At their second annual Rye Parkinson’s Walk, the Rye Parkinson’s Project doubled its fundraising from its inaugural event in 2025, a feat achieved with the support of the over 100 people who joined the one mile walk at Playland on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
The event was organized and led by co-founders of the Rye Parkinson’s Project Gabriela and Sofia Steinmetz, two Rye High School Students. They founded the project to help fund research on Parkinson’s Disease in support of their father, Johnathon Steinmetz, who was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s in 2021.
Speaking about his experience battling Parkinson’s, Johnathon Steinmetz said, “This insidious disease slowly takes away everyday abilities like buttoning a shirt, turning over in bed, and walking without falling.” Through the Rye Parkinson’s Project the Steinmetz family aims to raise awareness about the disease and fund research for a treatment and cure.
“We are incredibly grateful to for the overwhelming support from our friends and neighbors,” said Sofia Steinmetz, “Together as a community, we are helping move us closer to better treatments, improved care, and ultimately, a cure.”
All of the proceeds from the Rye Parkinson’s walk will be donated to The Micheal J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research efforts to find a cure for Parkinson’s Disease and improve the lives of those living with the Parkinson’s today.
Readers can support the Rye Parkinson’s Project.
