April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month. The Parkinson’s Program of Manhattan at Meadowlark Hills has been extremely busy planning fundraisers and educational workshops to raise awareness about Parkinson’s Disease. 

The Parkinson’s Program, together with the National Parkinson Foundation Heartland, will host the 2013 Parkinson’s Education conference on the Kansas State University campus in the newly-renovated Justin Hall. A neurologist who specializes in movement disorders and two Kansas State University College of Human Ecology faculty members will be among the speakers scheduled to present. 

The educational workshop begins at 9 a.m. and will conclude by 3 p.m. Saturday, April 13. This is a free event and everyone is welcome to come learn about Parkinson’s Disease and ways to actively live with the disease. Seating is limited, so register for this event by calling (913) 341-8828, or email amy@parkinsonheartland.org. Transportation will depart at 8:30 a.m. from the Village Entrance at Meadowlark Hills. Please sign up for transportation in the Blue Book, located at the Hospitality Desk.

Would you like to support a good cause while chowing down on some great food? The Pig Out for Parkinson’s event will be Tuesday, April 25, at the Cox Bros. BBQ restaurant. Enjoy $2 pork sliders from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or if you miss the lunch crowd come back from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Make a minimum donation of $10 and you can choose from their pantry of Cox Bros BBQ sauce with an autograph from Coach Bill Snyder! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Parkinson’s Program. 

If you would like to have lunch at the Pig Out for Parkinson’s and support the Parkinson’s Program, transportation will be available. Sign up in the Blue Book located at the Hospitality Desk. Departure is at 11:30 a.m. from the Village Entrance. 

Join the fight against Parkinson’s Disease by signing up for the Speedy PD 5K/10K race or the 1/2 mile family fun run/walk. The race begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Tuttle Creek State Park.  Register before May 1 and receive a reduced rate. For more information visit www.runspeedypd.org. 

Questions about the Parkinson’s Program can be directed to Michelle Haub, Parkinson’s Program Director, at (785) 323-3899.