## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) - [Parkinson's Today Blog](/resources-support/blog) ## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) - [Parkinson's Today Blog](/resources-support/blog) Raise Awareness # 11 Goals You Helped Us Accomplish in 2023 Dec 05, 2023 ![Couple holding 2-0-2-3 signs](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/2023-Accomplishments.jpg?itok=sfEnxabP) In a word, **momentum** was the theme for the Parkinson’s Foundation in 2023. Thanks to the Parkinson’s community, especially our donors, we worked hard to make life better for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) through advancing research and prioritizing access to care. ![2023 accomplishments graphic](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/2023-accomplishments-infographic.png?itok=iMlC8jkA) Here are 11 ways you helped us keep the momentum in 2023: ### 1. [Addressed Critical Gaps in Access to PD Care](/blog/awareness/care-access-disparities "New Medicare Study Finds Critical Gaps and Disparities in Access to Parkinson’s Care") ![9% MDS stat](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/9percent-MDS.png?itok=zdYEGFXc) In July 2023, we published [a study](/blog/awareness/care-access-disparities "New Medicare Study Finds Critical Gaps and Disparities in Access to Parkinson’s Care") that found that only 50% of people with Parkinson’s saw a general neurologist. As a result of these findings, we are expanding disease-specific training to neurologists and other healthcare providers, and pursuing ways to improve access to care across all demographic and population groups. [Learn more](/blog/awareness/care-access-disparities "New Medicare Study Finds Critical Gaps and Disparities in Access to Parkinson’s Care") ### 2. Provided Genetic Testing and Counseling to 11,000 people with PD In 2023, our international genetics study [PD GENEration: Mapping The Future of Parkinson’s Disease](/advancing-research/our-research/pdgeneration "PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson’s Foundation") reached the milestone of providing genetic testing and counseling to 11,000 people with Parkinson’s. PD GENEration test results empower people, help them work alongside their doctor to tailor PD treatment, and can match them to gene-specific clinical trials. Thus far, PD GENEration data shows that 12.7% of people with Parkinson’s have a genetic link to the disease — much higher than the originally believed 5-10%. **[Enroll Now](/advancing-research/our-research/pdgeneration "PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson’s Foundation")** ### 3. [Designated 8 New Care Centers to](/about-us/news/major-global-care-network-expansion "Parkinson’s Foundation Announces Major Global Care Network Expansion") Further Access to Care ![Group accepting an award plaque at VCU](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/VCU-plaque.jpg?itok=-8s3Z8Sy) To bring specialized Parkinson’s care to more people, we designate medical centers that know how to treat this complicated disease. In 2023, we designated eight new centers as part of our Global Care Network, with the first-ever designations in Wisconsin and Washington, and the country of Japan. **[View all centers in the Global Care Network](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/global-care-network "Global Care Network")** ### 4. [Continued Investment in Parkinson’s](/advancing-research/parkinsons-drug-discovery "Drug Discovery and Development") Virtual Biotech The Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech, a partnership with the Parkinson’s UK, is currently funding 13 potential medications in development that either address PD symptoms or aim to slow, stop, or prevent the disease altogether. This initiative gets us closer to delivering life-changing treatments in years, not decades. **[Learn more](/advancing-research/parkinsons-drug-discovery "Drug Discovery and Development")** ### 5. [Funded 30 Researchers through Grants](/about-us/news/2-million-research-grants "Parkinson’s Foundation Invests $2.8 Million in Research Grants") A Parkinson’s breakthrough can happen at any time, in any lab, which is why we directly fund scientists who are conducting innovative studies attacking Parkinson’s from every angle. In 2023, we awarded $2.8 million across 30 promising research grants. **[Explore our ongoing research](/advancing-research/our-research "Our Research")** #### Meet Jingxin Wang, PhD ***2023 Bill and Amy Gurley Impact Awardee*** Dr. Wang is exploring a new way to target the cause of PD by using RNA-degrading technology. His lab is working to prevent over-accumulation of alpha-synuclein (a protein) in the brain, hopefully paving the way to halt the development of the disease. [READ HIS STORY](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/jingxin-wang) ![Jingxin Wang in lab with researcher](/sites/default/files/styles/298x194/public/images/Jingxin-Wang-lab.jpg?h=f4803627&itok=bA942js4) ### 6. [Partnered with first historically Black institution of medicine to become a PD GENEration research site](/blog/research/morehouse-school-medicine "Partnering with Morehouse School of Medicine to Diversify Genetic Data") Ensuring diversity and inclusivity in Parkinson’s research is critical to accelerating breakthroughs toward a cure. In 2023, we partnered with Morehouse Healthcare to expand genetic research in the Black community, making Morehouse the first historically Black institution of medicine to become a PD GENEration research site. **[Read now](/blog/research/morehouse-school-medicine "Partnering with Morehouse School of Medicine to Diversify Genetic Data")** ### 7. [Funded Local Parkinson’s Programs in 35 States](/about-us/news/2023-community-grant-recipients "Parkinson’s Foundation Awards Grants in 35 States for Parkinson’s Community Programs") ![Workout class](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/Funded-community-programs.jpg?itok=Vch12gAg) We awarded nearly $1 million in community grants to PD programs across 35 states. From non-contact boxing classes to educational events and wellness programs, we have invested more than $10.4 million in 787 community-based programs since 2011. **[Visit your local chapter’s webpage to find a program near you](/resources-support/find-your-chapter "Find Your Chapter") You can also call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).