120 runners and walkers took their places at 9:00 a.m. at the starting line on Dunbar Street adjacent to the Uniontown Fireman's Social Hall & Bailey Park. Former State Senator Bill Lincoln was the official "starter" of the event.
Chris Blough of Farmington, PA crossed the finish line in17:40 followed by
The race raised over $6000.00 for the Parkinson Foundation of Western Pennsylvania. Kevin Brown the Executive Director for the Foundation was on hand to present the awards to the winners. The Maher family would like to thank everyone who participated, volunteered and sponsored the event. We hope to see everyone next year at the 3rd Annual Jerry Maher Memorial 5k Run & Walk.
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.
