In full transparency, the following is a press release submitted to SOURCE media.
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FRAMINGHAM – The American Parkinson Disease Association Massachusetts Chapter (APDA MA) is pleased to announce the recipients of two major awards. Team Papa Jay, named in honor of Jay “Papa Jay” Wassersug and run by Anita Wassersug and family of Canton has been selected as the honoree for the 2023 APDA MA Optimism Walk for Parkinson’s in recognition of the family’s tireless commitment to APDA and the entire Parkinson’s disease (PD) community in Massachusetts. Through an assortment of creative events and efforts, the family has raised essential funds for the APDA MA.
Mike Achin, of Team DominACHIN from North Attleboro, has been named the recipient of the 2023 APDA MA Shawn Thornton Service Award. The award is named for NHL player Shawn Thornton, who through the Shawn Thornton Foundation raises funds for Parkinson’s disease. The award is presented to an individual who demonstrates outstanding service, dedication, care and/or volunteerism in support of those living with Parkinson disease.
Achin’s passion and advocacy has spanned decades and touched many in the PD community including patients, practitioners, drug companies, and the public. He is also a co-host of an international podcast dedicated to PD topics, has written a children’s book (The Adventures of Starkinsons), and has raised hundreds of
thousands of dollars for the PD community. Mike’s grassroots approach mirrors APDA’s vision of community involvement.
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The goal of the APDA MA is to continue working in collaboration with the community to help those with PD and their caregivers live life to the fullest. The Wassersug and Achin families have each participated in the Walk for more than a decade, helping to raise awareness of Parkinson’s and generate funds to help support those effected by the disease. Both the Wassersugs’ Team Papa Jay and the Achins’ Team DominACHIN began as small family teams, but have grown
considerably over the years, holding events large and small to raise money.
“We are so grateful for their help and support — their dedication is inspiring,” states Kristin Stapleton, Board President, APDA Massachusetts Chapter. “Their hard efforts over the years have had a tremendous impact on APDA, which has enabled us to do so much for the local PD community.”
Anita Wassersug, from Team Papa Jay, and Mike Achin, from Team DominACHIN, will be honored at the 2023 APDA MA Optimism Walk during the opening ceremony.
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The APDA MA Optimism Walk will be held on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at Bowditch Field (475 Union Avenue Framingham, MA 01702). This annual event is part of a nationwide series of Optimism Walks intended to raise funds and awareness for people with PD, their care partners, and families.
Proceeds from the Walk fund research, education, and support services. The event will bring together educators, health care providers, community members, staff, and community partners. It will be the largest Parkinson’s event in Massachusetts.
Anyone interested in participating in the event or donating can visit www.apdaparkinson.org/MA or visit APDA MA Optimism Walk.
About the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA)
The APDA is the largest grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease (PD) and works tirelessly to help the more than 1.2 million people in the US with PD live life to the fullest in the face of this chronic, neurological disorder. Founded in 1961, APDA has raised and invested more than $226 million to provide outstanding patient services and educational programs, elevate public awareness about the disease, and support research designed to unlock the mysteries of PD
and ultimately put an end to this disease. To join us in the fight against Parkinson’s disease and to learn more about the support APDA provides nationally through our network of Chapters and Information & Referral (I&R) Centers, and national Research Program and Centers for Advanced Research. Visit us at www.apdaparkinson.org.
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