Dyker Heights resident runs for Parkinson’s awareness

One local resident put on his running shoes in an effort to rally the community and support the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PDF).

On Sunday, March 15, Michael Scire completed the New York City Half Marathon in memory of his grandfather.

Scire, a resident of Dyker Heights, lost his grandfather to Parkinson’s and dedicated his first half-marathon to raising awareness of the fatal disease.

“My Poppop and I were so close. He was the strongest man I ever met and to see him struggle with Parkinson’s hurt me so much,” said Scire. “If I can help just one person who also struggles with this disease by running through the streets of New York in a PDF jersey — that will have made it all worth it.”

Since the beginning of his awareness campaign, Scire has raised close to $1,000 with the support of his family and friends.

According to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, approximately one million people in the U.S. are living with Parkinson’s, and while there is no cure, every donation brings researchers closer to defeating the disease.

“At PDF, we are grateful for PDF Champions like Mr. Scire who are dedicated to funding the most promising research and raising awareness about the impact of Parkinson’s,” said Robin Elliott, the president of the foundation. “His efforts will help PDF to improve the lives and futures of the nearly one million people across the country living with Parkinson’s.”

Scire’s personal fundraising page can be found at http://support.pdf.org/mikescire. For more information or to run for PDF, call 800-457-6676, write info@pdf.org or go to www.pdf.org.