Celebrate Spring New York - The Parkinson's Foundation
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of city life, it is easy to become consumed by trivial daily tasks and lose perspective of what’s important...like your health. On April 9th, The Parkinson's Foundation hosted its 12th annual “Celebrate Spring New York” event in order to educate people about the trials of living with Parkinson’s disease and to raise money for the cure.
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder marked by tremors, muscular rigidity, and slow, imprecise movement. There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease. Approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's every year. Thankfully, the Parkinson's Foundation, established in 1957, is dedicated to realizing tangible progress towards curing PD. Over the past 62 years, the Parkinson’s Foundation has made remarkable accomplishments, including the discovery of the first gene associated with Parkinson’s, alpha-synuclein. More recently, the foundation launched Moving Day, which is a fundraising walk that lends support to those with PD through grants that provide vital services.
The event successfully raised $150,000 to support the Foundation's mission to improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease. The over 200 attendees included young professionals, caregivers and local business leaders who raised funds to advance research for a cure.
The event was held at PH-D rooftop, a night club lounge featuring marble finishes and glass chandeliers, in Chelsea. Tastefully dressed guests took in astonishing panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline while enjoying hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. However, this night was so much more than breathtaking views and delicious miniature lobster rolls. The evening reached a pinnacle with the live auction. Everyone gathered to the main dance floor with powerful hope that there will be a future in which people do not have to suffer from PD. Spectacular items were auctioned, including a four day Sonoma wine trip and two front row seats to the Kentucky Derby. The Parkinson’s Foundation put 100 percent of the money that was raised from the auction towards advancing medical treatment for PD. The generosity in the room was heartwarming, there was such a readiness to give.
The night was a huge step forward in advancing research for Parkinson’s disease. I left the lounge with a distinct sense of optimism and gratitude.
Photos provided by Stephanie Valeiras
