GETTING STARTED
What is the Parkinson Hero Walk?
The Parkinson Hero walk is a family-friendly team pledge walking event that allows the Michigan Parkinson Foundation (MPF) to continue critical programs and services free of charge. For individuals with Parkinson’s, to care partners, healthcare professionals, family, friends, and loved ones: they are all our heroes! Their courage in facing this disease every day is truly exemplary.
The walk features a one and/or three mile walk route(s), Parkinson exercise demonstrations, and entertainment for the entire family. Together, we can make a real difference for the 35,000 individuals (heroes!) living with Parkinson’s in Michigan and their families.
Where do my donations go?
- Donations support the Michigan Parkinson’s community in the following areas:
- Financial assistance for in-home respite care
- Medication assistance
- Daily Parkinson exercise classes lead by trained instructors including physical therapists
- Virtual and in-person educational programs
- Two annual education symposia with expert speakers
- Parkinson caregiving training videos
- Pro-bono legal guidance
- Newly diagnosed patient information packet (Hope Kit)
- Full-time licensed master staff social worker
- Over 76 support groups throughout the 83 counties in Michigan
Most MPF programs and services are free of charge. Only a small portion of events have a very nominal registration fee.
How can I register online?
Can I register to walk on-site at the event?
- Yes, on-site registration is available at $25 for adults and kids 17 and under are free. Online registration closes on Thursday, September 10th at 12PM. Online donations remain open after registration closes. Donations do not count toward your event registration.
What do my registration fees cover?
- Your Walk registration includes a participant t-shirt, Parkinson's exercise demonstration, a Parkinson Hero wristband, photobooth, and kids’ activities. Because you receive these items in return, your registration is not tax deductible, but donations are!
Registration for kids?
- Kids of all ages are invited and welcomed to take part in the Walk. We suggest that they register so that we can order the correct amount of t-shirts.
Where can I get a receipt for my donation?
- All donations directly benefit the Michigan Parkinson Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed. A receipt will be automatically emailed to you if making your gift online. If you’d like to make a donation, click Donate on the top menu. If you need a copy of your receipt, contact Katie Alexander, Special Events Manager, at kalexander@parkinsonsmi.org or call (248) 430-4205. Donations do not count as a registration toward the Walk.
Can I personalize my fundraising page?
- Please do! Through the “Edit my Fundraiser” tab, you can upload photo(s) and share your Parkinson’s journey, why joining the Walk and supporting the Michigan Parkinson Foundation matters, and how its programs, services, and staff have positively impacted your life. Reach out to everyone you know to ask them for their help in reaching your goal! Visit Fundraising Tools for help on how to customize your page.
EVENT HAPPENINGS - WALK DAY
Where do I park? Where is registration? Where is the starting line?
- Parking is available at multiple lots located south and east of the field. Drop off is also available on Auburn Rd in front of the Belfor gate. Auburn Rd going east will be shut down in front of the Field starting at 8:30 a.m.
- The Belfor gate is where check-in and registration begin. Please start here to join the event.
- The starting line begins on the field, as participants walk the warning track. The route then continues out of the field to a paved walking path adjacent to the field that is 1.5 to 3 miles in length.
- Participants end the walk as they enter back through the Belfor gate and back into UWM Field.
Can I make an in-person donation?
- Certainly! Just stop by Registration and we’ll take care of it. Thank you!
What is a VIP team tent?
- A VIP team is a team that, together, raises over $5,000. They earn a 10 feet x 10 feet canopy tent and several chairs that the team and their guests can gather around.
Will water and food be available?
- Of course! A Water stop will be located near the start of path outside the field.
- A limited food station is available and includes water, coffee, bananas, and granola bars.
- Following the walk, lunch service is available including one hot dog, one bag of chips, and a drink (soft drinks or water). Feel free to stay and join us and mingle with other members of the Metro Detroit Parkinson's community.
Can I bring a stroller?
- Yes, strollers and wagons are welcomed at the event.
Can I bring my dog?
- Dogs are not allowed at the venue.
What other things are there to do?
- A photobooth is on-site site for you and your team to take photos! Feel free to tag us and share on social media.
- There is also a kids korner with various activities.
- Visit the sponsor tables with trusted information about how to live well with Parkinson’s disease.
- The program begins at 10AM and includes inspiring remarks from a local individual with Parkinson’s, a care partner, a healthcare professional, or a community partner. We also celebrate the fundraising efforts of individual teams and top fundraisers.
VOLUNTEERING
How do I register to volunteer?
- Volunteer signups are included on the Volunteer tab. Opportunities are available throughout the day of the event.
Can I volunteer in more than one time slot?
- Yes! Select each time slot(s) when you sign up.
- You may also volunteer before or after the walk so you can walk with your teammates, visit the sponsor tables, and listen to the program.
Can my (school/civic/family) group volunteer together?
- Yes! You will each need to register individually, but please include a note on the form that you want to volunteer as a group.
Is there an age limit to be able to volunteer?
- Teenagers and children are welcome to volunteer. High school students participating as part of a student group do not need to be accompanied by an adult. Otherwise, children must be volunteering on-site with an adult.
EVENT CONTACT
Feel free to contact us:
Katie Alexander, CMP, MPF Special Events Manager
Email: kalexander@parkinsonsmi.org
MPF Office: (800) 852-9781 or (248) 433-1011