Chicago Residents Walked to Fight Parkinson's Disease
Hundreds gathered in Lincoln Park to support research efforts and honor those living with Parkinson's.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
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Approximately 1,000 people participated in the Moving Day walk in Chicago to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson's disease. The event featured roughly 80 fundraising teams working toward a total goal of $485,000.
Why it matters
The walk aims to unite communities affected by the condition while generating critical financial support for ongoing research and patient care. It serves as a vital platform for advocacy as the disease continues to impact thousands of Americans each year.
The event brought together 1,000 attendees and 80 fundraising teams to support research and care. Parkinson's disease currently affects approximately 90,000 new people in the United States every year.
The players
Parkinson's Foundation
This organization is a national non-profit dedicated to improving care and advancing research for Parkinson's disease.
Hannah Schubert
She is a 16-year-old attendee who participated in the Chicago walk.
Mel Smith
He is an individual who received a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease in early 2025.
The details
Attendees at Lincoln Park Grove 2 participated in an organized walk, visited informational booths, and engaged in a group exercise session. The event also accepted online donations from individuals who were unable to attend the walk in person.
Timeline
The Moving Day walk series began in 2011.
Mel Smith received a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease in January 2025.
The Chicago Moving Day walk occurred on October 3-4, 2026.
The Big Picture
The Chicago event celebrates the 15th anniversary of the 2011 inception of the Moving Day walk series. This local gathering follows the pattern set by the national organization to scale up community-driven fundraising over the last decade and a half.
The event provides local residents with direct access to informational resources and community support systems for those navigating a diagnosis. Donations collected during the walk are allocated toward research initiatives and care programs designed to improve patient quality of life.
The takeaway
Community-led events play a significant role in sustaining the funding required for long-term neurodegenerative research. Residents looking to support the cause can often contribute through online platforms if they are unable to attend in-person gatherings.
Further reading
For more information on support and resources, visit our Alzheimer’s section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC7 Chicago.
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Do you believe participating in local community health walks is an effective way to support research?
