OKEMOS - The Michigan Parkinson's Foundation held their fifth annual I Gave My Sole to Parkinson's walk and 5k run at Okemos High School.

The event was held to raise awareness for the disease as well as money for research. Although certain risk factors have been associated with parkinson's its exact cause is still unknown.

Volunteer Suzy Hunter's husband has Parkinson's and she said she came to the event on his behalf.
"I think it all helps give the Parkinson's patients a uplift," Hunter said. "You know they are not alone they [can think] 'oh somebody is out there really trying to help me and what I am going through."

Hunter's also said she thinks these social gatherings help patients and their families understand what they are going through.

Even Chairman Jim Galloway was diagnosed with Parkinson's about four years ago.

"[The event] is so nice for people that have Parkinson's," he said. "Because you've got people there that you know you're not alone in this. And people that get Parkinson's that don't seek out help and things, they can become very withdrawn and very depressed."

The disease usually affects senior citizens however, onset of symptoms can begin as early as 20 years old. Some key signs and symptoms of parkinson's disease can include, tremors, slow movement, small handwriting and rigid muscles.