Fundraising Events

2026 Grandma's Marathon

6:00 am to 6:00 pm CDT
Parkinson's Champions runners

The Parkinson's Foundation hopes to be an official charity partner for the 2026 Grandma's Marathon. By signing up to run as a Parkinson's Champion you commit to raising funds and awareness for the Parkinson's Foundation, and in return you get access to a free entry (bib) to the race in addition to tons of other fun benefits and perks. You can learn more about our program and join our interest list at Run4PD.org.

Please note that the current listed date is an estimate only and has not been officially announced. Fundraising minimums are subject to change.

Fundraising Commitments:
•    Marathon - $1,500
•    Honorary Champion - $500

Since our inaugural race in 1977, Grandma’s Marathon has grown into something much bigger than just a 26.2-mile race along the scenic north shore of Minnesota. It’s now become a “can’t-miss” weekend in June, a moment when participants of all calibers come together to celebrate the vigor of the human spirit. It’s a day the word “impossible” ceases to exist, a day that you and thousands of others will start as strangers but finish as friends. So get ready to once again tie up your laces for another year of memories, miles, and human might.

Are you looking for a fun way to volunteer for the Parkinson's Foundation & raise your voice while raising awareness? Come out and cheer on our incredible athletes! Learn more and apply at Parkinson.org/ChampionsCheer.

If you have questions, send us an email at Run4PD@Parkinson.org. For more information about the race itself, visit the Grandma's Marathon Homepage.
 

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2025 Utica Boilermaker Race Weekend

Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.

Utica, NY
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Fundraising Events

2025 Denver Colfax Marathon Weekend

6:00 am to 6:00 pm MST
Parkinson's Champions runners

The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2025 Denver Colfax Marathon Weekend. By signing up to run as a Parkinson's Champion you commit to raising funds and awareness for the Parkinson's Foundation, and in return you get access to a free entry (bib) to the race in addition to tons of other fun benefits and perks. You can learn more about our program and join our interest list at Run4PD.org. 

Fundraising Commitments:
For our 2025 race there is no official minimum, however we hope that you will aim to raise at least $500 or more, the sky is the limit on how much impact you can have!

The Denver Colfax Marathon is the premier marathon weekend in the Mountain West Region, committed to community, philanthropy, and fun.  Originally created by the cities of Denver, Lakewood, and Aurora to recognize Colfax Avenue, the longest main street in America; it’s Denver’s only marathon.  The race has grown to be a nationally recognized event featuring unique courses incorporating the iconic landmarks of the Mile-High City.  In addition to Marathon Weekend, there are other events in the year such as the annual Colorado Running Hall of Fame evening with new inductees and high school athlete recognition.

Are you looking for a fun way to volunteer for the Parkinson's Foundation & raise your voice while raising awareness? Come out and cheer on our incredible athletes! Learn more and apply at Parkinson.org/ChampionsCheer.

If you have questions, send us an email at Run4PD@Parkinson.org. For more information about the race itself, visit the Denver Colfax Homepage.
 

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2025 Utica Boilermaker Race Weekend

Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.

Utica, NY
REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON
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Videos & Webinars

Mental Wellness & Connection for Veterans with Parkinson's

Breaking the Silence: Mental Wellness & Connection for Veterans with Parkinson's

February 27, 2025

This program will bring awareness to the symptoms that are often unspoken among veterans with Parkinson’s. We will address the real impact of loneliness and isolation, offer strategies for managing post-traumatic stress disorder, and provide guidance on overcoming fears associated with symptoms. Explore resources and support options designed to relieve isolation and nurture meaningful connections.

Download Slides

Additional Resources

Presenter

Ellen Bradley, MD 
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences 
Weill Institute for Neurosciences  

Educational Events

Navigating the Road Ahead: Understanding Driving and Parkinson’s

Virtual ( Zoom )
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm EST
FREE
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
Husband and wife lookin at a tablet while on their porch

Driving can symbolize freedom and independence, making decisions around driving a particularly sensitive subject for people living with Parkinson's disease. This webinar will address the complex considerations of driving with Parkinson's, including safety, self-assessment, and available resources. Participants will gain insights into how Parkinson's can impact driving skills, explore options for assessing driving abilities, and learn about practical approaches to planning for the future. Through expert guidance and real-life perspectives, this session aims to empower individuals and families to approach this topic with confidence, compassion, and informed decision-making.

