Paw's for Parkinson's Howl-O-Ween Dog Walk Video by: Katie Thompson |
The dog walk took place at Marjorie Post Park in Massapequa,NY. Proceeds went to support Parkinson's research and also to local animal shelters. Photos by: Katie Thompson |
|
DOG WALK BRINGS AWARENESS AND SUPPORT TO PARKINSON'S DISEASE Paws for Parkinson's a big success MASSAPEQUA,NY - There were pets, people and lots of paws Sunday as the American Parkinson’s Disease Association put on their 7th Annual Paws for Parkinson’s Howl-O-Ween Dog Walkathon. The event, which took place in Massapequa at Marjorie Post Park, included a one-mile walk, “Halloween Hounds” costume contest and canine trick competition. For participants like Jodie Mason of East Islip, the event meant something more. “My uncle has suffered from Parkinson’s for years, so we bring our dogs out each year to support the cause.” said Mason. “It’s always so much fun to see what all the other dogs are dressed up as, and at the same time you’re helping to raise money for this terrible disease.”
The event comes four days after a report in the New England Journal of Medicine released new information linking a rare gene to the development of Parkinson’s disease. According to the report, those who carry the gene, which causes a rare genetic problem called Gaucher disease, are five times more likely to develop Parkinson’s. “I think it’s important if you have a family member with Parkinson’s or know someone with the disease to always be doing your research and keep up with the latest developments on causes, treatments, stuff like that,” said Bryn Manniello, a 23-year-old interior designer from Huntington. Manniello has spent most of her life watching her father battle Parkinson’s.
While the new information about the disease does not give any more insight into a cure, researchers hope that linking this new gene will help to explain more about the development and progress of Parkinson’s disease. |
||
