The Parkinson’s Foundation has launched A Day to Reach Further, a day of giving dedicated to raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease and accelerating research efforts to improve care for individuals affected by the neurodegenerative disease. The event aims to support the Foundation’s Reach Further campaign, with a target of raising $30 million over four years. Over half of the goal has already been achieved, with $15,646,904 raised in the past two years.
Participation in A Day to Reach Further is open to the entire Parkinson’s community, allowing individuals to contribute through donations, starting Facebook fundraisers, sharing information on social media, or spreading the word within their communities. Donations of any amount can be made on the event webpage, with the option to dedicate contributions in honor or memory of someone. Supporters will receive a special invitation to future research webinars as a token of gratitude.
To maximize the impact of today’s donations, Rune Labs, the developer of the StrivePD app, has pledged to match all gifts up to $10,000. The StrivePD app, which received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last year, collects motor symptom data from Parkinson’s patients using an Apple Watch.
Parkinson’s disease is the fastest-growing neurological condition worldwide, and it is predicted that approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. will be living with the disease by 2030. The Reach Further Campaign and the day of giving contribute towards three main initiatives: advancing research, expanding clinical care networks, and developing community-based programs for Parkinson’s patients.
Of the $30 million fundraising goal, $20 million will be allocated to research efforts aimed at accelerating treatment development. This includes the PD GENEration study, which offers free genetic testing and counseling to up to 15,000 Parkinson’s patients. Additionally, funding will support the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech, which collaborates with Parkinson’s U.K. in investing in new therapeutic discoveries.
Furthermore, $5 million will be directed towards expanding the Foundation’s Global Care Network by 50%, focusing on areas that lack comprehensive care for Parkinson’s patients, particularly underserved or hard-to-reach communities. Finally, $5 million will be dedicated to community programs that provide support and resources related to mental health, caregiver support, and newly-diagnosed individuals, with the aim of increasing such programming by 30%.
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