Register today for the 2025 Optimism Walk!

Join us for the APDA Optimism Walk!

Walkers will come together nationwide in 2025 to step towards supporting all people affected by Parkinson’s disease. Your fundraising dollars at the Iowa walk will go directly toward the local community, expanding local programs and services to help more people with Parkinson’s disease live life to the fullest, as well as fund cutting-edge research to help find better treatments and ultimately, a cure.

As part of this inspiring day, we’re also proud to feature the Faces of PD tribute campaign — a heartfelt collection of signs along the walk route honoring loved ones who are living with or have bravely battled Parkinson’s. Keep scrolling to learn how you can participate and celebrate someone special.

Saturday, September 20, 2025

Time:
11:30am – Check-in opens
12:30pm – Walk starts

Location:
Walker Johnston Park – Giovannetti Shelter
9000 Douglas Avenue | Urbandale, IA

Earn our great incentive prizes along the way!

Raise $100+ Receive an Optimism Walk Shirt
Raise $500+ Receive an Optimism Walk elite fundraiser prize
Raise $1,000+ Become a Circle of Optimism Member where you will be recognized during the Opening Ceremony and receive a medal

For more information: call APDA Iowa at 515.702.6296 or email nwinterbottom@apdaparkinon.org.
Donations can also be mailed to APDA Iowa | 2951 86th St. Suite 125, Urbandale, IA 50322

Click HERE for more information and to register online!

Honor a Parkinson’s Warrior or Loved One at the 2025 APDA Iowa Optimism Walk

Let’s celebrate the strength, resilience, and legacy of those impacted by Parkinson’s disease. Whether you’re walking in honor of someone currently living with Parkinson’s or remembering a loved one, this is your opportunity to share their story and inspire others.

To pay tribute, we’re creating custom tribute signs that will be displayed along the walk route — a powerful way to highlight those who motivate and move us every day.

🌟 Honor a Current Parkinson’s Warrior

Recognize someone currently living with Parkinson’s disease. To create an honorary sign, please share:

First Name
Photo
Age at diagnosis
Number of years living with PD
A quote about how they stay optimistic

🕊 Remember a Loved One

Celebrate the life of someone who courageously faced Parkinson’s. For a memorial sign, please submit:

First Name
Photo
Number of years they lived with Parkinson’s
A quote or memory from a loved one

📧 Submit your info and photo(s) to: nwinterbottom@apdaparkinson.org
📞 Questions? Contact Natasha at 515-782-3833

Let’s line the walk route with stories of hope, strength, and remembrance. Every tribute helps raise awareness and honors the Parkinson’s community in a meaningful way.