Parkinson’s Awareness event tops $20,000

The rain and wind didn’t dampen the spirits of about 200 walkers and runners participating in the first Parkinson’s Awareness Event held Saturday at Clear Lake City Park.  Clear Lake teacher Geri Berding, who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s organized the event with the help of many volunteers.  Berding kicked off the run/walk by leading the way with her brother, Chris Terri, mother Dora Lee and father, Dr. Robert Terri.  Her father has also battled Parkinson’s for more than a decade.  To date, the event has raised about $20,000, with some donations still coming in.  Dr. Joseph Matsumoto, from Mayo Clinic Neurology, also attended the event and spoke to the walkers and runners about the disease.  All of the money raised through the event will go to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.-Reporter photo.