{"id":54635,"date":"2016-01-15T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-01-15T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/2016\/01\/15\/sixth-annual-unmc-skate-a-thon-to-raise-funds-for-parkinsons\/"},"modified":"2022-08-29T15:09:18","modified_gmt":"2022-08-29T20:09:18","slug":"sixth-annual-unmc-skate-a-thon-to-raise-funds-for-parkinsons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/2016\/01\/15\/sixth-annual-unmc-skate-a-thon-to-raise-funds-for-parkinsons\/","title":{"rendered":"Sixth annual UNMC Skate-a-thon to raise funds for Parkinson’s"},"content":{"rendered":"

\nThe 2016 UNMC Skate-a-thon for Parkinson's<\/a> will be held Jan. 22 and 23 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center Ice Rink. The event, which runs from noon Jan. 22 to noon Jan 23, is open to the public.<\/p>\n

\nFor the third straight year, the skate-a-thon will be held in memory of its founder, Colleen Wuebben, a Parkinson’s sufferer who died in 2013 at the age of 60. Colleen’s husband, Ted, and their five children have continued the tradition of the skate-a-thon since Colleen’s death.<\/p>\n

\nColleen was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2005 at the age of 52. Three years later, the Wuebbens came up with the idea for the skate-a-thon. For the first three years, the Wuebbens flooded their back yard and held the event at their home.<\/p>\n

\nIn 2011, as a way to expand the event to more people, the Wuebbens moved the skate-a-thon to the UNMC Ice Rink.<\/p>\n

\nProceeds go toward clinical and basic science Parkinson's research at UNMC and the Parkinson's Health Development Program<\/a>, a non-profit, local program that offers affordable exercises and activities to improve quality of life for persons with Parkinson's.<\/p>\n

\nThe opening ceremony will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 22. Closing ceremonies will begin at 11 a.m. on Jan. 23. For the third time, Jeremy Maskel, anchor\/reporter for NewsWatch Seven (KETV) will emcee the opening ceremony. Montez, on-air radio personality for KISS-FM (96.1), will emcee the closing ceremony for the second straight year.<\/p>\n

\nThe skate-a-thon will be live streamed at this link<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\nThe previous five skate-a-thons at UNMC netted more than $140,000. Last year’s event drew a record 540 skaters.<\/p>\n

\nThis year, businesses around Omaha have been sent a challenge to participate in the skate-a-thon.<\/p>\n

\n"We want to grow this great event," Ted Wuebben said. "We know there are many more people who would be interested in participating – we just need to figure out how to reach them. One way we think we can accomplish this is by getting more corporate involvement."<\/p>\n

\nWuebben said at least three skaters are planning to skate all 24 hours this year, and he anticipates that number will grow.<\/p>\n

\nThe cost to participate in the skate-a-thon is $10. The registration fee includes skate rental and ice access. People can skate as long as they wish.<\/p>\n

\nSkaters are encouraged to raise additional money by getting friends and family to donate, Wuebben said, but this is not required. He said anybody can make a donation – they don’t have to skate. <\/p>\n

\nSkaters and non-skaters can register online or make a pledge here<\/a>. Walk-in registration also will be available at the event.<\/p>\n

The UNMC Ice Rink is located east of 42nd Street, about halfway between Dewey Avenue and Emile Street. A heated tent will allow skaters and spectators a place to stay warm. There also will be hot drinks, food and snacks. Guest emcees will keep the event moving, as skaters groove to continual music.<\/p>\n

\nSchedule of events<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nJan. 22<\/strong><\/p>\n