MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) – The Manhattan community laced up and put its best foot forward in support of those with Parkinson\u2019s Disease on Saturday. <\/p>\n
Meadowlark<\/a>, a non-profit organization in Manhattan, hosted its annual Speedy PD 5K\/10K Race<\/a> and Memorial Run\/Walk at Tuttle Creek State Park. <\/p>\n The event benefits Meadowlark\u2019s Parkinson\u2019s Programs, which provide services in the Flint Hills area to improve the quality of life for all those affected by Parkinson\u2019s disease. That includes those with the illness, caregivers, nurses, and therapists. <\/p>\n This year, the event hit a new record with 1,209 registered participants. <\/p>\n Steve Iseman, a participant with PD, traveled to Manhattan for the event all the way from Canada. <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve participated in lots of cycling events,\u201d Iseman said. \u201cBut this is unbelievable. This is so well organized, so spirited.\u201d<\/p>\n Iseman said he\u2019s fallen in love with the event and the community that comes out to support. <\/p>\n \u201cHaving poignant things like the half-mile walk, like fallen soldiers, those who have succumbed to the illness, that is such a warm testimonial to how close the community is,\u201d Iseman said.<\/p>\n He thanks Meadowlark and Michelle Haub, the event coordinator, for organizing Speedy PD. <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s doing its job of raising awareness and raising funds,\u201d Iseman said. <\/p>\n \u201cThe notion of having so many facilities available specifically for people with Parkinson\u2019s is unheard of,\u201d Iseman continued. \u201cParkinson\u2019s makes people quiet and shut-ins, and you don\u2019t see a lot from people with Parkinson\u2019s, and it\u2019s harming the research effort. You hear a lot about people at Meadowlark. They speak with a proud voice. These people are living their best life with Parkinson\u2019s because of the facilities that they\u2019ve put together.\u201d <\/p>\n The final numbers on the amount of donations are still coming in. However, Meadowlark projects about $90,000 raised in support of its free services to those with Parkinson\u2019s Disease. <\/p>\n