Berding selected for honor by Michael J. Fox Foundation

A Clear Lake woman who worked to raise awareness about Parkinson’s Disease will be honored at the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s MVP Dinner in New York City April 28.

Geri Berding was the force behind the first 5K Fun Run and Walk event held in Clear Lake last April.  She shared her story of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s and with the support of many friends, co-workers and the North Iowa community at-large, raised $24,000 for Parkinson’s research.

Despite the fact that her father had been diagnosed with Parkinson’ a decade earlier, Geri said she hadn’t given serious thought to the possibility that she could suffer from the same disease.  Even though she began to have some tremors in her early 40s.

Since there is no bio-marker for Parkinson’s, Geri says the disease is often misdiagnosed  or not diagnosed at all.  “It is a disease which is well know by name, but not understood by the public,”

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she said.

Thanks to Geri’s efforts, awareness and understanding about Parkinson’s Disease is on the rise in North Iowa.  Last year more than 200 persons took part in the 5K despite chilly, wet weather.  Many more supported a silent auction, bake sale and other fundraisers for Parkinson’s research.  Kids activities and informational booths were also part of the event.

This year’s 5K walk and run has been scaled back a bit, but will still be based at City Park Saturday, April 29.

The 5K “Shake, Rattle and Stroll” will begin at 9 a.m. at the Bandshell.  Cost is $25 to participate in the event, which includes a T-shirt.  General donations are also welcomed.  The 2017 event is being spearheaded this year by Keith Fritz, a Northwood, Iowa educator who has also been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.  He was among those who connected with Geri and the cause in 2016.

Geri said she is disappointed she can’t be at the Clear Lake event because it coincides with the Michael J. Fox Foundation dinner.

“Actually, I feel like everyone should come with me to New York because there were so many people who made our event so successful,” said Geri.  “I don’t feel right being the one who goes.  The North Iowa area is just so phenomenal and supportive.”

Geri explained the invitation to the MVP dinner came as the result of being one of the country’s biggest first year events.  The dinner, which will be held at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in New York City, will share the stories of grassroots efforts like Berding’s with hundreds in attendance.

Geri said she is especially looking forward to listening to the message Michael J. Fox will share, along with participating in Research Roundtable discussions prior to the dinner.

“Eighty-nine cents of every dollar the Michael J. Fox Foundation receives goes to research,” explained Geri.  “And Team Fox fundraising, which we contributed our event funds to, uses 100 percent of proceeds for research.”

Since 2000, over $700 million has been raised.  Geri noted that research is so important because the latest medical development in the disease happened 60 years ago.

“When I have the opportunity to be around people who have Parkinson’s, it’s like being in another world.  I am looking forward to talking with others and hearing from researchers and asking questions.”

When she returns from New York Geri said she will look forward to sharing her experience with Parkinson’s groups, organizations which have supported the local walk, and others who want to learn more about the disease and new developments.

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