The Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation held an awareness walk tagged #MOVE4PD as part of efforts to continue to sensitize the general public and support those affected by Parkinson’s Disease.

Participants from diverse backgrounds graced the programme where patients and experts shared experience and information to bridge the knowledge gap on Parkinson’s Disease.

The walk started at the Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Centre in Alaka Estate, Surulere; continuing through the Estate onto Western Avenue and ending at the Teslim Balogun Stadium also in Surulere.

Participants demonstrated options of movement – walking, dancing, and boxing.

Chair of the Board of Trustees, Morin Desalu celebrated people with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers, hailing the dedication and solidarity displayed during the event.

“We saw commitment to the cause in unique ways, the goal being to raise awareness, combat stigma, and improve access to healthcare for Parkinson’s patients in Nigeria”, Desalu enthused.

After the Walk, participants gathered on the volleyball pitch of the Teslim Balogun Stadium to participate in a lively and powerful learning session, where people with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers shared their real-life experiences.

Senior Programs Manager, John Akinola, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response by about three hundred people and the movement it has sparked.

The Lagos State Sports Commission played host at the Teslim Balogun Stadium while various corporates organizations including FanMilk Plc, Pfizer, Reliance HMO, Lifeline Children’s Hospital contributed to the success of #MOVE4PD by sending teams of walkers.

This was also with support from other related organizations like Bring Back Our Language (BBOL) and Parkinson’s Africa.

Families who have nursed patients with Parkinson’s disease were kind enough to share their stories and, as bequeathals, there were teams representing these families.

Various teams comprising persons who are surviving the adverse effect of the disease also shared their experiences.

The Omotola Thomas Team was present to celebrate her continuous walk with Parkinson’s disease as a Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) warrior. The O.B. Lulu-Briggs Team celebrated the journey of Chief Olu Benson Lulu-Briggs (1930 – 2018), led by their matriarch, Lady Seinye Lulu-Briggs. The Mobolaji Johnson Team celebrated the journey of the foundation Governor of Lagos State, Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson (1936-2019). The Wuraola Ogunyemi Team celebrated the life of Dr. Mrs. Wuraola Ogunyemi (1928-2015); and finally, the Adewunmi Desalu Team celebrated the inspiration behind the Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation, Dr. Adewunmi Desalu (1943- 2019), especially in this year that would have been his 80th birthday.

The Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation, a non-profit organization, provides care, support, and resources to those impacted by Parkinson’s disease by driving advocacy and increasing access to healthcare options for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. The fight against Parkinson’s disease in Nigeria is fresh but fosters hope and collective determination.

Press Release