Originated by John and Donna Testa, the first generation ball of string began its life in 1997 as a way to make the people and the companies who fund research aware of the vast number of people that Parkinson Disease touches. Donna Testa suggested 12 inches of string to represent "One Foot Forward for a Cure" and the PD Ball of String began to become a reality.
As contributions of string, ribbon, and more kept flowing in, Donna Testa, Carol Look and Shirley Olson wound up a ball measuring 68 inches in circumference and weighing 55 pounds. This original ball represented nearly 58,000 people from 14 countries, 38 US states and 178 US cities. It made appearances at health fairs, county fairs, political debates and other key places before making it final appearance at the 1999 New York City Parkinson Disease Unity Walk in Central Park.
Although the ball was gone, contributions continued to come in so Donna, Carol and Shirley started rolling again. The new - second generation - ball is pictured above. If you would like to provide a contribution to the new "One Foot Forward" ball, send your 12 inches of wedding dress ribbon, Iraqui soldier's shoelace, dog leash, graduation cap ribbon, Easter bonnet ribbon, etc., etc., whatever can be wound to:
One Foot Forward For a Cure
PSGUNY,
PO Box 23204,
Rochester NY 14692.
Send as many 12 inch pieces as you like. And be sure to include a note indicating who is being honored by each 12 inches you send.