• The more funds raised, the more people the organization can help.
• Raise $100 or more and get a free t-shirt.
• Raise $500 or more and earn a hat.
• Raise at least $1,000 and become a Circle of Optimism member.
• Funds raised enable the organization to continue providing local education and support to those affected by Parkinson's in the community.

There is no competitive aspect to the walk and walking the full distance isn't mandatory — participants can stop at any point they like. A wheelchair accessible route will also be available. That route is under a mile in distance and has no hills.

Included in the day will be family friendly activities, exhibits, refreshments, music and giveaways. The walk will go on rain or shine, but dogs are not permitted within the park — only service animals.

Fundraising is encouraged for the walk. The ADPA gives tips and templates on how to do so.