In 2014, Joseph Golomboski Sr.'s children, Joseph Golomboski Jr. and Alicia Golomboski, created Team Golomboski.

The primary motivation behind the founding of Team Golomboski was to find a way to honor their father, who was diagnosed with young-onset/early-onset Parkinson's disease at the age of 44, while also looking for ways to assist others in their community with PD.

That's when Alicia and Joseph Jr. contacted the American Parkinson's Disease Association Rhode Island Chapter to learn more more about their annual Optimism Walk and Run. 

Shortly after their conversation with the Chapter Coordinator, Mary Ellen Thibodeau. Joseph's children sprung into action.

The Golomboski family joined Alicia and Joseph Jr.'s fundraising efforts for the 2014 Optimism Walk and Run.

Team Golomboski exceeded their first year's goal of $500, raising $1,210.00.

Team Golomboski also had an impact by setting up a tent for family and friends to join them for the day's festivities, and welcomed other's to join their team. 

Please take a moment to reflect on the inspirational moments that transpired during our first walk by watching the video clip located to the left of this page.

Despite pausing their fundraising efforts in 2015 due to the many challenges associated with Parkinson's disease, Team Golomboski continued to deepen their connection with the organization.

In 2016, Team Golomboski resumed their fundraising and continued their fight against Parkinson's disease with Joseph Golomboski Sr. in the following years, raising over $4,000 from 2016 to 2018. 

In addition, Alicia Golomboski recruited additional team members to participate in the event's run portion.

Please take a moment to reflect on the memorable moments that occurred during this timeframe by watching the video clip to the right of this page. 

In 2019, things took an abrupt turn for the worst, both in and out of hospitals, with Joseph Golomboski Sr.'s health soon becoming a big concern.

By that summer, the family had placed Joseph Golomboski Sr. on Hospice Care and had been informed that his final days was approaching.

After much conversation between his son and his soon-to-be wife, Joseph Golomboski Jr. and Kirby Starnino agreed it was time to get married so Joseph Golomboski Sr. could witness it. 

Joseph and Kirby informed Hospice of their plans, including the date they were considering. They were notified at the time that it would have to take place that weekend, so with only three days to prepare their wedding, they both decided that Sunday, July 14, 2019 would be the date.

Joseph Golomboski Sr. stayed in bed all week while things progressed.

When the time came, Joseph Golomboski Sr. was ready to get into his wheelchair, according to the staff at Cherry Hill Manor Nursing Home, since nothing would stop him from attending his son's wedding. 

On Friday, August 9, 2019, Joseph P. Golomboski, 59, of Johnston, passed away peacefully at Cherry Hill Manor.  Born in Providence, he was the son of the late John and Teresa (Pascone) Golomboski.

He is survived by his two children, Alicia Golomboski and Joseph P. Golomboski, Jr. and his wife Kirby; two brothers, Charles Golomboski and Anthony Golomboski and his wife, Gayle; and his sister, Maria Francis and her husband, Joseph.

Despite the heartbreaking passing of their father, Joseph Golomboski Sr., the Golomboski family remained determined to fight Parkinson's disease.

In 2019, Team Golomboski raised $2,912 for the American Parkinson's Disease Association Rhode Island Chapter while continuing to Stand Strong in Honor and Memory of Joseph Golomboski Sr. 

In 2020, Joseph Jr. joined the Rhode Island chapter's Board of Directors to assist with fundraising and community engagement efforts, and he served as the keynote speaker for the chapter's Virtual Optimism Walk.

That year, Team Golomboski faced the several hurdles posed by COVID-19 and raised more than $2,200 to aid those suffering from Parkinson's disease and others who were severely affected by the pandemic.  

Joseph Golomboski Jr. continued his work with APDA RI in 2021, relaunching and managing the organization's social media presence, as well as organizing various fundraising events for the PD community, including the annual Team Golomboski Facebook and In-Person Yard Sale.

In April 2021, Joseph assisted in organizing the statewide recognition of Parkinson's Awareness Month, which was recognized by Resolutions in the Rhode Island House and Senate. 

In addition, Joseph Jr. became the Chair of the 2021 Optimism Walk, to benefit the RI APDA. He oversaw every aspect of the event, from acquiring financial sponsors to recruiting participants and volunteers. All donations received are used to assist the Parkinson's community with fitness and wellness, transportation, caregiver support groups, and respite care. Joe's efforts helped the event raise more than $70,000. 

Team Golomboski continues today In Memory of Joseph Golomboski Sr. and those who have lost their life or family member to Parkinson's Disease and will continue to Stand Strong until there is a cure.