Daemen University’s Amherst campus served as a scenic setting for Moving Day Buffalo hosted by the Parkinson’s Foundation last Saturday, Sept. 17.
With help from students and faculty of the Physical Therapy Department, the event raised nearly $100,000, exceeding the foundation’s goal of $95,000.
A total of 41 teams participated in the event, which included a walk, live demonstrations, and information resource tables.
“The event surpassed expectations and gained positive feedback from both volunteers and participants,” said Lisa Inglis, assistant professor of physical therapy at Daemen. “Physical therapists are movement specialists and Moving Day Buffalo allowed us to showcase the important ways we improve the quality of life for those with Parkinson’s disease.”
Through live demonstrations, physical therapy faculty and students, along with other local exercise professionals, taught participants stretches and exercises used to ease Parkinson’s symptoms.
“By volunteering for this event, our students had the unique opportunity to have meaningful interactions with individuals with Parkinson’s, as well as their caregivers,” said Inglis. “They saw first-hand how professional physical therapists dedicate themselves to others. This helps them gain values they can pass on in their own lives, community and careers.”
Raising awareness about local resources
Daemen faculty and admissions representatives were on hand to speak with participants about the high quality education Daemen physical therapy students receive, as well as the assistance they provide, alongside faculty.
For example, “The Physical Therapy Department offers a clinical exposure course, which offers free on-campus treatment sessions to individuals living with Parkinson’s disease,” explained Inglis. “During the class, students provide treatment, under the mentorship of a licensed therapist, to those suffering from Parkinson’s disease, brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, or strokes.”
Overall, Inglis said the event was “not only a fundraiser. It helped raise awareness about resources both Daemen and the community offer for those in need.”