The National Parkinson Foundation Launches the Whatever It Takes to Beat Parkinson's Campaign -- MIAMI, April 1, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Campaign Begins During Parkinson's Awareness Month-- MIAMI, April 1, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today the National Parkinson Foundation (NPF) announced the launch of the Whatever It Takes to Beat Parkinson 's campaign, a national movement to raise awareness and empower people affected by Parkinson's to make positive choices for their health and wellbeing. The campaign launch coincides with Parkinson's Awareness Month, during April. Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130401/DC85828 Parkinson's disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects one million Americans and four to six million people worldwide. As there is no cure, lack of information about the disease regarding best treatment and care can drastically impact quality of life. "Every person with Parkinson's should know that they can help fight the impact of the disease," stated Joyce Oberdorf , NPF's President and CEO. It is never too late to see improvements in one's daily life. This campaign brings to light the many ways that anyone can take action, and arms them with the resources they need to live their best life with Parkinson's. It speaks to the core of our mission to improve care, and improve lives. The centerpiece of the Whatever It Takes to Beat Parkinson's campaign is a graphic mosaic of NPF's blue "P" ribbon for Parkinson's, made up of more than 100 unique icons. Each icon represents a means to beat Parkinson's - from yoga, to keeping a balanced diet, to staying positive and seeking out the right treatments. The graphic is being introduced as the national symbol for living well with Parkinson's disease. An interactive webpage profiling this symbol and the goals of the campaign empowers users to learn more and share their experiences with Parkinson's. Several everyday champions from within the Parkinson's community are also featured on the page and in Whatever It Takes to Beat Parkinson 's posters, flyers, and web banners. Other awareness-raising activities are being rolled out on social media, including contests supporting the campaign throughout the month of April. The campaign also marks the opening of a refreshed design for NPF's online store - which in addition to free publications and resources, will now include apparel and merchandise available for purchase, featuring the Whatever It Takes to Beat Parkinson 's national symbol. At the local level, NPF will be partnering with its Chapters to hold events and other initiatives surrounding the campaign across the country. In launching Whatever It Takes to Beat Parkinson 's, NPF has strengthened its commitment to changing lives for people with Parkinson's. By focusing on empowerment activities, NPF hopes to provide everyone with Parkinson's the tools they need for a full, productive life. Learn more about the Whatever It Takes to Beat Parkinson's campaign. About Parkinson's Disease Affecting an estimated one million Americans and four to six million worldwide, Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's and is the 14th leading cause of death in the United States. It is associated with a progressive loss of motor control (e.g., shaking or tremor at rest and lack of facial expression) as well as non-motor symptoms (e.g., depression and anxiety). There is no cure for PD, and 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States alone. About the National Parkinson Foundation (NPF) Founded in 1957, the National Parkinson Foundation's mission is to improve the quality of care for people with Parkinson's disease through research, education and outreach. NPF has funded more than $172 million in care, research and support services. For more information about NPF, visit www.parkinson.org, or call the NPF Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636). Media Contact: Leilani Pearl Director of Communications 305-243-7951 lpearl@parkinson.org SOURCE National Parkinson Foundation RELATED LINKS http://www.parkinson.org