Soggy Weather Doesn't Stop Parkinson's Walk

The soggy weather Saturday morning wasn't enough to keep walkers from showing up and supporting the 20^th Annual Parkinson's Action Walk To Find A Cure. Coffee and donuts may have provided an added incentive.

Walkers began arriving early for the event, which was held along the Riverwalk. Usually, the walk draws at least 200 people, and organizers were hopeful that a little rain wouldn't keep them away.

Joann Subaitis of Morton Grove, and the walk's chair, said that all the money raised would go to the American Parkinson Disease Association with the goal of finding a cure for the debilitating disease. The Midwest Chapter of the association hosted the event. The chapter covers Illinois and Indiana.

Parkinson's disease is a motor system disorder that results in trembling, stiffness of the limbs and body and impaired balance and coordination, according to the National Institutes of Health. As the symptoms worsen, patients have increased difficulty talking and getting around. The disease usually affects those older than 50.

After a friend was diagnosed with the disease, Subaitis became involved with the organization.

"I do it in her honor," she said.

The walk was set to commence along the Riverwalk, but many people only go as far as Eagle Street and turn around, Subaitis said, adding that walking long distances is difficult for many of those with Parkinson's.

Sheryl Jedlinski, of Palatine, was going to kick off the walk. Jedlinski, 56, was first diagnosed with the disease when she was 44.

"The idea is to raise awareness," she said. "A lot of people think it's an old persons disease, but it's not. We are trying to raise awareness and raise money for a cure."

Jedlinski had full family support, with her husband Tony, son Steve and daughter-in-law Megan on hand. Even the dogs, Sophia and Winston, would be walking.

The group was hoping to raise at least $30,000 at the event, said Maxine Dust, the Midwest Chapter's president. Dust, of Downers Grove, said last year, the group raised $36,000 and have raised as much as $50,000.

Her hope was that Saturday's walk would be as successful as in previous years.