It’s been a tough year for Team Golomboski, but they are pushing ahead and staying positive as they prepare for the upcoming American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA) annual Optimism Walk and Run.
Team Golomboski was created four years ago to honor Joseph Golomboski, 56, who has been battling Parkinson’s disease for over 15 years. The team is led by his two children, Alicia Golomboski and Joseph Golomboski Jr., who act as captains.
“The reason that we formed the group is that my father has Parkinson’s, and he was diagnosed at a young age at around 42. My father has been very strong, and I consider him my hero,” said Golomboski Jr. “This organization, the APDA, has been very helpful to our family, they’ve been able to support him with a wheelchair and other needed support. With us doing this fundraiser, it’s a way to help them so they can help other families in our situation.”
This year’s team is also in memory of Teresa Golomboski, mother to Joseph Golomboski Sr. and grandmother of both team captains, who passed away on July 14. Though she didn’t personally struggle with Parkinson’s herself, she was a big supporter of her son since he was diagnosed with Parkinson's. Both lived together at Cherry Hill Manor and Rehabilitation Center, where Golomboski Sr. is receiving treatment. The family also has longtime ties to Johnston.
“They’ve been very supportive to our family,” said Joseph about Cherry Hill Manor, where his dad has lived for the past three years. He added that the biggest hurdle his father has faced is the loss of freedom and mobility, as his dad is not able to walk and that affects his quality of life.
The team is currently preparing for the walk and run, which will be held at Goddard Park on Sept. 9. They are currently holding a basket raffle at Cherry Hill Manor at 2 Cherry Hill Road until Aug. 18, and interested parties are encouraged to visit the lobby to participate and donate.
The raffle includes several items from local Johnston businesses such as Atwood Florist, Brewed Awakenings, Atwood Car Wash and Lube, Stop & Shop, Merrill Norman Cosmetics and several other businesses through Providence County. The team’s goal for this year’s walk and run is $2,017, and they have currently raised close to $400.
“Even though my dad is going through all these struggles in his life he always has a smile on his face and always has a positive attitude, as he has Parkinson’s but also suffers from depression. So to be able to battle both of those and keep a smile on his face is incredible,” said Golomboski Jr.
For more information visit the team’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fightagainstparkinsonsri.
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