Sunflower Revolution VI - Sept. 11-13 »

The Sunflower Revolution is an exciting multi-day event that brings families, athletes, patients and physicians together in the race against Parkinson’s Disease!

In 2004, the Sunflower Revolution event was created by local Cincinnatians with a mission to improve the quality of life for people who have Parkinson’s Disease by raising funds for research and wellness. The UC Neuroscience Institute, the University Hospital Foundation and the Davis Phinney Foundation joined forces with the mission to not only raise funds, but to raise awareness of the need and potential to help those living with Parkinson’s.  The research has helped patients to move better through Deep Brain Stimulation surgery, helped them to live better as the link between Parkinson’s disease and depression is understood, and has also helped diagnose patients earlier, by exploring the role that toxins may play in the onset of the disease.

Since its inception, the Sunflower Revolution has raised $1.3 million and has attracted some of the most brilliant researchers and clinicians in the country to study and treat Parkinson's at the UC Neuroscience Institute. The Sunflower Revolution also led to the establishment of the James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders, headquartered in Cincinnati.

About Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's Disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that affects between 1 – 1.5 million Americans.  Parkinson’s affects movement, balance, speech and often mental acuity.  Sleeping, getting dressed, enjoying a meal, and the rhythms of daily life become huge challenges.  The latest research indicates regular movement by Parkinson’s patients – whether dancing, walking or riding a bike -- can significantly improve quality of life for those with Parkinson’s. “Move to Live” has become a mantra for these heroes for whom movement has become their greatest challenge.
 

With the support provided by the Sunflower Revolution VI, this cutting-edge research and support of patient wellness can continue to find solutions for those struggling with Parkinson’s disease.