'Optimism Walk' Aims To Help Put End To Parkinson's Disease

Dozens of people who support the American Parkinson Disease Association gathered today to teach the public about Parkinson's Disease and how it impacts thousands of lives.

Today at Whiteside Park, participants were raising money and awareness to push for answers that will ultimately make Parkinson's Disease a thing of the past.

“No matter where I sit down and start a conversation, no matter where I go, one of a family member has Parkinson's,” said Post.

The American Parkinson's Disease Association said approximately one million people are living with PD in the United States. 10,000 are right here in Oklahoma and Nancy Post is one of them.

“To help your body with Parkinson's is to stay moving and stay positive, and right now, that's not an easy thing to do,” said Post.

Nancy was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease 12 years ago. The disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. The APDA said Parkinson's can look different in each person and that's why today's event is so important. The funds raised at the Optimism Walk will help the APDA provide essential support groups, exercise classes and more designed specifically for people with PD.

“We don't know what the cause is, so we don't have a cure. And so, it's really important to be able to detect it early. They're saying now that Parkinson's, once you're diagnosed you've had it 10-20 years. So, what could we have done in those 10-20 years to make sure that we're living well in spite of this disease?” said Jenny Johnson with the American Parkinson Disease Association.

Nancy says her days can be tough.

“I can't do what I want to do,” said Post.

She experiences memory loss, arthritis and fatigue. But she found a routine that's been helpful.

“By going to rock steady boxing and upping my exercise, that has been a lifesaver for me and the other 20, 5 people that I exercise with, 3 times a week,” said Post.

And she remembers to just stay positive.

“You've gotta just make up your mind, this is your life, and keep going,” said Post.