Wistran Family Says Thanks For Parkinson's Walk Success

The Wistran family of Swampscott would like to thank the many individuals who made this year’s North Shore Walk for Parkinson’s Disease a success. Through generous donations, we raised more than $17,000 for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. We had more than 125 walkers join us on October 20, 2012, many of whom are affected by Parkinson’s disease (PD). It is our hope that this walk continues to grow each year and is an opportunity for patients, caregivers, families, and friends to unite and raise money and awareness for Parkinson’s disease.

We have many to thank, including: First Church Congregational, Swampscott Police, Swampscott Patch, Swampscott Reporter, and Uno's in Swampscott. We’d also like to thank Alison Urkowitz, Vice President of Research Operations, and Miranda Lanzillotti, a Team Fox Officer, from The Michael J. Fox Foundation who joined us this year. Special thanks to our volunteers: Chris Barnes, JoAnn Beck, Doug Burgess, Carin Doben, Mary Donovan, Daniel Harris, Kevin Rogers, Erica Proctor Vanderhoof, Chris White, Daniel Wistran, Diane Wistran, Jessica Wistran, Julia Wistran, Nathan Wistran, and Matt Wolfe. And thanks to Jimmy Gately of Lynn for raising more than $2,500.

We’d also like to thank the team from Civitas Therapeutics in Chelsea for raising more than $1,000 and bringing 23 walkers to the event. Civitas Therapeutics is focused on developing a breakthrough therapy in Parkinson's disease.

We started the North Shore Walk for Parkinson’s Disease in honor of my father, Daniel Wistran, who has been battling Parkinson’s disease since 1997. He is a living testament of how research dollars can help those suffering from PD. Through the tremendous work of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, we are getting closer to a cure for the nearly five million people worldwide living with PD.

Thanks again to those who donated and walked. 

Sincerely,
Anna Wistran Wolfe