Todd Stewart, the former president of the Parkinson Association of Central Florida<\/a> (PACF), said the event is a visual and tangible show of support for people like him who live with Parkinson\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n \u201cEvents 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,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s nice to see people who have different fights, but they\u2019re all trying to get through as best as they can. We\u2019re all trying to help each other as best as we can. That really helps me.\u201d<\/p>\n 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\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n \u201cI want to show the work that we do and the services that we\u2019re able to help make available to everybody, but also to not forget the caregivers,\u201d she said. \u201cThis community is so extraordinary. When you\u2019re in a room with 400 people [at a fundraising event], everybody knows what the experience is. From a caregiver perspective, it\u2019s a different role.\u201d<\/p>\n John Gabriel, executive advisor for the Orlando Magic<\/a>, who was diagnosed with Parkinson\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n The walk is just one part of the event on Saturday, which also includes resources for Parkinson\u2019s patients, the Orlando Magic 407 dancers, face painting, balloons, raffles and prizes.<\/p>\n During Stewart\u2019s four-year term as president, PACF raised $1 million to support Central Florida services, including support groups, Parkinson\u2019s research, caregiver help, raising awareness of the disease and educational materials. The goal of Saturday\u2019s event is to raise $150,000.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m all about raising public awareness of our organization because of our impact and the potential to increase that tangible impact,\u201d Brady said.<\/p>\n Parkinson\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n That\u2019s why it\u2019s all the more important for the community to rally together for this annual event.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s such a joyful and uplifting environment and experience,\u201d Brady said. \u201cI think you leave there just feeling like, I\u2019ve got a tribe, I have a community, I\u2019ve got a place I can go. When you see 2,000 people there, you realize you\u2019re not alone.\u201d<\/p>\n Find me\u00a0@PConnPie on Instagram<\/a>\u00a0or send me an email:\u00a0pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com<\/a>. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at\u00a0orlandosentinel.com\/newsletters<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you go<\/p>\n 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<\/a><\/p>\n \t\t\t![\"Hundreds](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/tos-l-parkinson-walk-041225-19.jpg\")
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)<\/p>\n![\"Todd](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/tos-l-parkinson-walk-041225-02.jpg\")
Todd Stewart, former president of the Parkinson Association of Central Florida, speaks to participants in the 2025 Walk for Parkinson. (Roger Simmons\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n