Typically, when people think about Parkinson’s disease, they think about the tremor (shake), but this is only one part of the disease that affects a person’s life. Shuffling gait, depression, apathy, constipation, and small handwriting are a few more of the symptoms that can disrupt quality of life for the person with Parkinson’s and his or her care partner(s). For 16 years, the Meadowlark Parkinson’s Program has been providing free education, exercise, outreach and engagement for people affected by Pd. How can these services be offered free of charge?

The Speedy Pd Race for Parkinson’s Disease continues to be the primary fundraiser for the program. Money raised from this event allows individuals that live at Meadowlark and in the greater Manhattan community, Junction City, Wamego, Marysville, Hays, and even Overland Park become stronger, move bigger, talk louder, learn strategies to help compensate for communication and cognitive challenges, make connections with others, and better understand the disease and treatment options.

The 14th Annual Speedy Pd Race for Parkinson’s Disease is set for Saturday, Aug. 27, at Tuttle Creek State Park. We are thrilled again this year to have Community First National Bank as our Presenting Sponsor and Body First’s Doug Sellers as the Race Director. In 2021, we added the Half-Mile Memorial Walk/Run to pay tribute to those who have passed away.  

Additionally, in 2021, the 5k event was renamed “Don Rasmussen 5k” in honor of a champion for our program since its inception. For 2022, the Half-Mile Memorial Walk/Run will begin at 8 a.m., and the 5k/10k races will begin at 8:30 a.m. All ages and abilities may participate in our event! There will be plenty of fruit, cupcakes, smoothies, water, beer, and massages after the events, so come spend the morning with us and a few special surprise guests. If you have any questions about Speedy Pd, please contact Michelle or Bridget at (785) 323-3899 or email mhaub@meadowlark.org.

To register, simply go to www.runspeedypd.org or stop by the Hospitality Desk to pick up a paper registration form. Completed paper registration forms with payment can be deposited in the box at the Hospitality Desk or dropped off at Body First Wellness Center.