Stronger Together: Parkinson’s Community Gathers in Central Park for the 2026 Unity Walk

Saturday, April 25, thousands of people and families impacted by Parkinson's disease gathered in New York City's Central Park for the annual Parkinson's Unity Walk, hosted by The Michael J. Fox Foundation. For 32 years, the event has brought together patients, families, and supporters for a 1.2-mile walk, interactive programming, and educational booths-fostering connection while raising critical funds for a cure.

This year, the Unity Walk raised over $1 million toward critical Parkinson's research and public policy priorities, which was matched for a total of $2 million. 100 percent of these dollars will go toward improving the lives of people and families impacted by Parkinson's - advancing research, into new and improved treatments, a better biological understanding of the disease and accelerating progress toward a cure.

"Moments like the Parkinson's Unity Walk do more than gather a community - they drive critical awareness and funding for Parkinson's disease at a time when scientific discovery is gaining real momentum," said Lisa Boudreau, MJFF's chief development officer. "These efforts play a critical role in sustaining the progress needed to advance the next generation of Parkinson's research."

In keeping with the Unity Walk's tradition for 32 years, new and returning participants tell us what this event of connection and shared purpose means to them.

"The quality of my life is so much better thanks to the research and technology that led me to this. This is why fundraising for this event is so important to me. Without funds, the research would not exist. Neither would the medications and technology that changed my life be available," said Ruth Drown, Unity Walk Captain of DrowningPD. Drown has been living with Parkinson's for over 36 years and her team,DrowningPD, has raised over $200,000 for Parkinson's research.

Unity Walk participant and fundraiser Jessica R. reflected on her journey living with early-onset Parkinson's in a blog on the Foundation's website, sharing that what she loves most about the Unity Walk is how ordinary and joyful it feels. "It's really just a special day where the closest people in my life come together." Walking side by side becomes a quiet but powerful expression of support: "They're showing me their support through a good day, a bad day and every step of this journey," she said. Rachel's team, LapsForLinny, raised over $10,000 for Parkinson's research at this year's Unity Walk.

After publicly sharing her Parkinson's diagnosis this Parkinson's Awareness Month, fashion mogul, entertainer and advocate Rebecca King Crews has used her platform to spotlight both the realities of living with the disease and the promise of emerging treatments and innovative research. At the Parkinson's Unity Walk, she spoke with Forbes on the importance of bringing the community together and advocating for continued investment in Parkinson's science:

"I believe with all my heart that if we put our brains together about Parkinson's the way we have about so many other diseases that we can cure it and prevent it. And that's why we're here today."

The Unity Walk comes at a time of growing momentum in Parkinson's research and incredible progress toward scientific breakthroughs. Since its inception, MJFF has funded over $3 billion to support high-impact global research programs. 

Increased funding for Parkinson's is needed now more than ever. A newly released report by The Michael J. Fox Foundation shows that the annual economic impact of Parkinson's disease in the United States has reached more than $82.2 billion in 2024 - surpassing earlier projections by more than a decade. The report, The Economic Burden of Parkinson's Disease and Atypical Parkinsonisms in the United States, builds on a 2019 study that estimated the annual cost at $52 billion as of 2017, and projected costs would reach $79 billion by 2037 - a level already exceeded by 2024. Costs are now projected to rise further, reaching more than $112 billion per year by 2045.

Beyond raising awareness and funds, the Unity Walk also serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the Parkinson's community. The day's programming included multiple on-stage demonstrations and featured movement and exercise groups including Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, Rock Steady Boxing - Eastern Island, Dance for PD, Moving Brains Foundation, Parkinson's Voice Project and Pickleball for Parkinson's.

Corporate sponsorship from industry partners continues to support the operating costs of the Unity Walk. This year's event was made possible by premier sponsor, Acadia Pharmaceuticals and featured sponsor, Amneal Pharmaceuticals. Community partners who participated in the day's events included: APDA, Columbia - New York, Davis Phinney Foundation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Mount Sinai, New Jersey Brain and Spine, OUTREACH Rehabilitation, Parkinson's Body & Mind, Parkinson's Foundation, Parkinson's Pal's - NYU Chapter, PD Avengers, PMD Alliance and Queens College.

• The match will remain open until the end of May and is still accepting donations - donate and learn more here.

• Join us at next year's Parkinson's Unity Walk and learn more at michaeljfox.org/unitywalk.

• Follow along for the latest updates, news and ways to get involved at michaeljfox.org

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• Lucy Peterson

  Corporate Communications Specialist