Local 5K Offers a Fun-Filled Day for 1,200 Anticipated Supporters

The 2019 Shake It Off 5K Invites Families to Take Part in a Variety of Activities to Benefit The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. The Shake It Off 5K will take place on Saturday, April 13, 2019. All ages, abilities, and speeds are welcome to participate. The event includes:

• 5K Run/Walk,
• 1 Mile Community Walk, and
• Ninja Warrior Style Obstacle Course

The fifth annual Shake It Off 5K Run/Walk for Parkinson’s Research will be held on Saturday, April 13th at Bolingbrook High School. Hosted by Jimmy and Cherryl Choi of Bolingbrook, the 2019 Shake It Off 5K aims to raise $250,000 to support the high-impact programs of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF).

Jimmy Choi, a husband and father of two was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD) at 27. Since joining MJFF’s grassroots fundraising program Team Fox, Jimmy has competed in over 100 half marathons and 15 full marathons to help speed a cure. In 2014, the Chois hosted their first Shake It Off 5K fundraiser. To date, Jimmy and his family have raised more than $337,291 to support Parkinson's research.

In 2017, Jimmy’s incredible journey landed him on NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior” to pursue an unexpected goal and spotlight the need for a Parkinson’s cure. After his debut, Jimmy returned to compete in the Season 10 series of American Ninja Warrior in 2018.

“Jimmy is an inspiration for all of Team Fox and the entire Parkinson’s community. With his wife and kids behind him, Jimmy demonstrates what it means to live well with Parkinson’s,” says Michele Golombuski, Senior Vice President of Development at MJFF.

Hear directly from Jimmy and watch a video showcasing the Shake It Off 5K.

“There’s an incredible amount of support from the community. Year after year, people continue to show up on behalf of everyone living with Parkinson’s. We won’t stop until we beat Parkinson’s for good!” says Jimmy.

The fifth annual Shake It Off will feature a 5K run or walk, a one-mile community walk and a “ninja warrior” style obstacle course. Participants unable to attend can register as a “virtual runner” and complete the 5K from anywhere. Registration is $40 for the 5K and $30 for the one-mile walk.

With the generous support of local sponsors — Lundbeck, Andy’s Frozen Custard, HAVI, Kiddie Academy, Integrated Project Management, Mulyk Laho Law, The Village of Bolingbrook, Roadrunner Sports, Lil’ Beast Ninjas, ultiFIT, Ultimate Ninjas, Breakthru Beverage Group, Noodles Pho U, Mora Asian Kitchen, Fyzikal, Universal Construction, Inc., Movement Revolution, and Chiquita — 2019 Shake It Off 5K offers a fun-filled day of activities for the anticipated 1200 supporters on Saturday, April 13. As always, 100 percent of the proceeds will go directly to The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s urgent pursuit of a cure for Parkinson’s disease.

To donate or register for the 2019 Shake It Off 5K, visit http://www.shakeitoff5k.com.

Article Submitted By Michael Carpanzano, Volunteer Bolingbrook Patch Mayor