Crossing the finish line after 13.1 long miles was a celebration in many ways for Sara Salisbury.  The 17 year old junior at Charlotte Country Day School completed the half-marathon distance of the Thunder Road Race in Charlotte in honor of her father, Andy, who is battling Parkinson’s disease.  Sara also ran the race to raise money to fight Parkinson’s disease – and celebrate she should.  Sara has raised nearly $60,000 from friends, family, and members of the community.  The money will go to the Carolinas Parkinson Disease and Movement Disorders Center at Carolinas Medical Center to support advanced research and treatment for Parkinson’s disease. 

Sara has seen her father live with this devastating disease her entire life.  Parkinson’s is a progressive disease and it has slowly started to affect Andy’s ability to walk and speak.  “Parkinson’s can never rob my dad of his love for life,” says Sara.  “His courage, determination, and sense of humor through all of this have been miraculous and are a true testament to his character.  I admire my dad more than anyone in the world and aspire to be like him every day.”

Sara has honored her father in a grand way and the money she has raised will help make vast strides in treatment and research at Carolinas Medical Center.  Sara will continue to accept donations and support and more information is available at www.sarasalisbury.com. 

About the Carolinas Parkinson Disease and Movement Disorders Center
Carolinas Center for Parkinson Disease and Movement Disorders within the Carolinas Medical Center Department of Neurology is dedicated to helping patients with movement disorders maximize their independence and quality of life. The Center offers a comprehensive, team-oriented approach to patient care that includes physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and a dietitian – all under one roof. Staff from the Center evaluate and treat patients with all movement disorders in a learning environment promoting clinical and basic science research.