Local community will come together for a day of awareness, inspiration, and support.
NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, APRIL 7, 2026 – The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) Virginia Chapter is set to host its annual APDA Virginia Optimism Walk in Norfolk as part of a nationwide movement to raise awareness and critical funds for the Parkinson’s disease (PD) community. The Walk will take place on Saturday, May 2, at Plum Point Park, beginning in front of Harbor’s Edge Community (801 Southampton Avenue, Norfolk, VA). Registration is open now.
The Optimism Walk series is a cornerstone of APDA’s efforts to empower people with PD and their care partners and families with the resources and support they need; to advance research and public policy in pursuit of better treatments and ultimately a cure; and to increase public awareness of the fastest-growing neurological disease in the world. Participants show solidarity with those impacted by PD and, through fundraising and donations, directly support APDA’s essential programs and services delivered by a nationwide network of Chapters and Information & Referral (I&R) Centers.
The APDA Virginia Optimism Walk in Norfolk is a family-friendly event featuring a one-mile walk along the Elizabeth River Trail through Plum Point Park, with an option for a shorter route. There will also be educational opportunities, food trucks, music, line dancing, exercise demonstrations, face painting with Tidewater Arts Outreach, interactive community art with the Chrysler Museum, a chance to meet and take photos with RipTide from the Norfolk Tides, plus awards and more! Most importantly, it’s a chance to bond with others who share a connection to PD. The Walk is perfect for anyone who wants to show support and help put an end to this disease—from people with PD and care partners to family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers.
Registration is free and open to all. Participants are encouraged to fundraise, form teams, and spread awareness leading up to the Walk. Fundraising efforts are crucial in supporting APDA’s mission to provide the support, education, research, and community that helps everyone impacted by PD live life to the fullest. As such, there are prizes for every individual who raises $100 or more. Funds raised help fuel APDA Virginia Chapter programs and resources, including Parkinson’s Roadmap for Education and Support Services™ (PRESS™), APDA Parkinson’s Good Start™ for those newly diagnosed, community wellness grants, social wellness and art programs, the APDA Virginia Parkinson’s Conference, and more.
“Parkinson’s disease touches millions of lives across the United States, including the one million people living with the disease—24,000 right here in Virginia—and their care partners, families, and friends. With a new diagnosis every six minutes, we are reminded why resources and support are essential,” says Kathryn Wiesmann, Chapter Coordinator, APDA Virginia Chapter. “The APDA Optimism Walks are a powerful way to bring local communities together, raise vital funds, and remind everyone impacted by PD that they are not alone.”
The APDA Virginia Chapter will host an additional Optimism Walk in Suffolk on September 12.
The APDA Virginia Optimism Walk in Norfolk is made possible in part by the generous support of our local sponsors, including Medtronic and Harbor’s Edge, who will be on hand to demonstrate their special commitment to the PD community.
The APDA Virginia Chapter offers a wide range of Parkinson’s disease programs, resources, education, and support. To learn more, visit www.apdaparkinson.org/va, email apdavirginia@apdaparkinson.org
About the American Parkinson Disease Association
The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease (PD) by providing the support, education, research, and community that helps everyone impacted by PD live life to the fullest. Through a nationwide grassroots network of Chapters and Information & Referral (I&R) Centers, APDA works tirelessly to raise public awareness of this chronic neurologic movement disorder and deliver outstanding patient services, resources, and educational and wellness programs to the approximately one million people living with PD in the United States and their care partners and families. Envisioning a world without PD, APDA’s national research program and Centers for Advanced Research aim to provide better treatments and unlock the mysteries of the disease. APDA is also committed to advancing public policy solutions that improve lives and move us toward a cure. Founded in 1961, APDA has raised and invested more than $338 million in its efforts to support the PD community. Learn more at www.apdaparkinson.org.