Parkinson Hero Walk FAQs
GETTING STARTED
Is this the same Parkinson's Walk that has been held at the Henry Ford Genesys Health Club?
Yes! In 2025, the Michigan Parkinson Foundation partnered with the Henry Ford Genesys Health Club to manage the walk event, along with the Parkinson’s exercise programs offered at the Health Club.
In 2026, the walk was renamed the Grand Blanc Parkinson Hero Walk to align with our other statewide Parkinson Hero Walk events.
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:
- Daily Parkinson exercise classes led by trained instructors, including physical therapists
- Financial assistance for in-home respite care
- Medication assistance
- Virtual and in-person educational programs
- Annual education symposia with expert speakers
- Parkinson caregiving training videos
- Pro-bono legal guidance
- Newly diagnosed patient information packet (Hope Kit)
- 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 for $25, and kids 17 and under are free. Online registration closes on Thursday, October 1 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, 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 welcome 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 the health club. More information on where the walk will begin will be available soon!
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 $3,000. 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 the route.
- A limited food station is available with coffee, water, donuts, and bananas.
Can I bring a stroller?
- Yes, strollers and wagons are welcome at the event.
Can I bring my dog?
- The health club does allow dogs as long as they remain on a leash 6ft or less at all times. They are not allowed inside the building unless a service animal.
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. Click here to view that page! 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:
Jennifer Muscat, MPF Programs Outreach Coordinator
Email: jmuscat@parkinsonsmi.org
MPF Office: (800) 852-9781 or (248) 433-1117