OKEMOS - For four years now walkers and volunteers alike have gathered at Okemos High School to try and stomp out Parkinson's Disease.

Affecting 35,000 individuals just in Michigan, volunteers spend months prepping for the event ensuring that the day literally runs smoothly.

Denise VanEtten, a Clinical Nurse at the MSU Clinical Center for Neurology, works with Parkinson's patients everyday and participates in the walk every year.

"It's always very supportive, very cheerful, a lot of our patients bring their families; it's a lot of camaraderie and just bringing awareness and a real get-together. It's a real positive atmosphere," VanEtten said.

Participants are required to make a donation to the Michigan Parkinson Foundation that provides education and support to patients and their families affected by the disease.

Williamston resident Joyce Wagner lost her husband to Parkinson's Disease and is now an avid volunteer and walker at the event.

"Because my husband had Parkinson's that was the first reason I participated. I've tried to do it every year since and I'm trying to get a lot of my family members to come and walk with me," Wagner said.

The walkathon is held on the track at Okemos High School while the 5k run ventures through trails on a marked route.

Registration is $15 for walkers or $20 for runners participating in the 5K that kicks off here at the Okemos High School track.

Celebrating its fourth year in Okemos, countless support groups will line the course as the community walks one step closer to a cure.