CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Charleston’s George Manahan has been recognized for his work to advance Parkinson’s research by the Michael J. Fox Foundation. During a recent event in New York City, Manahan was presented with the inaugural Hero of Advocacy Award by the foundation for his longstanding efforts to bring awareness of Parkinson’s to West Virginia.
“I didn’t even know they had an award since it’s the first time they’ve given the award. What it does is highlight the great things we’re doing here in West Virginia and the partnerships with West Virginia University, CAMC, and Marshall Health. It was very surprising, but at the same time I think it highlights all of the great work we’re doing here,” said Manahan.
Manahan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in April 2010 and set out to make research to find a cure his mission. At the time, there wasn’t much support in the Charleston area.
“There were no activities or programs in Charleston specifically. We’ve created things from the bottom up,” he said.
Among the highlights is the West Virginia Fox Trot, a benefit race and fundraiser which has generated more than $530,000 in the past 10 years for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Manahan of late has successfully shepherded legislation through the West Virginia Statehouse and had it signed by Governor Jim Justice for creation of a Parkinson’s Disease Registry. He’s also successfully persuaded U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito to be the lead sponsor and introduce the first ever legislation in Congress solely devoted to ending Parkinson’s.
Fellow Charleston Support Group member Chelsea Kinzinger, whose father has PD, introduced Manahan at the gathering.
“George has demonstrated his unwavering, steadfast commitment to getting things done as both an advocate and a patient, particularly so when it comes to making powerful and needed impact with positive, forward-thinking, common-sense recommendation for new laws and government funding for Parkinson’s,” Kinzinger said.
“In West Virginia we’re simply one step away from an individual who can made a decision. In other states, it’s two or three degrees, in West Virginia it’s just one degree. We know who the decision makers are in West Virginia and that’s half the problem. We can go to them and hopefully seek some change that needs to occur,” he said.
Manahan said he’s encouraged about the level of research and feels strongly Parkinson’s could one day be eradicated.
“Research is advancing in a lot of areas. There are new drugs coming out there are new mechanical devices. We’re excited about the future. It’s a great time to have Parkinson’s if you’ve got to have it, he said.