Michael J. Fox, the actor who brought the time-traveling Marty McFly to life in “Back to the Future,” has become a global face of resilience in the fight against Parkinson’s disease.

In the movie, his character’s mentor, Doc Brown told McFly: “If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.” Fox has made that his motto as he navigates the realities of Parkinson’s, a progressive neurological disorder that damages dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain, which are critical for controlling movement.

You can do your part from Monday, Sept. 15, through Sunday, Sept. 21, when NWI Parkinson’s will be the beneficiary of Strack & Van Til’s Checkout Challenge Round Up. Customers across the Region can round up their purchase to the nearest dollar when shopping at their local Strack & Van Til store with those extra funds donated to the organization.

NWI Parkinson’s board member Madeline Wilson says the Round Up proceeds will help fund the group’s Pearls of Wisdom monthly programs, their annual educational symposium, exercise class certified teachers’ salaries and the equipment needed for the classes, plus social events that include meals and snacks for all participants.

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation website, nearly 1 million people in the U.S. are living with Parkinson’s. This is expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030, as about 90,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with the disease each year. Parkinson’s is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease, according to Parkinson.org. NWI Parkinson’s serves more than 150 people throughout Northwest Indiana.

Wilson says the mission of NWI Parkinson’s is “To give Parkinson patients hope, to know that they are not alone and that we are bringing them together for exercise, companionship and to find ways to improve their quality of life.”  

The organization offers their services free, which is why NWI Parkinson’s depends on fundraising and donations, explains Wilson. Included are regularly scheduled support groups and discussion sessions; virtual and in-person activities such as bi-monthly Zoom calls on nutrition, mental health and physical challenges; monthly Pearls of Wisdom seminars that feature a doctor or pharmaceutical rep who highlights the latest technology for treatments; exercise classes including cardio-drumming for hand coordination, dance classes for balance, kickboxing and rigorous workout classes for overall toning, strength and balance; social events and more.

There is also an educational symposium held each April that features guest neurologists from around the country, neurosurgeons and other physicians who speak on topics related to Parkinson’s.

The impact of the Strack & Van Til Checkout Challenge Round Up is not lost on NWI Parkinson’s CEO Elizabeth Woodbury. “We are extremely grateful for this opportunity to generate funds for all of our free programs, such as exercise classes, education events and social programs. We thank Strack & Van Til from the bottom of our hearts for this opportunity.”

Strack & Van Til continues its more than 95-year tradition of philanthropy by raising funds through the Checkout Challenge Round Up program to help organizations in the communities it serves throughout Northwest Indiana.

Strack & Van Til President Jeff Strack credits customer generosity and employee commitment for the success of the Checkout Challenge Round Ups.

“Giving back to the communities we serve is just naturally a part of Strack & Van Til’s culture,” Strack says. “We are incredibly grateful to our customers who contribute to these Round Up campaigns and make a difference in the lives of so many people. They are the ones who give back to the community. Our stores, with the help of our employees, simply provide our customers with an outlet to donate to some of their favorite local organizations.”

Show your support for NWI Parkinson’s by participating in Strack & Van Til’s Checkout Challenge Round Up.

See how NWI Parkinson’s is helping those living with the disease. For more information on programs, to volunteer or to donate, visit nwiparkinson.org. To learn more about Strack & Van Til’s community involvement, visit strackandvantil.com/community.