This is an exciting year as it marks the 10th annual Helen Gold 5K/10K Walk/Run! This event has been the largest fundraising event for the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center at the University of Kansas Medical Center, raising over $350,000 over the past 9 years. These funds have been invaluable to our Center and have contributed to multiple research projects including the long-term continuation of a Parkinson's Disease (PD) database for which valuable data are collected about the various symptoms of PD, disease progression and effects of various treatments; a long-term database and several studies of deep brain stimulation for PD to determine the most appropriate patients for the surgery, outcomes after surgery and effects on quality of life; and several studies focused on improving walking, balance, fatigue and daily functioning in persons with PD.
The proceeds from the Helen Gold events have helped us to make a significant impact on the quality of life for persons with Parkinson's disease and their loved ones.
We are so very grateful to Ron Gold, Allen Cinnamon, Dee Sand, Bradley Brooker and the many others that continue to volunteer their time and resources, work endless hours throughout the year and provide the support necessary to make this event one of the most successful runs in the Kansas City area!.
Most Sincerely,
Rajesh Pahwa, MD
Laverne and Joyce Rider Professor of Neurology
Director, Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center
University of Kansas Medical Center