Oklahoma Parkinson’s Alliance to host annual Parkinson’s Walk

“I rely on the Lord,” Rob Rooker, SW Oklahoma Director for the Oklahoma Parkinson’s Alliance said. “The Lord gets me up in the morning, gets me through the day and helps me to sleep at night. When I have a problem, I just turn to the Lord because He’s got my life in his hands.”

Rooker, who has Parkinson’s, is one of the many people taking part in the 7th annual Lawton Parkinson’s Walk sponsored by the Alliance. The event will be from 9 to noon May 11 at Cameron University’s Bentley Gardens, 2800 W. Gore Blvd.

Rooker said the walk is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Alliance’s Lawton office.

“It helps us get together as a family,” Rooker said. “We come together and it’s the one time that all the people in Southwest Oklahoma come together for one event. The walk gives everybody a chance to come out and have fun.”

Rooker was diagnosed with the disease in 2016, but thinks he had it three years prior.

“I was noticing my legs, back and shoulders getting stiff.” Rooker said. “I was having problems with my digestive system, my voice was beginning to go monotone on me. People were asking me to speak up, so I went to two neurologists and the second one (diagnosed) that I did have Parkinson’s.”

Rooker, who has Stage 2 Parkinson’s, said he keeps moving in order to combat the disease.

“Research has pointed out that people with Parkinson’s, if we don’t use our muscles or legs or arms, we’re going to lose them,” Rooker said. “Parkinson’s will just take over because it’s a nervous disorder that affects all the nerves in your body. I’ve found through watching all of the people that I see daily who have Parkinson’s, that (all) of us are different. …”

The walk is free for all participants, but donations are encouraged to support Parkinson’s programs in Oklahoma. Every dollar donated stays in Oklahoma to provide support and therapy.

For more information or to register, go to www.oklahomapa.org, or call (580) 699-2204.