Speaker

Margaret O'Connor, PhD, ABPP
Harvard Medical School

 

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.

PD Health @ Home is presented by the Light of Day Foundation, whose generosity has made this programming possible.

Light of Day Logo

This is a virtual program, taking place live, using the online Zoom platform. Instructions on joining the webinar are provided after registering.

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2025 Utica Boilermaker Race Weekend

Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.

Utica, NY
REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON
View All
Educational Events

Managing Changing Symptoms

11:00 am to 3:00 pm EST
FREE
Managing Changing Symptoms

After many years of good symptom management, Parkinson’s disease may become more challenging. Learn how Parkinson’s symptoms may change over time and new strategies available for managing them. 

Speakers

Stephen Lee, MD, PhD
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

Mary Feldman, DO
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

Anas Hannoun, MD
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends and the community.  

Registration is now closed as we have reached the venue capacity. We have opened registration to join the waitlist. If a spot becomes available, we will notify those on the waitlist.

Agenda (Eastern Time)

Gold Sponsor

Acadia More to Parkinson's

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2025 Utica Boilermaker Race Weekend

Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.

Utica, NY
REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON
View All
Educational Events

New England Chapter Parkinson’s Symposium

Virtual ( Zoom )
10:00 am to 2:30 pm EST
FREE
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
2025 New England Symposium

Join the Parkinson’s Foundation [in person or online] for the New England Chapter Parkinson’s Symposium. Hear about current and upcoming treatments, ongoing research, and resources available in your community to help you live your best life with Parkinson’s. 

Speakers:

Joy Antonelle de Marcaida, MD
Hartford HealthCare

Anna DePold Hohler, MD, FAAN
St. Elizabeth’s/Boston Medical Center Health System

David K. Simon, MD, PhD
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Anas Hannoun, MD
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

Agenda (Eastern Time)

Gold Sponsor

More to Parkinson's

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2025 Utica Boilermaker Race Weekend

Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.

Utica, NY
REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON
View All

My PD Story

Ron and Amy McConnell posing for a selfie
Family Members

Ron & Amy McConnell

Our names are Ron and Amy, and we were first impacted by Parkinson’s disease upon Ron’s diagnosis in 2017. As a couple, we have truly walked through the “highs and lows” of this disease and understand the significant role it can play in daily life.  

Ron McConnell in hospital bed holding a sign with Amy McConnell next to him

Ron began to develop symptoms after a tragic accident at work and was misdiagnosed for years — it took several failed attempts by medical professionals to determine the true cause behind the tremors, falling, and pounding headaches.  

After numerous doctors visits, Ron was finally referred to a movement disorders specialist, who conducted a comprehensive clinical evaluation. Ultimately, a DaTscan revealed a severe dopamine deficiency, confirming his Parkinson’s diagnosis. 

Following Ron’s diagnosis, he was prescribed Parkinson’s medications and our lives improved dramatically. In the years that followed, it was a relief to see symptoms subside through proper treatment and medication management. Amy is a “super caretaker” who helps us both navigate life with Parkinson’s disease. We are truly a team! 

Unfortunately, we experienced an unthinkable hospital stay in 2023 after Ron developed a severe case of Covid-19. Prior to Ron’s emergency visit, we armed ourselves with his medications and Parkinson’s Foundation resources.  

When we arrived, we requested that these be scanned into his electronic chart, knowing that it was essential that the medical team understood Ron’s diagnosis and the importance of administering his Parkinson’s medications in a timely manner. Despite being assured that Ron’s chart had been updated, we learned later that this had not been the case —– the medical team was unaware of his Parkinson’s. 

As a result, Ron developed aspiration pneumonia and was even placed on a ventilator. He continued not to receive any PD medications. Despite Amy’s pleading, the medical team refused, and for the first time, Ron began to experience dyskinesia, a Parkinson’s symptom that culminated in a bad fall at the hospital. After days without medication, his condition worsened, leading to respiratory failure. It was truly a life-or-death situation. 

Finally, a new doctor saw Ron and took the time to listen to Amy. He agreed to administer Parkinson’s medications and stuck close for several days throughout the recovery period. In the end, the doctor declared that we had made him an even better doctor, as he read through the resources Amy provided (like the Parkinson’s Foundation Hospital Safety Guide).  

While we would never choose to relive this distressing experience, we are now passionate advocates for hospital safety in people with Parkinson’s and care tremendously about educating others.  

