Wellness Wednesday: Social Engagement Series

Join us for a fun, interactive virtual workshop led by Second City faculty member Lisa Bany, where improvisational theater becomes a joyful tool for connection, creativity, and confidence.

Improv has emerged as a valuable complementary practice for people living with Parkinson’s, as it engages both motor and non-motor skills.  Through guided improv games and exercises, participants will be invited to connect, share, move, and laugh together. No prior improv or performance experience is needed—just a willingness to show up and participate at your own comfort level.

Speaker

Lisa Bany
Faculty, The Second City

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required.

Due to the nature of our social engagement programs and to protect the privacy of participants, we will not be recording or archiving these programs. By not recording, it's our hope that the program provides a comfortable environment that encourages meaningful participation.

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

Finding Presence When the Body Feels Uncertain

Living with Parkinson’s—or loving someone who does—can create a complicated relationship with the body. Sensations may feel unfamiliar, unpredictable, or even frustrating. In this session, we gently explore mindfulness as a way to come home to the body just as it is, without needing to fix or change anything.

Through simple, accessible practices focused on breath, sensation, and grounded awareness, participants will be invited to reconnect with the body as a place of information, steadiness, and belonging—rather than something to battle or control.

Speaker

Crista Ellis, E-RYT, B.Sc
Yoga & Meditation Teacher, Life Coach, Founder of Rising Rose Yoga
Senior Community Engagement Manager, Parkinson's Foundation

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.

Check-in & Resource Fair* begins at 11:00 a.m. and the program starts at 12:00 p.m. 

Join the Parkinson’s Foundation for the New Jersey & Pennsylvania Chapter Parkinson’s Symposium. Attendees will learn about symptoms, treatment options and strategies to help navigate the challenges of living with PD. While each person’s experience is unique, the more you know, the more empowered you will be to play an active role in your care and manage your life with Parkinson’s.

*The Resource Fair will feature local Community Partners that provide services and support for the Parkinson’s Community.

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.

Join us for a fun and casual happy hour as we gear up for Parkinson’s Revolution Ride and Moving Day this May! Connect with riders, supporters, and event committee members, learn more about the Parkinson’s Foundation, and celebrate our shared commitment to the Parkinson’s community. Bring your friends, family, and team members, to mingle with other teams

Guest Check-In begins at 10 a.m. and the program starts at 10:45 a.m. 

The Parkinson’s Foundation, in collaboration with IU Health-A Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence, is hosting its annual Parkinson’s Disease Symposium. This informative event will feature discussions on key topics such as emerging treatment options, real‑world guidance to help participants get the most from their medications each day, hospital safety, and research exploring how inflammation and immune changes may contribute to Parkinson’s. In addition, the program will conclude with an expert panel Q&A.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore a vendor fair, highlighting valuable local resources for individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease.

Speakers

Alison S. Lewis, PharmD, BCEMP, BCPS Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Outpatient Neurology Indiana University Health – Goodman Hall Neuroscience Center

Rebecca Wallings, DPhil Postdoctoral Fellow in Neurology Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, IU School of Medicine

Jessica Bartsch, MS, NCC Senior Manager, Community Education and Outreach Parkinson’s Foundation-Midwest Chapter

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.

APDA Minnesota Chapter, Parkinson's Foundation, and the Udall Center at the University of Minnesota are the three leading organizations for Parkinson's disease advocacy in Minnesota.

For in-person attendees: In-person check-in and vendor visits start at 9 a.m.

For virtual attendees, via Zoom: The live stream starts at 10 a.m.

Speakers

TBD

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.

Thank you to our Sponsor:

Check-in begins at 9 am and Program begins at 10 am.  

Living with Parkinson’s can be challenging, but there are many things you can do to maintain and improve your quality of life. This program will provide you with information to help you find the balance between a proactive approach and wondering what lies ahead.

Speaker

Reversa Joseph, MS, MD Director of the Movement Disorders Clinic, Chalmers P. Wylie VA Ambulatory Care 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.

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Check-in begins at 12 pm. Program begins at 1 pm. 

Living with Parkinson’s disease involves more than just movement challenges—many people also experience non-movement symptoms that can be difficult to recognize, discuss, and manage. This program will focus on bladder/GI issues, psychoses and impulse control disorder, exploring their impact on daily life and relationships. Attendees will learn strategies for discussing sensitive issues and coping techniques to improve well-being.

Speakers

Michael B. Schonberger, DO, MBA, Movement Disorders Specialist, Corewell Health West

Danette Taylor, DO, MS, FACN, Medical Director, Movement Disorders, Trinity Health Grand Rapids

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.

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Please join the Parkinson's Foundation Midwest Chapter in partnership with the Rush University Medical Center, a Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence, for our Hybrid Parkinson's Disease Symposium.  

People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) frequently experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms that can affect daily function, medication response, nutrition, swallowing safety, and quality of life. The gut is also increasingly recognized as a trigger for brain diseases like PD.

This symposium provides an accessible, interdisciplinary overview of the gut–brain connection, the microbiome, practical “food for health” strategies in PD, and moderated Q&A panels to provide perspective on common challenges.  

For in-person attendees: check-in begins at 12 pm CT.
For virtual attendees: live stream begins at 12:45 pm CT. 

Speakers:

Rush University Medical Center Movement Disorder Staff

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.