welcome to the Lansing area Parkinson's support group
Lansing Walk - Sept 26, 2026
2026 Walk - Saturday, September 26th
Please join us in supporting the mission of the Michigan Parkinson Foundation at this year's Lansing Parkinson Hero Walk.
2026 Lansing Walk
September 26, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm
Hawk Island Park
1601 E Cavanaugh Rd. Lansing, MI 48910
Please join us in supporting the mission of the Michigan Parkinson Foundation at this year's Lansing Parkinson Hero Walk.
2026 Lansing Walk
September 26, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm
Hawk Island Park
1601 E Cavanaugh Rd. Lansing, MI 48910
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/2026lansingwalk/
This year, we honor Gayl Casgrain as our Lansing Parkinson Hero.
Gayl's Story
When Gayl Casgrain was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017, the news followed a long and frustrating search for answers. Her earliest symptoms affected her hands and were initially believed to be carpal tunnel syndrome. After surgery provided no relief and she underwent countless additional tests, Gayl finally received her Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Although the diagnosis was difficult, Gayl resolved to keep moving forward.
After learning about the important role exercise can play in living well with Parkinson’s, she made movement a priority. Today, Gayl exercises every day of the week and she credits that commitment, along with the encouragement of the Parkinson’s community, with helping her remain strong.
“Parkinson’s takes a lot from us, and it continually takes from us,” Gayl shared. “But I realized that it has also given me something. It has given me a community, people who understand what we’re going through.”
Gayl is especially grateful for her family and loved ones, the Michigan Athletic Club, and the dedicated instructors who provide opportunities for people with Parkinson’s to exercise, connect, and support one another.
“Disease can be a lonely thing. But if you have community, you can make it.”
Gayl walks to stand in solidarity with everyone affected by Parkinson’s and to highlight the life-changing importance of community and exercise. We are honored to recognize her as our 2026 Lansing Parkinson Hero!
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Gayl is truly an inspiration to everyone she meets. She says one of her greatest sources of strength is the Parkinson’s community, yet she gives so much strength and encouragement back to that community through her positive attitude and uplifting spirit.
Gayl goes above and beyond to help others feel connected and supported. She developed and printed the Michigan Athletic Club Parkinson’s Exercise Class Directory so participants could stay connected outside the gym.
Gayl, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and inspiring example of living well with Parkinson’s with courage and positivity. Keep shining—you make a difference in so many lives!
2025 Walk
Thank you for your support. We raised more than $51,000 to support the mission of the Michigan Parkinson Foundation at the 2025 Lansing Parkinson Hero Walk. Congratulations to team TNT Dynamite (in memory of Toni Talbot) for raising more than $14,000 and thank you to all the teams and participants for their success in raising funds and
Thank you for your support. We raised more than $51,000 to support the mission of the Michigan Parkinson Foundation at the 2025 Lansing Parkinson Hero Walk. Congratulations to team TNT Dynamite (in memory of Toni Talbot) for raising more than $14,000 and thank you to all the teams and participants for their success in raising funds and making the day memorable.
Honoring Our Lansing Hero in Memoriam: Toni Talbot
In 2025, we were honored to remember and celebrate the life of Toni Talbot, our Hero in Memoriam for the Lansing Parkinson Hero Walk.
Toni was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 46, yet she never let the disease define her. She leaned on her faith, her family, and her determination to keep moving forward. From the beginning, she embraced exercise, joined clinical research studies, and later became a strong advocate and mentor for others facing Parkinson’s.
In 2012, after her daughter’s wedding, Toni courageously underwent Deep Brain Stimulation surgery. The procedure gave her new independence. She was able to drive again and continue pursuing the life she loved. She poured her energy into fundraising, attending Michigan Parkinson Foundation programs, and exercising alongside her “Parkinson’s family” at the MAC.
