Pig Out for Parkinson’s will celebrate its 12th anniversary on Thursday, April 28. Since year one, the goal of this event is to educate the Manhattan and surrounding communities about Parkinson’s disease (Pd) and the free services the Meadowlark Parkinson’s Program offers. Over the years, we have been able to increase the outreach opportunities we provide because of events such as Pig Out for Parkinson’s. We have learned that engagement is a big factor in quality of life, functional abilities, and living well with Parkinson’s. For example, the Young Onset Parkinson’s group was created almost eight years ago after several individuals in their 40s came to Pig Out looking to learn more about their Parkinson’s diagnosis and services in the area. We learned that their needs were much different than our programming at that time. So, we created the opportunity to benefit people working, raising a family, and trying to manage a progressive degenerative neurological disease. It is important to our Leadership Team that we provide education, exercise, and engagement opportunities for all in the Flint Hills region affected by Parkinson’s.

This year we have a new presenting sponsor: CenterPointe Physicians! Dr. Matthew Floersch of CenterPointe became the Medical Director of the Parkinson’s Program when the program began 16 years ago and has been a steadfast supporter and leader for our team, his patients with Pd, and the community. We are grateful for the dedication and knowledge he brings to the Parkinson’s Program and are excited to partner with his group. Other generous sponsors include: BHS Construction, Blueville Nursery, Inc., Briggs Auto Group, Budweiser, Burnett Automotive, Jack Goldstein Charitable Trust, Manhattan Broadcasting Company, Meritrust Credit Union, and of course, Rockin K’s, the event venue.

We hope you will help us spread the word about Pig Out for Parkinson’s and the Meadowlark Parkinson’s Program. Join us to celebrate National Parkinson’s Awareness Month at Pig Out for Parkinson’s between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at Rockin K’s, located at 1880 Kimball Ave (in the K-State Foundation Building). The restaurant will donate 10% of the sales from this day to the Program,  and all sales qualify (dine-in, carry-out, buffet). The legendary Bill Snyder will be present at lunch. You can order off the menu or go through the buffet featuring pork and chicken sliders. The lunch buffet will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Be sure to come back for dinner and meet K-State Football Coach Chris Klieman around 6 p.m. The evening will also include a pig roast buffet with Bud Cox’s famous bread pudding from 5 to 8 p.m. and live music from PettyCash will begin at 6 p.m. 

If you would like more information about Parkinson’s disease or Meadowlark Parkinson’s Program, please contact Michelle at (785) 323-3899 or email mhaub@meadowlark.org.