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/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
Related Stories
UC Foundation celebrates 2026 philanthropy winners
October 23, 2026
The University of Cincinnati Foundation recognized its Outstanding Philanthropic Volunteer Award honorees at the George Rieveschl Recognition Dinner on October 22, 2026.
UC Biomedical Engineering student launches mobile healthcare platform
October 22, 2026
As a fifth-year biomedical engineering student at the University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Science, Amelia Wares has been a trailblazer in nearly every area imaginable — and this is only the beginning of her journey.
Daniel Woo, MD, to return to UC College of Medicine as chair of the Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine
October 19, 2026
Stroke genetics pioneer and University of Cincinnati alumnus Daniel Woo, MD, will return to the College of Medicine as chair of the Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine in January 2027.