Parkinson’s Support Group walkathon planned May 20

The Flathead Valley Parkinson’s Support Group will host the Walk for Parkinson’s on May 20 in Creston. The event will raise awareness about the disease that impacts more than 10 million people worldwide.

The walk will start at the Creston Firehouse and people of all abilities are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served and door prizes will be given away. Specially designed flip flops to benefit The Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research, a nonprofit dedicated to finding a cure for the disease, will also be available for sale.

“The purpose of this walk is to raise public awareness of the prevalence of Parkinson's and the huge impact it has on our society,” said event organizer Marjory McClaren. “We want everyone to be aware of the support we have in the valley to assist people in dealing with Parkinson's, which is now the fastest-growing neurological disorder in the world."

The Flathead Valley Parkinson’s Support Group is a local group established to raise awareness about Parkinson’s through educational events. It also hosts support group meetings on the third Wednesday of every month and caregivers’ support groups on the fourth Wednesday of every month. The group held its first “Walk for Parkinson’s” in May 2021 and plans on making it a bi-annual event.

The event will run from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Creston Firehall at 4498 Highway 35 in Creston. Parking will be available across the street at the Creston School. The walk route will go along Riverside Road and attendees are invited to walk any distance they would like.

Proceeds and donations from the walk will go to the Flathead Valley Parkinson's Support Group. Donations can also be mailed to Flathead Valley Parkinson's Support Group, 241 E. Nicklaus Ave., Kalispell, MT 59901.

Visit flatheadvalleyparkinsons.com for more information.