Celebrating Our 2026 National Volunteer Award Recipients

Volunteers are at the heart of the Parkinson's Foundation mission. Across the country, they raise awareness, build community, support programs, advocate for change and help connect people living with Parkinson's disease (PD) and their families to the resources they need.

Each year, the Parkinson's Foundation recognizes exceptional volunteers through our national volunteer awards. These awards celebrate key people whose service, leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on the Parkinson's community.

We are proud to introduce our 2026 National Volunteer Award recipients. Meet John, Dale, Jordan, Jen, Rocky and Cindy below — and let their stories inspire you as they have us. 

Paul Oreffice Volunteer of the Year: John Poma 

John embodies the spirit of service. His leadership spans community, state and national levels — from chairing Moving Day Richmond and the Volunteer Leadership Summit to representing Virginia at the Parkinson’s Policy Forum. Through the People with Parkinson's Advisory Council, he has advised on PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson’s Foundation, reviewed community grants and encouraged young investigators at the research grantee summit, demonstrating his commitment to advancing science and care.

Beyond his formal roles, John consistently uses his voice to raise awareness of REM sleep behavior disorder and the lived experience of Parkinson's through local and national media. He partners with healthcare providers at Virginia Commonwealth University, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence and beyond — including researchers at Mass General and Harvard — to advance the Foundation's mission. John believes in empowering others through education and has spoken at major events, including the Planning for Prevention of Parkinson's conference.

“One of the guiding principles of my longtime professional career in and around healthcare is that helping one person may not change the world, but it may change the world for that one person.”- John Poma

Read John's full story

Rising Star Award: Dale Picciano

Dale’s impact has been extraordinary in a short amount of time. His authenticity, leadership and willingness to openly share his diagnosis have helped break down barriers and create meaningful awareness around PD within the first responder and firefighter communities. By leveraging his lifelong connections, he not only raised significant funds for the Parkinson’s Foundation but also expanded our reach into a passionate and service-oriented network of supporters.

What makes Dale especially deserving of the Rising Star Volunteer Award is the way he channels his own experience into action for others. Rather than stepping back after his diagnosis, he stepped forward — becoming a fighter, advocate, fundraiser and source of inspiration. His dedication perfectly reflects the spirit of courage, community and perseverance that this award represents.

“I am honored and privileged to walk amongst many heroes that are fighters, that won't quit and are fighting back.” – Dale Picciano

Read Dale's full story

Top Fundraiser Award: Jordan Levin, Jen & Rocky Pontikes

Jen and Rocky Pontikes, along with Jordan Levin, transformed one idea into an inspiring movement that united hundreds of people during Parkinson's Awareness Month. Through the Million Meter Challenge, participants rowed, walked, biked and ran together to demonstrate the power of movement while raising critical funds to advance Parkinson's research and improve care.

What began with Jen's passion for rowing as a way to manage her Parkinson's symptoms grew into a multi-state community effort that inspired more than 300 participants to move more than 24 million meters and raise more than $185,000 for the Parkinson's Foundation. Their creativity, leadership and ability to bring people together exemplify the spirit of this award.

“The Parkinson's Foundation introduced me to an extraordinary community of people living with Parkinson's, care partners, advocates, researchers and healthcare professionals. Through those connections, I found my voice. What began as one of the most difficult moments of my life became my purpose.” - Jen Pontikes                                        

Read Jen and Rocky’s full story

“My hope is simple: to support the research and education that may one day cure or ease these brutal diseases, and to ensure that caregivers are never left without the information, resources and support they need on their own journey.”- Jordan Levin

Read Jordan's full story

Community Service Award: Cindy Finestone

Cindy leads by example through extraordinary service to the Parkinson's community. As President of the Parkinson’s Foundation New York Chapter Board, facilitator of the Women with Parkinson's Community Network, Research Advocate and dedicated Moving Day volunteer, she consistently gives her time, leadership and compassion to support others living with Parkinson's.

When Cindy logged her volunteer hours for the year, she wasn't seeking recognition — she simply wanted to ensure the impact of her chapter was reflected. Only then did she realize she had contributed an incredible 339 volunteer hours, a testament to the countless ways she strengthens her local Parkinson's community.

“Being involved in the Parkinson’s Foundation makes me feel like I’m doing something that’s helping. Everything I do is somehow related to the Foundation. I attend a PD support group of 60 women, some of whom have become my closest friends — and I found this group through the Foundation. I call the Helpline for referrals. I go on Parkinson.org every time I feel a new symptom coming."- Cindy Finestone 

Read Cindy's full story

Congratulations to our 2026 award recipients! As we celebrate these six outstanding people, we are grateful for every volunteer who gives their time, talents and passion to help us make life better for people living with Parkinson's.

Explore the many ways you can volunteer with us today.