SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Jayne Godfrey hasn’t missed a beat.

If anything, the Spanish Fort woman diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2008 has taken things up a notch.

On Sunday, Eastern Shore supporters of Parkinson’s research will host a silent auction and one-mile fun run at Bruno’s Supermarket in Spanish Fort.

Godfrey said the local effort operates as a limited liability corporation called “Always Looking Up” and was created solely for the purpose of raising funds for the national Michael J. Fox  Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Sitcom and movie actor Michael J. Fox has been an outspoken advocate for increased research into the motor system disorder.

Sunday’s event will include a free health fair with more than 15 vendors offering various health screenings, singing by a local church group and kid-friendly activities. The silent auction will include items such as a Budweiser kayak, several grills, Coca-Cola tailgate prize packs and Coca-Cola hammocks.

“We just want to raise awareness and get people out for a fun day and some fellowship,” Godfrey said.

Amy Wright of Bay Minette, who is helping organize the event, said it will close with “Shake, Rattle and Run,” a one-mile fun run. Entry fees are $5 in advance and $10 the day of the event.

According to figures compiled by the national foundation, an estimated 5 million people worldwide are believed to be living with the chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that affects one in 100 people 60 and older.

It is not uncommon for onset to begin—yet go undiagnosed—by the age of 40, and people as young as 30 have been diagnosed.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Parkinson’s disease is most likely attributed to the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells, but the underlying cause for the cell loss has not yet been determined.

To date, the actor’s foundation has raised $196 million toward answering such questions and pursuing a cure.

Godfrey said two Parkinson’s support groups have been formed on the Eastern Shore during the past year. One meets from noon until 1 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne. The other meets from 10 until 11 a.m. the second Tuesday of each month at Carroll Place in Fairhope.

“We try to make it as educational and informative as possible,” said Godfrey, who has arranged an array of speakers to date including neurologists and other health-care professionals.

“The idea is to form a true support network.”

Want to go?

*What: Silent auction, fun run benefiting Parkinson’s research

*When: noon to 3 p.m. Sunday

*Where: Bruno’s in Spanish Fort