September 9, 2005

Louie's Run raises money for Parkinson's research

The second annual Louie's Run was held Aug. 21 in New Bedford to support Parkinson's disease research at the MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease (MIND). The annual event honors the memory of Louis M. Xifaris, a patient of the MGH who died in 2003 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Xifaris participated in clinical research trials at the MGH and was dedicated to finding better treatment for patients suffering from the disease. Now his wife and family carry on this tradition. The event attracted more than 200 runners and walkers, including a team of scientists and doctors from MIND, and raised $15,000 for research. From left, Janice Hayes-Cha, executive director of MIND; race organizers Steve Roberts, Paul Corriea and Carolyn Xifaris; and Jang-Ho Cha, MD, PhD, of MIND