? Walking for Sarah. Walking for Hope. Walking to Make a Difference. ?
There are parts of Parkinson’s that most people never see. The early mornings when stiffness makes simple movements feel heavier than they should. The days when fatigue shows up uninvited. The moments when you can sense she’s pushing through something she doesn’t want to name.
But then there’s Sarah — the woman who has spent 20 years lifting students, guiding teachers, and shaping a school community with a steady, compassionate presence. The Associate Principal who walks into Hiatt Middle School every day determined to make someone’s world better. The educator who refuses to let Parkinson’s define her purpose. At home, she’s your partner — the one who laughs with you, plans with you, dreams with you. The one who keeps moving forward even when the path isn’t easy.
That’s why this walk matters. Not because Parkinson’s is part of your story — but because hope is too.
And this year, hope needs action.
Every six minutes, someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The funds raised through the APDA Iowa Optimism Walk fuel the work that makes a real difference:
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Local education and support for people impacted by PD
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Nationwide virtual programs that keep everyone connected
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Scientific research into causes, treatments, and ultimately a cure
These aren’t just bullet points — they’re lifelines. They’re the things that help families like yours navigate the unknown with strength and community.
On September 19, you’re walking for the woman who has spent her life walking beside others. You’re walking for her courage, her leadership, her stubborn resilience, and the quiet strength she carries into every room. You’re walking because she deserves a future where Parkinson’s is not a limitation but a chapter — one that research, community, and love can help rewrite.
? Saturday, September 19, 2026 ? Check‑in: 12:30 PM ? Walk Start: 1:30 PM ? Walker Johnston Park, Urbandale
✨ How you can stand with us:
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Support My Walk — it’s quick, easy, and every gift matters.
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Walk beside us — bring your presence, your encouragement, your heart.
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Share Sarah’s story — help us widen the circle of hope.
Any amount you give brings us one step closer to better treatments, more support, and a future filled with possibility. And when you donate, I’ll be notified right away so I can thank you personally — because your generosity truly means the world.
On walk day, you won’t just be taking steps — you’ll be carrying love, carrying purpose, and carrying the belief that the future can be brighter than the diagnosis.
For Sarah. For your family. For every person living with Parkinson’s. For hope in motion.