For Immediate Release

Date: July 30, 2008 Contact: Dennine W. Cook Phone: 631-715-2569 Fax: 631-715-2940

Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center joined with The Parkinson Alliance to honor Gurwin resident Lupe McCann recently at a ceremony at the Center (Commack). Lupe is one of the original founders of the Parkinson’s Unity Walk, held annually in Central Park.

Lupe was involved with the first Unity Walk, held in 1994, which raised $16,000 through the efforts of about 200 walkers. This year, more than 11,000 walkers came out and raised more than $1.8 million. Since 1994, the Unity Walk has raised more than $8 million for Parkinson disease research.

In presenting Lupe with a plaque to honor her accomplishments, Carol Walton, Chief Executive Officer of The Parkinson Alliance said, “Persistence from Lupe made all of this possible.”

The Unity Walk is one of the largest grassroots events in the country. It has helped to fund the research to find the cure for more than one million sufferers of Parkinson’s disease.

One of the key elements of the Unity Walk, which has had a huge impact on participants, was created by Lupe. A booth entitled, “Ask the Doctor” that houses doctors such as neurologists, nutritionist and speech therapists, all there to answer questions for the participants who have traveled from as many as 50 states and 17 countries. Back in 1994, Lupe’s own doctor was present to provide the answers to the questions so many people asked.

Ken Aidekman, Co-founder of the Unity Walk said, “Many people with Parkinson’s are depressed and withdrawn, but not Lupe.” Lupe remains involved in the walk each year, sending suggestions of top doctors to invite to the “Ask the Doctor” booth.

Other kudos for Lupe included applauding her efforts in helping to pass the Morris K. Udall Parkinson’s Disease Research Act in Congress, and her vision to provide Spanish language information for people with Parkinson’s.

Here at Gurwin, Lupe has also played a key role in helping Joann Kaplan, Gurwin RE-ACH Coordinator, to start up a Parkinson’s support group for residents with Parkinson’s. Group members meet on a monthly basis to discuss new issues on Parkinson’s, and participate in creative activities.

“Lupe is an inspiration and admired by all those who have had the chance to know her,” said Joann. Congratulations to Lupe for all her efforts, past and present, towards educating the public on finding the cure for Parkinson’s disease. This award is well deserved for the tremendous contribution one person can make.

For more information on the Unity Walk please visit www.unitywalk.com

Gurwin RE-ACH Coordinator, Joann Kaplan, Carol Walton, Chief Executive Officer of The Parkinson Alliance, Stacie Mishler, Event Director, Ken Aidekman, Co-founder of the Unity Walk and Gurwin resident Lupe McCann