‘Balance dog’ who helps man with Parkinson’s is co-Grand Marshal of ‘Paws for a Cause’ this Saturday

July 16 benefit for Parkinson Center of Oregon will include dog walks, pet contests

July 13, 2011 Portland, Ore.

Media Alert

WHAT

“Paws for a Cause” benefit for OHSU Parkinson Center of Oregon

WHEN

8:30 a.m. to noon, July 16, 2011

WHERE

Grassy area next to the OHSU Center for Health & Healing, South Waterfront

3303 S.W. Bond Ave., Portland, OR 97239

DETAILS

This is the first year for “Paws for a Cause,” a dog walk fundraiser that will benefit the OHSU Parkinson Center of Oregon. The event will feature, as co-grand marshals, Portland area resident Steve VanDyke, a former middle school science teacher who has Parkinson’s, and his Parkinson’s assistance dog, Jack.

Jack is Steve’s constant companion, helping him deal with his Parkinson’s, including his balance, every day, throughout the day. More information about the event, and about Steve and Jack, is available here.

Money raised from the July 16 event will go toward research on Parkinson’s disease, clinical care for Parkinson’s patients and education for their caregivers and families. The event will include one-kilometer and four-kilometer walks, contests for pets and vendor booths.

Note to editors: Steve is available for interviews about how Jack helps him with his Parkinson’s, and Jack and Steve are available for photographs or video, prior to Saturday’s event this week. Contact Todd Murphy for information.

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