I seriously can’t believe this is our 6th annual 5KforJK.

When we started this walk six years ago, I never imagined what it would become. What started because of my Parkinson’s diagnosis has grown into the signature fundraiser for Changing Parkinson’s — and a community that means more to me than I can probably put into words.

Because of people who have supported us along the way, we’ve been able to do some pretty amazing things. We’ve delivered more than 1,400 wish kits to people with Parkinson’s, fostered a community where people can exercise and feel like they belong through PDNextSteps, and continue to reach people all over the world through The Secret Life of Parkinson’s podcast.

And we’re not done. Parkinson’s is growing at an alarming rate. That means more people are going to hear the words “You have Parkinson’s” and go home wondering, Now what?

I know that feeling.

It’s why this work is so personal to me. I want people who are newly diagnosed to have somewhere to turn. I want the person sitting at home feeling alone to find our podcast and realize someone else gets it. I want people to have a place where they can walk in, exercise, laugh, complain about Parkinson’s, ask questions and just be around people who understand.

That’s what Changing Parkinson’s is about. So for our 6th year, I’m setting a personal goal to raise $25,000. It’s a big goal, but if you know me, you probably know I wouldn’t set a small one. :)

If you’ve supported me, our family, the 5KforJK or Changing Parkinson’s over the years, thank you. Truly. And if you’re able to make a gift this year, I would be incredibly grateful.

I may be the JK in the 5KforJK, but this stopped being about just me a long time ago. Let’s keep changing Parkinson’s.

Jessica

The IRS has classified 5KforJK (dba Changing Parkinson's) as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. TAX ID: 87-2286476