Parkinson’s Moving Day Community Walk was held for the first time at Fresno City College on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 9 a.m.

The goal is to raise awareness and support for individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease. The event brought together members of the community, faculty, students, and medical professionals.

The event showcased activities like face painting, henna, arts and crafts, carnival games, prizes, and a photo booth. It also featured workshops, inspiring personal stories from people living with Parkinson’s, talks from medical experts and interactive exhibits.

Some of these activities replicated the physical limitations and motor impairments associated with Parkinsons in an effort to promote empathy and better understanding of the difficulties faced by people with Parkinson’s.

Jessica Tax, an event coordinator and CEO of Move Up Health and Fitness, expressed how important and heartwarming this event is to her.

“I just want people to have a memorable experience,” she said.

Her father was diagnosed in 2018 with Parkinson’s disease. “For me it’s important for the community to recognize that we are still in this together,” Tax said.

Attendees learned about the disease from medical professionals who conducted sessions on the latest advancements in Parkinson’s research, treatments, and therapies.

Dallas Rodriguez served as a co-coordinator for the event.

“We are really just trying to get the word out, awareness is truly important, It means a lot to me to get people in the know,” Rodriguez said.

Next year the Parkinson’s Moving Day Community Walk will be held at Fresno State on Oct 5, 2024.