'Outpace Parkinson's' race is one more link between CHDS, community

Faculty and friends in the College's Department of Counseling and Human Development Services are supporting Outpace Parkinson's, a 5K run/walk spearheaded by Athens residents Jane and Jack Armistead to benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's research.

The race takes place at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, starting from the Tate Student Center on UGA's campus. Registration is $25.

Pamela Paisley and Bernadette Heckman, faculty members in the department, are on the event's organizing committee. In addition to support from faculty members, several graduate students are volunteering their time to help with the logistics of the race.

Paisley was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2010 and during the past six years has connected with others in Athens and across the country who are living with the disorder. After attending the World Parkinson's Conference in 2013 and, more recently, conducting a qualitative research study of people living well with Parkinson's, Paisley says she is convinced of the importance counselors and psychologists can play in the treatment of the disease.

"Although much is being learned every day about what provides better management of the disease and enhanced quality of life, each person with Parkinson's is on an individual journey—a journey on which a professional counselor with appropriate knowledge and skills could provide great support," said Paisley. "Beyond this opportunity for the support counselors can provide, we also have a responsibility for advocacy as allied health professionals.

Paisley invites College of Education faculty, students, and staff to join CHDS for the event. Outpace Parkinson's is a family-friendly event, and strollers are welcome.