What We Want People with PD and Care Partners to Know

Our experience has reinforced that knowledge is power. Patients and caregivers must be proactive and persistent in advocating for their needs. The Parkinson’s Foundation’s Hospital Safety Guide was instrumental in helping us navigate this crisis, and it has become a core part of our advocacy efforts. 

Another crucial takeaway is the importance of the care partner. Amy’s advocacy made a profound difference in ensuring Ron’s needs were eventually met. In addition, we learned how critical it is to ensure accurate patient records, as errors and omissions in Ron’s medical records significantly impacted his care and delayed proper treatment. 

As Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassadors, we have shared our story with hospital administration teams, and we’re proud that our advocacy has already led to positive changes in hospital policies and protocols. 

We are honored to share our journey and hope that our experiences help others navigate similar challenges. 

Our biggest piece of advice is to prepare yourself prior to a hospital stay. Do not be afraid to share information and resources from the Parkinson’s Foundation with the medical team. Keep positive, and never lose hope! 

Advocate for your best care with the Hospital Safety Guide. Learn more and download the guide now. 

Podcasts

Episode 176: Allied Health Spotlight: The Challenges of Speech and Swallowing Issues

Allied health professionals are a group of healthcare providers whose role and expertise complement the work of physicians. These include specialists such as physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, nutritionists, and many more. They are just as important as your Movement Disorders Specialists and Neurologists, and play a vital role in creating a comprehensive, well-rounded Parkinson’s care team that caters to your individual needs and addresses your overall well-being.

In this second episode of our Allied Health Spotlight series, we highlight the benefits of working with a speech-language pathologist early on in your Parkinson’s journey. Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects movement throughout the body, including the face, mouth, throat, and breathing muscles. As the disease progresses, people with PD may develop problems with speaking and swallowing. This can not only impact eating habits, but can also lead to soft voice and drooling, making conversations during social gatherings uncomfortable. 

In this episode, Melissa Grassia Chisholm, MS, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech pathologist and a voice-swallow airway expert, explains how speech and swallowing problems can develop in people with PD.  She also discusses different diagnostic procedures, therapies, and programs that can help improve speech and swallowing.

Released: February 11, 2025

We want to thank this episode's podcast sponsors, UCB and Novartis, for supporting our mission. 

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Fundraising Events

2025 BMW Berlin Marathon

6:00 am to 6:00 pm CEST
Parkinson's Champions runners

The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2025 Berlin Marathon. By signing up to run as a Parkinson's Champion you commit to raising funds and awareness for the Parkinson's Foundation, and in return you get access to a free entry (bib) to the race in addition to tons of other fun benefits and perks. You can learn more about our program at Run4PD.org. 

Athletes interested in running in this particular event should email Run4PD@Parkinson.org for more information. 

More world records have been broken on Berlin's fast pavement than at any other marathon race in the world. 13 so far. More could follow. But that is not the only reason that makes the season highlight in the German capital one of the most popular running spectacles of the year. Over 50,000 finishers experience their very special moment when crossing the Brandenburg Gate just before the finish line, millions of spectators and 80 live bands celebrate the sport along the course. The international running community is a guest in the German capital at this special highlight.

If you have questions, send us an email at Run4PD@Parkinson.org. For more information about the race itself, visit the Berlin Marathon Homepage.

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2025 Utica Boilermaker Race Weekend

Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.

Utica, NY
REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON
View All
Fundraising Events

2025 TCS Sydney Marathon

6:00 am to 6:00 pm AEST
Parkinson's Champions runners

The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2025 Sydney Marathon. By signing up to run as a Parkinson's Champion you commit to raising funds and awareness for the Parkinson's Foundation, and in return you get access to a free entry (bib) to the race in addition to tons of other fun benefits and perks. You can learn more about our program at Run4PD.org. 

Athletes interested in running in this particular event should email Run4PD@Parkinson.org for more information. 

The 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS is the newest member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors! With an expected 35,000 runners to take on the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major, we are thrilled to be welcoming runners from around the globe to Sydney. The marathon will not only be the largest ever held in Australia, but also the centerpiece of an entire running festival. This festival will feature over 40,000 participants from more than 100 countries, making it the largest event of its kind in Australia. 

If you have questions, send us an email at Run4PD@Parkinson.org. For more information about the race itself, visit the Sydney Marathon Homepage.

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2025 Utica Boilermaker Race Weekend

Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.

Utica, NY
REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON
View All
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