## 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 # Celebrating 12 Milestones that Defined 2025 Dec 04, 2025 ## 🧠 What will you learn in this article? This article highlights the ways the Parkinson’s Foundation helped people living with Parkinson’s and the Parkinson’s community in 2025. It highlights: - How we advanced research through funding grants and evolving our genetics study. - Funded local community programs. - Launched new policy effort to improve care and research through advocacy. - Spread Parkinson’s awareness through programs, campaigns and resources. 2025 was a remarkable year for the Parkinson’s Foundation. Over the course of 365 days, we advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD) research while working hard to represent the one million people in the U.S. living with this neurodegenerative disease. We strengthened our connections among care partners and everyone serving the PD community. With your support, we launched new initiatives and vital PD resources, stayed fast in our commitment to improving PD care and research, and empowering the community through education and new resources. ![accomplishments ](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/1%20%282%29.png?itok=YPt-oJrT) Thanks to **YOU**, here are the top 12 ways we made a difference this year: ### 1. [Awarded more than $4.3 million in high-risk, high-reward research.](https://www.parkinson.org/about-us/news/3-million-research-grants) In a year when federal funding for disease research sharply declined, we significantly increased our investment in Parkinson’s research. We awarded **more than $4.3 million across 44 grants**. We are proud to fund scientists pursuing innovative studies across diverse areas of PD — driving the development of new therapies, treatments and ultimately a cure for the 10 million people worldwide living with this neurological disease. [Explore our ongoing research](https://www.parkinson.org/advancing-research/our-research) #### Meet Jeff Kim, PhD *2025 Parkinson’s Foundation Postdoctural Fellow* Dr. Kim is leveraging AI (artificial intelligence) to advance genetics research. His research seeks to understand how overlapping PD mutations may influence the risk of developing PD. [READ HIS STORY](https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/stories/jeff-kim) ![Jeff Kim at lab](/sites/default/files/styles/298x194/public/images/PD%20Stories%20Float.png?h=4380f786&itok=dAvHqGQt) ### 2. Reached 30,000+ participants in our genetics study. ![PD gene](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/PD%20gene%20.png?itok=2zmGT3mG) In 2025, [PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson’s Foundation](/advancing-research/our-research/pdgeneration "PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson’s Foundation") reached unprecedented numbers including: - Providing genetic testing and counseling to **30,000+** people with Parkinson’s, at no cost. - Finding that approximately **12-13%** of participants carry a genetic link to PD. - Expanded study to a total of **77 testing sites worldwide** and counting — adding sites in Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru and El Salvador. We also launched an exciting new pilot program, **PD Trial Navigator**, to help advance PD GENEration’s goal of accelerating genetic-focused clinical trials. This program helps inform PD GENEration participants about Parkinson’s genetic trials they may qualify for based on their genetic results. [Enroll Now in PD GENEration](/advancing-research/our-research/pdgeneration "PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson’s Foundation") ### 3. [Launched new policy effort to accelerate PD treatments and care.](/node/2031) ![Andi Lipstein Fristedt](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/Andi%20Lipstein%20Fristedt.png?itok=TA28hQue) In 2025, we launched new policy initiatives aiming to empower the PD community through advocacy. Highlights include: - Appointing Andi Lipstein Fristedt as our first [Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Policy Officer](/about-us/news/andi-lipstein-fristedt "Parkinson’s Foundation Announces New Executive Vice President; Launches Public Policy Effort") to guide our policy efforts at the federal, state and local levels. - Hosting a [national roundtable](/about-us/news/pd-care-roundtable "Parkinson’s Foundation Leads National Roundtable on Parkinson’s Care and Innovation") on Parkinson’s care and innovation to identify national priorities to improve care for people with PD. - Co-hosted the [2025 Parkinson's Policy Forum](/about-us/news/advocates-rally-dc "Parkinson’s Advocates Rally in D.C., Urge Congress to Boost Research Funding & Ban Parkinson’s-Linked Chemical"), where 250 people with PD, family members and advocates from 45 states gathered in Washington, D.C. to urge Congress to accelerate progress toward better treatments and a cure. [Sign up for our emails to keep up to date with advocacy efforts](https://secure.parkinson.org/site/SSurvey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=7681&NONCE_TOKEN=5C808BB412B2BD4409D00C561B4C9161) ### 4. [Funded local Parkinson’s programs in 38 states.](/about-us/news/2024-community-grants "Parkinson’s Foundation Awards Grants in 40 States for Parkinson’s Community Programs") ![parkinsons exercise program](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/resized--group.jpg?itok=B771H7a4) We awarded more than $1 million in community grants for programs that help people living with PD across 38 states. Our 2025 grants fund local programs that provide exercise and educational support for people with PD and their care partners and address mental health needs. Since 2011, the Foundation has devoted more than $12.7 million in community-based programs, reaching a combined 81,000 people with PD and care partners. *Pictured: Parkinson’s Foundation Community Grantee,* Parkinson's Exercise Program For You*, in Dana Point, CA, offers PD-tailored exercise programs.