Team Up For Parkinson’s Disease Walk/Run Set May 22, Will Coincide With Erdman Automotive’s Memorial Day Ceremony

By Steve Wilson // May 11, 2026

Will coincide with annual Erdman Automotive Memorial Day Ceremony

Community members and fitness enthusiasts can lace up their sneakers for a meaningful cause on May 22, 2026, at Erdman Automotive, located at I-95 and S.R. 520 in Cocoa, Florida. They are hosting the Memorial Day Walk/Run to support the Brevard Parkinson’s Alliance and to honor Veterans that paid the ultimate price. To register for the Walk/Run, CLICK HERE.

BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA, FLORIDA — Community members and fitness enthusiasts can lace up their sneakers for a meaningful cause on May 22 at Erdman Automotive, located at I-95 and S.R. 520 in Cocoa.

They are hosting the Memorial Day Walk/Run to support the Brevard Parkinson’s Alliance and to honor Veterans that paid the ultimate price.

This Run/Walk will coincide with Erdman Automotive’s Annual Memorial Day Ceremony.

The joining of The Brevard Parkinson’s Alliance and the Veteran community is a natural.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs states, “Veterans who develop Parkinson’s disease and were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service do not have to prove a connection between their disease and service to be eligible to receive VA health care and disability compensation.”

Erdman Automotive’s Annual Memorial Day Ceremony will begin at 9 a.m., between the 3K Run/Walk and the 1K Parkinson’s Walk.

Mark Baaden will be the featured speaker at Erdman Automotive’s Memorial Day Ceremony, which will take place Friday, May 22, at 9 a.m., at the Erdman Automotive facility at I-95/SR 520 in Cocoa. Baaden is a retired Army Colonel and current Lieutenant with the Cocoa Police Department.

Participants in the Run/Walk can choose between two distinct courses based on their fitness levels and goals:

• 3K Run/Walk

Time: 7:30 a.m.

Cost: $20 Entry Fee

• 1K Parkinson’s Walk

Time: 10 a.m.

Cost: $10 Entry Fee

A wide network of local healthcare providers, senior living communities, and wellness organizations sponsors the initiative:

• Co-Hosts: Knights Physical Therapy & Wellness and the Athletic Club of the Avenues.

• Medical Partners: Orlando Health, Melbourne Hospital, Neurology One, and Sea Pines Rehabilitation Hospital.

• Community Care Sponsors: Beyond Balance Mobile Therapy Services and Brookdale West Melbourne.

Whether you are running the 3K for a personal best or walking the 1K to honor a loved one, your participation helps fund vital local resources for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.

To register for the Walk/Run, CLICK HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Steve Wilson moved to Brevard County in 1984 and has been a partner, along with Orville Susong, for the past 25 years with the Friday Night Locker Room, a broadcasting team that covers and reports on a wide variety of local events significant to the residents of the Space Coast and beyond. Their mission is to promote youth sports and the space industry, support first responders and law enforcement personnel, and showcase community and charitable events that are produced by our nonprofit partners in central Florida.

Steve Wilson was born in DeRidder, Louisiana, and grew up in both New Orleans and Macon, Georgia. He moved to Brevard County in 1984 and retired from local government as the Community Advocate/Assistant to the City Manager with the City of Rockledge in 2018.

Among the awards and accolades Steve has received over the years are 15 + year Rockledge Little League volunteer, Brevard Public School Jefferson Award Recipient, Rockledge High School Raider Booster Award 2001, 2006, City of Rockledge Employee of the Year 2006, Rockledge Kiwanian of the Year 2006-2007, City of Rockledge Quality Public Service Award 2008, 2012, 2017, Rockledge Kiwanis Citizen of the Year 2012-2013, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Sportscasting 2015, Rockledge High School Leadership and Service Award 2016, Central Florida Humanitarian Award 2017, Space Coast Inspiration Award – 2018, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Lifetime Achievement – 2020, Ecofest Achievement Award – 2022, Quality Floridian Award – 2022, presented by U.S. Congressman Bill Posey, Florida House District 32 Constituent of the Week 4/20/25.

Wilson is especially proud to have chaired two fundraisers in support of pediatric cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, in honor of Merritt Island resident Julie Spurlock, that raised over $25,000.00.

He has been a partner, along with Orville Susong, for the past 26 years with the Friday Night Locker Room, a broadcasting team that covers and reports on a wide variety of local events significant to the residents of the Space Coast and beyond. Their mission is to promote youth sports, support first responders and law enforcement personnel, and showcase community and charitable events that are produced by our nonprofit partners in central Florida.

The Friday Night Locker Room has awarded hundreds of sports achievement plaques to Brevard County student-athletes over the years. They have also awarded more than $18,000 in academic scholarships to Brevard County high school seniors.