Her greatest inspiration came from her grandchildren. Wanting to help them understand Parkinson’s, Toni authored My Nunna Has Parkinson’s, a children’s book that continues to bring comfort and clarity to families today. She also became a passionate advocate, speaking to support groups, medical students, and therapists across Michigan and beyond.
Toni lived with remarkable strength, independence, and kindness. Even in her passing on February 5, 2025, she left behind a final gift, donating her brain to the University of Michigan Brain Bank to further Parkinson’s research.
Her life reminds us that while Parkinson’s may be a part of one’s journey, it does not define the story. Toni’s legacy of resilience, love, and hope will live on through all who were touched by her spirit.
We are proud to honor Toni at this year’s Lansing Parkinson Hero Walk. Join us in celebrating Toni's legacy on September 27 at Hawk Island Park.
2024 Walk
Thank you for your support. We raised more than $50,000 to support the mission of the Michigan Parkinson Foundation at last year's Lansing Parkinson Hero Walk. Congratulations to team TNT Dynamite for raising around $7,700 and thank you to all the teams and participants for their success in raising funds and making the day memorable.
2023 Lansing Parkinson Hero Walk
Carla Moeggenborg is our 2023 honoree. Carla shared her personal journey with Parkinson's...
Life was filled with life! Professionally I worked in the field of education. I belong to the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters whose mission was primarily education. As a member, I enjoyed many opportunities teaching, as an administrator, and a
Carla Moeggenborg is our 2023 honoree. Carla shared her personal journey with Parkinson's...
Life was filled with life! Professionally I worked in the field of education. I belong to the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters whose mission was primarily education. As a member, I enjoyed many opportunities teaching, as an administrator, and as a listening and challenging role with adults. I am grateful that the Sisters and associates are with us today and for the financial support of the community.
Parkinson’s was a foreign word. I never thought about this condition, let alone that I might someday be diagnosed. My knowledge came from seeing Michael J. Fox and reading a few articles about him.
One day I was reading an article from the Parade magazine, part of the Sunday newspaper. As I remember, he indicated that he was experiencing some strange symptoms. Like many of us, he did not act on these symptoms. Instead, he waited a year.
As I reflected on my own health I realized I too was displaying some similar signs. I had tremors, I felt unsteady when walking, my handwriting was so small that even though I had written the words, even I could not make out the message.,The wonderful aromas from the kitchen, the taste of those dishes-– I was no longer able to enjoy them.
Of course, I denied the signs. As I reread the article I asked myself do I want to wait a year or do I want to check it out now. It was 2012. I decided to make an appointment with my primary physician. Normally it takes a few weeks or more to get an appointment. I was able to make that appointment in just 2 days.
A referral to MSU neurology within a few weeks confirmed that I had a mild case of Parkinson’s. With that, I began medication.
Somehow I heard about a meeting for those who were newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s sponsored by Michigan Parkinson’s Foundation. After that introduction I began attending the monthly meeting of Lansing Area Parkinson’s Support Group, a group whose mission is to offer support, education, and other resources and more to people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones.
After a few meetings I agreed to greet people at the support group meetings. I began and learned that included attending the steering committee meeting. I must have asked too many questions because I was then asked to chair the steering committee.
I continue to serve as chair. I would recommend that others -both persons with Parkinson’s or/and their caregivers consider joining the Lansing Area Parkinson’s Support Group in this worthwhile mission. Together we can make a difference.
On behalf of Persons with Parkinson’s and their caregivers - a heartfelt thank you.
Funds Raised in 2023
Funds Raised in 2023
Thank you for your support. We raised more than $61,000 to support the mission of the Michigan Parkinson Foundation at the 2023 Lansing Parkinson Hero Walk. Congratulations to team TNT Dynamite and team CMU DPT Gait-Keepers for each raising more than $6,000.
Our History
Funds Raised in 2023
Lansing Area Parkinson's Support Group was founded in 2005 by a group of mental health professionals who saw a need for more accessible mental health resources in our community.