* **To find your nearest exercise or wellness class, [visit your local chapter’s webpage](/resources-support/find-your-chapter "Find Your Chapter") or call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).** ### 5. Appointed our first-ever Chief Medical Officer. ![Headshot of Sneha Mantri, MD, MS](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/sneha-mantri.jpg?itok=lVlBnpw7) This year, we welcomed Sneha Mantri, MD, MS, as Chief Medical Officer of the Parkinson’s Foundation. A nationally recognized movement disorders specialist and educator, Dr. Mantri believes in getting to know her patients and personalizing their treatments. “I'm excited to bring that philosophy of care to this role and address the needs of people with Parkinson’s on a national scale,” she said. Look out for virtual events featuring Dr. Mantri in 2026. [Learn more about Dr. Mantri here](/about-us/news/new-chief-medical-officer "Parkinson’s Foundation Announces New Chief Medical Officer Leadership Role") ### 6. Moved two Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech drugs into trials. Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech is a research-driven investment fund we support alongside Parkinson’s UK. In 2025 we shared two exciting advances: - **Project ASPro-PD** became the first Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech project to enter a large phase 3 trial, assessing whether ambroxol (a common cough medicine ingredient) can slow the progression of Parkinson’s. This trial is the closest to delivering a new treatment. - A new drug from **NRG Therapeutics**, designed to repair the mitochondria that power brain cells, is advancing to clinical trials for Parkinson’s and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). This progress was made possible through early investment from the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech, proving how our venture philanthropy model fuels innovation — turning bold ideas into real possibilities for people living with Parkinson’s and making investments less risky for future funders. [Learn more about the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech](/advancing-research/parkinsons-drug-discovery "Drug Discovery and Development") ### 7. [Launched new resources to help people optimize their PD care.](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/making-the-most "Making the Most of Your Parkinson’s Care ") We know that healthcare appointments for Parkinson’s can feel overwhelming. Which is why we published new content and tips dedicated to help people with PD and care partners advocate for their best care. Use our [Steps to Prepare for a Parkinson’s Appointment worksheet](https://www.parkinson.org/sites/default/files/documents/Steps-Prepare-Parkinson-Appointment-Fillable.pdf) for a step-by-step guide to choosing your top three appointment topics. [Learn how to optimize your Parkinson’s care](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/making-the-most "Making the Most of Your Parkinson’s Care ") ### 8. Raised $263,000 on Parkinson’s Foundation Day of Giving. ![day of giving](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/3%20%284%29.png?itok=2bskoc1j) Our incredible community came together and made our third annual Day of Giving the most successful so far, raising double the amount raised in 2024. Our steadfast supporters made this special day a success, raising awareness and funds to support our mission to make life better for people with Parkinson’s disease. [Give today](https://www.parkinson.org/?form=19983) ### 9. Facilitated 3,949 community service hours through Parkinson’s Ambassadors. ![Etana Soloman and her mother](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/Etana%20Soloman%20and%20her%20mother.png?itok=VzAtEY5Q) Volunteers are essential to our mission and help us localize our reach. This year, we trained 239 new Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassadors and brought all our volunteers together at our national Volunteer Leadership Summit. *Etana Soloman joined our People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council to add her voice and help represent young caregivers and people like her mother who are in the later stages of PD. “Being able to care for my mom is truly an honor” [Read her story](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/etana-solomon "Etana Solomon").* [Find a volunteer opportunity near you](/how-to-help/volunteer "Volunteer") ### 10. Reached 8.6 million visits to [Parkinson.org](/node/79 "Homepage") and expanded Spanish-language engagement. [Parkinson.org](/node/79 "Homepage") reached a record of 8.6 million visits, including 1.3 million visits to our Spanish content. Every page visit represents an opportunity to connect people with life-changing [resources](/living-with-parkinsons/emotional-mental-health/support "Getting Support"), [digital events](/resources-support/online-education/pdhealth "PD Health @ Home") and [actionable ways](/how-to-help "How You Can Help") to help make life better for people with Parkinson’s. [Hispanic and Latino members of the PD community](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/hispanic-latino-community "Hispanic and Latino Community & Parkinson’s") face distinct barriers to living well with Parkinson’s. In 2025, we published new [Spanish pages](/espanol "Inicio") on [dementia](/espanol/entendiendo-parkinson/sintomas-no-motores/demencia "Demencia"), [caregiving](/espanol/recursos-y-apoyo/aliados-en-cuidado "Para aliados en el cuidado"), [vertigo](/espanol/entendiendo-parkinson/sintomas-no-motores/vertigo "Vértigo, mareos y presión arterial baja"), [depression](/espanol/entendiendo-parkinson/sintomas-no-motores/depresion "Depresión"), [hospital safety](/espanol/recursos-y-apoyo/guia-seguridad-hospitalaria "Guía de seguridad hospitalaria") and more (explore these pages in English, too: [dementia](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/dementia "Dementia"), [caregiving](/resources-support/carepartners "For Care Partners"), [vertigo](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/vertigo "Vertigo, Dizziness & Low Blood Pressure"), [depression](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/depression "Depression"), [hospital safety](/resources-support/hospital-safety-guide "Hospital Safety Guide")). [Explore our Spanish pages](/espanol "Inicio") [Visit Parkinson.org now](/node/79 "Homepage") ### 11. 20,000 participants raised more than $8.3 million through community fundraising events. ![Brooke Ramsey and family](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/_Brooke%20Ramsey%20and%20family.png?itok=2NB5_E0U) Parkinson’s Foundation community fundraisers raised an impressive $8.3 million to advance PD research, access to care and life-changing resources in 2025. Together, every person who participates in [Moving Day, A Walk for Parkinson’s](https://movingdaywalk.org/), [Parkinson’s Champion](/how-to-help/fundraise/create-fundraiser "Create Your Own Fundraiser") and [Parkinson’s Revolution](https://secure3.convio.net/prkorg/site/SPageNavigator/Parkinsons_Revolution.html) bring us closer to a cure. *Two years after his diagnosis, Brooke Ramsey found Moving Day Columbus. For the last 14 years his family has raised more than $117,000 to help make life better for people with Parkinson’s. [Read his story.](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/brooke-ramsey "Brooke Ramsey ")* [Find a Moving Day near you](https://movingdaywalk.org/) [Become a Parkinson’s Champions](/how-to-help/fundraise/create-fundraiser "Create Your Own Fundraiser") [Join us for Parkinson’s Revolution](https://secure3.convio.net/prkorg/site/SPageNavigator/Parkinsons_Revolution.html) ### 12. Engaged with our audience through two awareness campaigns. In April, we introduced the world to PAM, your guide to **[P](https://www.parkinson.org/parkinsons-awareness-month)**[arkinson’s ](/parkinsons-awareness-month "Parkinson's Awareness Month")**[A](https://www.parkinson.org/parkinsons-awareness-month)**[wareness ](https://www.parkinson.org/parkinsons-awareness-month)**[M](https://www.parkinson.org/parkinsons-awareness-month)**[onth](https://www.parkinson.org/parkinsons-awareness-month). To raise PD awareness, PAM shared essential information, tips and resources about PD on our social media channels and website. ![Hi! I'm Pam!](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/PAM-page-graphic.png?itok=SGWAYp4a) In April we: - Posted [5 new videos](/parkinsons-awareness-month "Parkinson's Awareness Month") highlighting PD facts everyone should know. - Reached **2+ million** visits to [Parkinson.org](/node/79 "Homepage") — our most page views in a single month! - Earned **914,000** impressions across our social media posts **[Follow us on social media to help spread Parkinson’s awareness](https://www.parkinson.org/about-us/contact#social)** In November, for [National Family Caregivers Month](/caregiversmonth "National Family Caregivers Month"), we amplified the diverse experiences of caregiving through our *Real Care. Anywhere.* campaign. We provided tailored resources for three types of caregivers including those caring for someone living with Parkinson’s, those [providing care from a distance](/resources-support/carepartners/afar "Caring From Afar") and those [managing PD alone](/blog/care/own-caregiver "Being Your Own Caregiver"). [Explore our care partner resources](/resources-support/carepartners "For Care Partners") **We are setting bold goals for 2026 to create an even greater impact on the Parkinson’s community — and your support makes it possible.** **[Donate today](https://secure3.convio.net/prkorg/site/SPageNavigator/2017_donate_form_2.html)** ## Related Materials Audiobooks ### [ Mood: A Mind Guide to Parkinson’s Disease ](/library/audiobooks/mood) [Listen Now](/library/audiobooks/mood) Audiobooks ### [ Cognition: A Mind Guide to Parkinson's Disease ](/library/audiobooks/cognition) [Listen Now](/library/audiobooks/cognition) Audiobooks ### [ Frequently Asked Questions: A Guide to Parkinson’s Disease ](/library/audiobooks/faq) [Listen Now](/library/audiobooks/faq) ## Related Blog Posts ![Group of senior friends laughing together outside](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/english-spa-community-grantees-blog-hero.jpg?h=ed9ce7df&itok=QozxMYAZ) Raise Awareness ### [ How 5 Community Leaders Are Reaching Hispanic and Latino Communities ](/blog/awareness/community-grants-hispanic-latino) READ NOW ![DNA double helix](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/lrrk2-blog-0826-hero.jpg?h=ed9ce7df&itok=ar_y6okl) Raise Awareness ### [ Parkinson’s Genes Explained: 5 Facts about LRRK2 ](/blog/awareness/5-facts-about-lrrk2) READ NOW ![Elderly couple enjoying coffee together at home](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/practical-pointers-blog-hero.jpg?h=ed9ce7df&itok=w7X3P7DS) Raise Awareness ### [ Six Tips for Managing Daily Life with Advancing Parkinson’s ](/blog/awareness/managing-daily-life) READ NOW ### Subscribe for the latest news ### Leave a Legacy Help us change the future of Parkinson’s disease. 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