More than 180 runners and walkers participated in the 3rd annual Jerry Maher Memorial 5K Run & Walk for Parkinson Awareness on Saturday in Uniontown and raised about $7,000 for the Parkinson Foundation of Western Pennsylvania.
Former state Sen. Bill Lincoln started the 3.1 mile race, which stretched from the Uniontown Fireman's Social Hall on Dunbar Street to the South Union Township Recreation Center and back. Heath Piper of Washington was the first-place male runner, Jerry Maher Jr. of Butler finished second and Bobby Gasior of McKees Rocks was third. Debbie Conner of Dunbar was the first-place female runner, Jordyn Hartsek of Hopwood finished second and Michelle Naymick of Uniontown was third. Jamie Brooks of Connellsville was the first-place overall walker and George Zubeck of Leisenring was the winning male walker. Ben Hatcher of Morgantown, W.Va., won the children's race.
Among the many raffle prizes were: Autographed Pittsburgh Steelers merchandise, electric go-cart, overnight stay at Nemacolin Woodlands, overnight stay and dinner at the Stone House, IPod, Coca-Cola collectibles and many others.
The event raised approximately $7000.00 for the Parkinson Foundation of Western Pennsylvania.
Check back soon for information for the 4th Annual run & walk.
The Maher family would like to that all that participated, volunteered and the sponsors who made this event possible.
In January of 2007 Jerry Maher Sr. lost his battle to Parkinson disease. On June 9, 2007 we hosted the 1st Annual Jerry Maher Memorial 5k race/walk and kids fun run to assist in raising money for the research and development of new ways to treat and cure this devastating disease. The race took place in Uniontown, PA with over 150 participants. The race raised over $4,500 for The Parkinson Chapter of Greater Pittsburgh.
Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder. Tremors, rigidity, slow movement (bradykinesia), poor balance, and difficulty walking (called parkinsonian gait) are characteristic primary symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Incidence and Prevalence Symptoms of Parkinson's disease may appear at any age, but the average age of onset is 60. It is rare in people younger than 30 and risk increases with age. It is estimated that 5% to 10% of patients experience symptoms before the age of 40. Risk Factors In a small number of cases worldwide there is a strong inheritance pattern. A genetic predisposition for Parkinson's disease is possible, with the onset of disease and its gradual development dependant on a trigger, such as trauma, other illness, or exposure to an environmental toxin. The risk increases with age, as Parkinson's disease generally manifests in the middle or late years of life.
Parkinson's results from the degeneration of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain, specifically in the substantia nigra and the locus coeruleus. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that stimulates motor neurons, those nerve cells that control the muscles. When dopamine production is depleted, the motor system nerves are unable to control movement and coordination. Parkinson's disease patients have lost 80% or more of their dopamine-producing cells by the time symptoms appear.
Parkinson's disease afflicts 1 to 1 1/2 million people in the United States. The disorder occurs in all races but is somewhat more prevalent among Caucasians. Men are affected slightly more often than women.
