At 84 Dorothy Brunker likes to brag about being the Iron Girl over 80 though diagnosed with Parkinson’s two years ago.

“It has slowed me down,” said Brunker. “But I haven’t quit! I’ve always been active as I hiked the Grand Canyon for my 65th birthday. It was after that when I decided to walk in the many charity events. For my 75th birthday I went to Dublin, Ireland as a member of Team “D” (Diabetes) and walked a full marathon. What an awesome time I had and received a check from the Bank of Ireland for placing 3rd in my age group.” Two years ago she broke her hip in a fall and that is when the doctors diagnosed her Parkinson’s.

For her 85th birthday in March she plans on being vertical and walking in a charity event. “I just counted all the medals I have and that total is 75, so I must have walked about that many races as a medal is usually given at each event. I have several other awards and race trophies my husband [90] calls dust catchers.”

What she loves most about participating are the great people she has met, helping the charities and helping to keep her body strong by staying active. “My Parkinson’s doctor can’t get over how good I am and says it is due to my exercise,” said Brunker.

Being the social person that she is, she was thrilled when she was accepted into the Q-Teas Chapter of the Red Hat Society. She took the name Duchess of Walks-A-Lot. Born in Michigan, she moved west to San Diego and eventually bought a home in Scottsdale in 1972. In 1981 her oldest daughter was killed at 30 by a drunk driver and for 15 years she did a lot of public speaking. Then a close friend died from diabetes and she had some relatives with it. So she joined Team “D,” started walking and hasn’t stopped yet.

“My youngest daughter, now 57, lives nearby and had 3 boys. I am now a great grandma to two adorable little girls,” said Brunker. The spunky Brunker looks forward to defending her title at the Iron Girl 10k and 5k at DC Ranch in North Scottsdale on December 11. To learn more about the event visit irongirl.com.