An annual fundraising and community tradition returns this weekend, bringing the community together to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease and funds for research.
The 12th Annual Walk for Parkinson lands in Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs this Saturday, welcoming an estimated 2,000 community members for the state’s largest gathering of the Parkinson’s community.
Todd Stewart, the former president of the Parkinson Association of Central Florida (PACF), said the event is a visual and tangible show of support for people like him who live with Parkinson’s disease.
“Events like this are important to raise money and also because it gets all my people out there. You can feel the support, the connection and love,” he said. “It’s nice to see people who have different fights, but they’re all trying to get through as best as they can. We’re all trying to help each other as best as we can. That really helps me.”
Sara Brady, the current president of PACF, found herself in a caregiver role after her late husband was diagnosed with the disease in 2018. She hopes to shed more light on the people who love and support those with Parkinson’s disease.
“I want to show the work that we do and the services that we’re able to help make available to everybody, but also to not forget the caregivers,” she said. “This community is so extraordinary. When you’re in a room with 400 people [at a fundraising event], everybody knows what the experience is. From a caregiver perspective, it’s a different role.”
The 2025 Walk for Parkinson’s at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs brought together hundreds of community members for fundraising and a show of support. (Roger Simmons/Orlando Sentinel)
John Gabriel, executive advisor for the Orlando Magic, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 18 years ago, will kick off the event program, which will be emceed by Karla Ray, community relations manager for Family First Elder Law and former news anchor.
The walk is just one part of the event on Saturday, which also includes resources for Parkinson’s patients, the Orlando Magic 407 dancers, face painting, balloons, raffles and prizes.
During Stewart’s four-year term as president, PACF raised $1 million to support Central Florida services, including support groups, Parkinson’s research, caregiver help, raising awareness of the disease and educational materials. The goal of Saturday’s event is to raise $150,000.
“I’m all about raising public awareness of our organization because of our impact and the potential to increase that tangible impact,” Brady said.
Todd Stewart, former president of the Parkinson Association of Central Florida, speaks to participants in the 2025 Walk for Parkinson. (Roger Simmons/Orlando Sentinel)
Parkinson’s disease, which is a progressive brain disorder, is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disease in the world. More than 90,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year and an estimated 20,000 people live with the disease in and around Central Florida.
That’s why it’s all the more important for the community to rally together for this annual event.
“It’s such a joyful and uplifting environment and experience,” Brady said. “I think you leave there just feeling like, I’ve got a tribe, I have a community, I’ve got a place I can go. When you see 2,000 people there, you realize you’re not alone.”
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If you go
The 12th Annual Walk for Parkinson kicks off at 8 a.m. April 4, with opening ceremonies at 9 a.m. at 274 Cranes Roost Blvd. in Altamonte Springs. The event is free to attend, but fundraising and registration are recommended. More information: parkinsoncf.org