Galley led the group of 50 kickers by donating nearly $500.

PIND incorporates a “Kick-a-thon” portion where local martial artists literally kick for a mile non-stop alongside the walkers. Organizers believe it is the first of its kind in the region. Each of the participants kicked about 2,000 times.

The “Kick” concept was developed former state senator Sean Logan and Irwin native Bill Viola Jr., owner of Norwin Ninjas and Allegheny Shotokan Karate. Logan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in his mid-forties and Viola spent years caring for his grandmother, who died from neurodegenerative complications.

“I’ve been looking for a way to fight this epidemic, and having my school ‘Kick’ for a cure was a perfect fit. Building character is an important part of martial arts,” Viola said.

THE KARATE STUDENTS DONATED MORE THAN $4,500 TO THE INSTITUTE, BRINGING THE 2017 EFFORTS TO MORE THAN $100,000 FOR THE ENTIRE PROJECT WITH AID FROM CORPORATE SPONSORS AND THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES.