2026 Optimism Walks
The Optimism Walk is part of a nationwide movement to mobilize and inspire people to step up and help put an end to Parkinson’s disease. Join us at one of our many locations across the nation and help us get one step closer to supporting APDA’s critical mission: Helping all people with PD live life to the fullest.
Join us in 2026 for a fun-filled, non-competitive walk, that raises much-needed funds and awareness of Parkinson’s disease. This year, join us in Norfolk, Suffolk, or create your own walk! The Optimism Walk traditionally features a Parkinson’s resource fair, lawn games, PD exercise, dance, or singing demonstrations, a photo booth, and more!
Find Optimism Near You
May 2, 2026 | Norfolk
September 12, 2026 | Suffolk
2025 Optimism Walks









The Optimism Walk is a nationwide movement to mobilize and inspire people to step up and put an end to Parkinson’s disease. We walk because every six minutes someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s affects approximately 25,000 Virginians and that number grows every year. Our goal is to spread awareness and promote early intervention so we can help those with Parkinson’s continue to live a long and meaningful life and manage their symptoms. You are more than your symptoms.
Thank You to our amazing 2025 Sponsors and Friends of APDA Virginia who helped to make these walks happen!
Gold Sponsors
- Bon Secours Health
- Medtronic
Silver Sponsors
- Amneal
- Riverside Health System
Bronze Sponsors
- Emergency Physicians of Tidewater
- Sentara Health
- Boston Scientific
- Insightec
- TowneBank
- Virginia Health Services
- Brookdale Chambrel Williamsburg (Concessions Sponsor)
- Virginia Beer Company
Suffolk Local Sponsors
- Attend Home Care
- Monge & Associates
Injury & Accident Attorneys
Friends of APDA Virginia
- Water Sponsors:
Compass Senior Solutions, Insurance Advisors, LLC, Altmeyer, Bucktrout Funeral Home & Crematory, Faint Not Your 4ever Home - Concessions Sponsor:
Brookdale Chambrel, Rebirth Heals - Ride Along Sponsors:
Blocker Family YMCA Norfolk & Price Dodson, Spinclusion - Photography:
Dyan Witt Photography
Memories by Melanie - DJ & Emcee Sponsors
The Burg FM 93.5, Marc Davis Sports, DJ Jason, Line Dancing with Letrice
For questions, email kwiesmann@apdaparkinson.org or call 757-495-3062