** ### 8. [Launched New Accredited Courses for Community Healthcare Professionals](https://education.parkinson.org/professional-education/profcommproviders) Even though 90,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s every year, most healthcare professionals — including nurses, pharmacists and general practitioners — do not receive in-depth PD care training. We added new accredited online courses to our [Education Series for Community Providers](https://education.parkinson.org/professional-education/profcommproviders), which are designed to improve treatment and outcomes for people with Parkinson’s. **[Explore Parkinson’s training tools designed for professionals](/resources-support/professionals "For Professionals")** ### 9. [Launched 50 New Spanish Webpages](/blog/espanol/nuevas-paginas "10 nuevas páginas útiles acerca del Parkinson") We launched 50 new [Spanish pages](/espanol "Inicio") on [Parkinson.org](/node/79 "Homepage"). From symptoms to managing PD, these pages are designed to reach the Spanish-speaking Parkinson’s community and connect them to key information and tools. **[Explore our Spanish pages](/espanol "Inicio")** ### 10. Raised $3.5 million through Parkinson’s Champions Parkinson’s Champions are a dedicated group of people in the PD community who fundraise to help us fight Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s Champions do it all, they [run in prestigious races](/how-to-help/fundraise/run "Run for Parkinson's"), cycle for [Parkinson’s Revolution](https://secure3.convio.net/prkorg/site/SPageNavigator/Parkinsons_Revolution.html), host [Facebook fundraisers](https://www.facebook.com/parkinsondotorg/fundraisers/?create=&source=nonprofit_short_url&source_data%5breferral_source%5d=), and more. In 2023, Parkinson’s Champions raised $3.5 million to propel us towards a cure. ![Photo credit: Tricia Baron](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/Beautigul-noise-check.jpg?itok=tb5RXxcv) Photo credit: Tricia Baron On April 11, the producing team behind the Broadway hit, *A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical* presented $500,000 to the Parkinson’s Foundation in honor of legendary singer, songwriter and performer Neil Diamond, who is living with Parkinson’s. **[Learn more about Parkinson’s ChampionS and create your own fundraiser](/how-to-help/fundraise/create-fundraiser "Create Your Own Fundraiser")** ### 11. [Presented Research and Care Findings at International Conferences](/about-us/news/2023-international-congress "Parkinson’s Foundation Presents Several Studies at 2023 International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders®") Every year, the top neurologists and Parkinson’s experts in the world attend renowned conferences to share new information about PD treatments and research. In 2023, the Parkinson’s Foundation shared numerous research and care findings at two premier conferences. **[Read our 6 findings shared at the International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders®](/about-us/news/2023-international-congress "Parkinson’s Foundation Presents Several Studies at 2023 International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders®")** **[Read our 11 findings shared at the Sixth World Parkinson Congress](/blog/research/wpc-posters-2023 "Parkinson’s Foundation Presents Scientific Posters at Sixth World Parkinson Congress")** **As much as we accomplished in 2023, we are committed to doing more for the PD community in 2024. Your [continued support](https://secure3.convio.net/prkorg/site/Donation2?10153.donation=form1&idb=1733534046&df_id=10153&mfc_pref=T&_ga=2.114257863.1324708683.1668013747-1857962900.1652710536&10153_donation=form1) is the only way we can make that happen. Thank you.** ## Related Blog Posts ![Headshot of Ashley Rawls](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/ashleyrowls-preview.png?h=9105c3fe&itok=eIe95U26) Raise Awareness ### [ Local Parkinson’s Program Reaches Black and African American Community ](/blog/awareness/program-reaches-black-african-american-community) READ NOW ![Researcher looking at a sample through a microscope](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/NeuroTalk-Parkinsons-Virtual-Biotech.jpg?h=9105c3fe&itok=sQXWREQG) Advancing Research ### [ Neuro Talk: Accelerating Drug Discovery Through the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech ](/blog/research/accelerating-drug-discovery) READ NOW ![Doctor with an African American patient](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/Care-access-disparities-blog.jpg?h=3803cac8&itok=ZX3Qr1nk) Raise Awareness ### [ New Medicare Study Finds Critical Gaps and Disparities in Access to Parkinson’s Care ](/blog/awareness/care-access-disparities) READ NOW [view all blogs](/resources-support/blog) ### Monthly Gifts Your ongoing support provides steady funding that we can count on to remain innovative in our work to make life better for people with Parkinson’s. [GIVE MONTHLY](?form=19983-monthly) ### Join the PD GENEration Today PD GENEration is an initiative that offers genetic testing and genetic counseling at no cost for people with Parkinson’s disease. [ENROLL NOW](/advancing-research/our-research/pdgeneration) - Share on Facebook - Share on X - Share on LinkedIn