The Michael J. Fox Foundation Remembers Parkinson’s Leader and Advocate Carol Walton

The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) mourns the passing of Carol Walton, longtime president and CEO of The Parkinson Alliance and a driving force behind the Parkinson's Unity Walk. Carol Jean (Curry) Walton, of Princeton, New Jersey, passed away on July 20, 2026.

Inspired by her father's experience with Parkinson's, Carol became a tireless advocate. She helped secure passage of the Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research Act and spent more than two decades growing the Unity Walk into a global gathering that raised more than $29 million for Parkinson's research and care initiatives before its transition to MJFF, where 100 percent of the funds raised will continue to go directly to its high-impact global research programs and public policy priorities.

"Carol believed in the power of community to change the course of Parkinson's," said MJFF CEO and Co-Founder Debi Brooks. "Her vision, persistence and gift for bringing people together transformed the Unity Walk into the largest single-day Parkinson's fundraiser in the United States. We are honored to carry her legacy forward."

Carol championed the collaboration and sense of community that makes the Unity Walk much more than a fundraiser. "Through the Unity Walk, Carol helped create a community where people with Parkinson's and their loved ones could learn and take action. I will always be grateful for her friendship and leadership," said Jim McNasby, MJFF General Counsel, Parkinson's Unity Walk top fundraiser and former Board member.

Our deepest condolences are with Carol's family, friends and the many people whose lives she touched. A tribute page has been created to celebrate her meaningful contributions to the Parkinson's community.

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