“#MOVE4PD”, an Awareness Walk for Parkinson’s Disease, was organized by the Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation on Saturday, 5th August 2023.
Participants from diverse backgrounds braved the wet weather to raise awareness and support for those affected by Parkinson’s Disease.
In spite of the rain, many people gathered from 8:00am in sporty attire, displaying unwavering enthusiasm. The walk started at the Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Centre in Alaka Estate, Surulere; continuing through the Estate on to Western Avenue and ending at the Teslim Balogun Stadium also in Surulere.
Participants demonstrated options of movement – walking, dancing and boxing. 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.
Mrs. Morin Desalu, Chair of the Board of Trustees, celebrated people with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers, hailing the dedication and solidarity displayed during the event. John Akinola, Senior Programs Manager, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response by about three hundred people and the movement it has sparked.
After the Walk, all gathered on the Volleyball pitch of the Teslim Balogun Stadium to participate in a lively yet powerful learning session, when people with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers shared their real-life experiences. The Lagos State Sports Commission played host at The Teslim Balogun Stadium and various corporates, including FanMilk Plc, Pfizer, Reliance HMO, Lifeline Children’s Hospital contributed to the success of #MOVE4PD by sending teams of walkers. Not to be left out, there were NGOs 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. 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.
