## 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 # 5 Volunteers Making a Difference Jul 25, 2024 Across the country and beyond, [Parkinson’s Foundation volunteers](https://www.parkinson.org/how-to-help/volunteer) are going out and making a difference in the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their loved ones. They help us spread awareness and resources to those who need it most. ![Ambassadors By the Numbers infographic](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/Ambassadors_Infographic_%202024.png?itok=tEyRp9kZ) The dedication from our volunteers is what makes the Parkinson’s Foundation what it is today. We are honored to recognize five exceptional volunteers at the national level, who each received a 2024 volunteer award. ![Dr. Reversa Joseph headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/Reversa%20_Joseph.jpg?itok=gF5uhUSM) ### Dr. Reversa Joseph - Great Lakes Chapter **Paul Oreffice Volunteer of the Year** “Volunteering for the Parkinson's Foundation is more than just a commitment; it’s a deeply personal mission. Each effort, whether it’s a presentation, a lecture, or a podcast, is a step towards improving the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s, honoring my father’s struggle, and ensuring that every patient receives the comprehensive, integrative care they deserve.” [Read Reversa’s full story](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/dr-reversa-joseph "Dr. Reversa Joseph") --- ![Esther Labib-Kiyarash headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/Esther_Labib-Kiyarash.jpg?itok=0P6LPtEe) ### Esther Labib-Kiyarash – Southwest Chapter **Rising Star** “Along the way I have learned that there are many things, tips and tricks that the people who live the best with this disease share: exercise, positive thinking, being around others like themselves and giving back. The Parkinson’s Foundation is a great way to give back.” [Read Esther’s full story](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/esther-labib-kiyarash "Esther Labib-Kiyarash") --- ![Roland and Shelley Frankel and children](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/Frankel-Family.jpg?itok=nBhc8-vJ) ### Roland and Shelley Frankel – Midwest Chapter **Top Fundraiser** As the somber saying goes, a parent should never have to bury their child. But in March 2023 Roland and Shelley Frankel had to do just that. Their son Graeme had been fighting Parkinson’s for five years and passed from an asthma-related emergency. To keep Graeme’s memory alive, the family decided to start a DIY fundraiser with the Parkinson’s Foundation. [Read Roland and Shelley’s full story](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/roland-shelley-frankel "Roland and Shelley Frankel") --- ![Debra Flynn headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/Debra_Flynn.jpg?itok=kfodTv8j) ### Debra Flynn – Florida Chapter **Community Service Award** “I really enjoy volunteering. I see it as another way to celebrate movement. I move my brain cells around; I motivate my soul to do good things; and volunteering moves forward the search for a cure.” [Read Debra’s full story](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/debra-flynn "Debra Flynn") There are many powerful ways to get involved and support the Parkinson’s Foundation and our work to make life better for people with Parkinson's. Get started with our [How You Can Help](https://www.parkinson.org/how-to-help) page. This page will give you options for volunteering, starting your own DIY Fundraiser, or even just donating to the cause. You can also fill out a [volunteer interest form](https://secure3.convio.net/prkorg/site/SSurvey;jsessionid=00000000.app30014b?NONCE_TOKEN=ABF497038FDEA1BADB6A72E2DC71DE75&ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=23194&_gl=1*1rkdl1t*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3MjEwNjI1NjYuRUFJYUlRb2JDaE1JbEtmRm5NbW0tZ0lWU0NWTUNoM2dEZ2VSRUFBWUFTQUFFZ0pCamZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*OTIzODk2Mi4xNzE3NTMzODg1*_ga*MTU1NjI5NjU0NC4xNjk0MDIxODMz*_ga_57LEHWK3JX*MTcyMTA2MTIyMy41NDEuMS4xNzIxMDYyNzc5LjAuMC4w&_ga=2.208241170.1623627253.1721061223-1556296544.1694021833&_gac=1.204197540.1721062561.EAIaIQobChMIlKfFnMmm-gIVSCVMCh3gDgeREAAYASAAEgJBjfD_BwE) to chat with our volunteer engagement team about how we can best put your skills to use. Help us bring life-saving information and resources to the hands of those who need them most. Already a volunteer? Check out our [course offerings today](https://education.parkinson.org/)! ## Related Materials Podcasts ### [ Episode 168: Celebrating Our Parkinson’s Foundation Volunteers ](/library/podcast/168) [Listen Now](/library/podcast/168) Fact Sheets ### [ Getting Involved in Research ](/library/fact-sheets/research) [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/research) Podcasts ### [ Episode 10: Young-Onset Parkinson’s 101 ](/library/podcast/10) [Listen Now](/library/podcast/10) ## Related Blog Posts ![volunteers blog](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/volunteers-blog.png?h=ed9ce7df&itok=Koha-Ywf) Raise Awareness ### [ Meet Volunteers Who are Making a Difference ](/blog/awareness/volunteers) READ NOW ![Mike & Angela Bowman](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/Mike_Angela-Preview.jpg?h=9105c3fe&itok=vUK4BAuO) Raise Awareness ### [ From Passion to Action: 4 Volunteers Making a Difference ](/blog/awareness/passion-to-action) READ NOW ![Preview of Scott, Kim and Jamie](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/volunteer-blog-preview.jpg?h=9105c3fe&itok=nEUvyzLW) Raise Awareness ### [ Meet Our Top Volunteers Who Are Making A Difference ](/blog/awareness/volunteers-making-difference) READ NOW [view all blogs](/resources-support/blog) ### Volunteer Join our team! We rely on the energy, skill, and passion of people like you to make life better for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). [LEARN MORE](/how-to-help/volunteer) - Share on Facebook - Share on X - Share on LinkedIn