Sunflower Rev It Up for Parkinson’s is Sept. 11

Team Wilmers’ Warriors help Parkinson’s patients live each moment to the fullest

Juli Wilmers’ husband Mark was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013. When the pair decided, in 2014, to start Team Wilmers’ Warriors and join the Sunflower Rev It Up for Parkinson’s race, they gained a whole new group of friends.

“We now have a community of friends who understand what we are dealing with every day,” says Juli.

Wilmers’ Warriors will be at this year’s Sunflower Rev it Up for Parkinson’s on Sept. 11, 2022, at Sawyer Point in downtown Cincinnati. The event includes a 1K walk, a 5K walk/run and a 60K bike ride through downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Funds raised support research and educational efforts at the University of Cincinnati Gardner Neuroscience Institute’s James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders. 

Juli and Mark Wilmers

Juli and Mark Wilmers/provided

The couple decided to start the Wilmers’ Warriors team to raise funds and help in the battle against Parkinson’s.  

According to Juli, Mark is doing remarkable well for being nine years post-diagnosis. “I attribute this to his exercise habits, healthy eating, and his wonderful doctors at UC,” she says. 

“Joining the Sunflower Rev It Up race has meant so much to our family and especially to Mark and me,” Juli shares. “The people who attend the race, whether patients, family members or friends, come in with such a positive outlook. This helps the Parkinson’s patients so much to remember it is all about enjoying life and living each moment to the fullest. It is a true celebration of life.”  

“My children and I are very, very proud of how Mark is dealing with this illness. He is a true Warrior!” Juli says.

Learn more, donate or register for Sunflower Rev It Up for Parkinson’s at sunflowerrev.org.

Featured image at top: Sunflower Rev It Up for Parkinson's race/provided

Headshot of By Jenny Hudson

By Jenny Hudson

UC Foundation

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