Parkinson’s Nebraska Laces Up for the 2020 UNMC Skate-a-thon for Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s Nebraska (www.parkinsonsnebraska.org) is preparing for its annual fundraiser in partnership with the UNMC. The 2020 UNMC Skate-a-Thon for Parkinson’s is a 24-hour family-friendly event that will take place at the UNMC Ice Rink (4016 Emile St.) from 2 p.m. on Friday, January 24 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 25.

The Skate-a-Thon is held in memory of its founder, Colleen Wuebben. When Colleen was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2005, there were no specialized Parkinson’s services available. She held the first Skate-a-Thon by flooding her backyard to make an ice rink and raise money to fund Parkinson’s exercise classes in Omaha. Colleen passed away in 2013, but her family has kept the tradition alive. This marks the ninth year Parkinson’s Nebraska has partnered with UNMC. This partnership has helped the Skate-a-Thon grow from one family’s backyard tradition into a family tradition for over 500 skaters each year.

The money raised at this event will support Parkinson’s research at UNMC and provide Parkinson’s services such as group exercise classes, support groups, professional trainings, and educational presentations. Parkinson’s Nebraska is proud that all money stays in Nebraska to meet the unique and ever-changing needs of people living with Parkinson’s across the state.

Skaters can register as an individual ($15), family ($50), or Rock the Clock team member ($15). Rock the Clock teams are groups committed to having a representative on the ice for all 24 hours of the event. Registration includes ice skate rental and unlimited skating during the event.

Tickets are available online at the Parkinson’s Nebraska website (www.parkinsonsnebraska.org). Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are also available. Please contact Amber at amber@parkinsonsnebraska.org or (402) 715-4707 to learn more about how you can impact the Parkinson’s Nebraska community.