Parkinson’s Revolution will take place across the country on February 24, 2024. Join us in-person at your studio location or virtually for a high energy ride that generates funds and awareness for Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Come ride for a reason and then celebrate the power of movement at our post-ride happy hour the Sweat Social! Friends, family, and members of the PD community are welcome to enjoy a short program and light refreshments immediately following the ride.
In 2019, my dad, Mark Spence, told us news that no amount of preparedness could brace for — he had a neurodegenerative disease by the name of Parkinson’s. This was a bittersweet moment — finally, we had an answer. Unfortunately, that answer was the beginning of an unceasing fight. A lifelong commitment to which my father had no choice except to partake in.
Seventeen at the time, I didn’t see the gravity of the situation. What I did see, however, was an absence of fear in my parents’ resolve. Uncertainty? Sure. Confusion? Certainly. Fear? Hopelessness? Absolutely not.
In the years that have followed, my parents have made sacrifices, changed their life plans, and been through an uncertain valley that is hard to imagine. Yet, they never changed their resolve. Certainly, sacrifices were nothing new — they did raise my sisters and me after all.
Challenges and obstacles were not a phenomenon unique to this new era of their lives. They are both incredibly hard workers who know the meaning of persistence. Regardless, their strength through it all became a beacon for my adolescent self. Twenty-one years old now, I have decided it’s my turn to be strong for my dad.
For years, I wanted to make a difference in Parkinson’s research and awareness, but simply could not think of how to go about that. On June 11, however, I was struck with an idea. While driving home from Athens, GA, I had been mulling over training for an endurance event, alongside my studies, when it hit me — why not combine my love for endurance events with my desire to help the PD community?
Honestly, this was a convicting moment. I knew I had a valid idea, but the process would inevitably require putting immense pressure on myself — to complete such a challenging event with so many eyes on me was terrifying. It was at this moment, however, that the strength of my parents was exactly the beacon I needed it to be. I can do it. I must do it.
The next day, I emailed the Parkinson’s Foundation about my idea. Not only did the Foundation support my idea, but they could also not have been more helpful in connecting me to the right people, answering all my questions, and helping me lay the groundwork for what the fundraiser has become. Throughout the past few months, I have made wonderful connections with amazing people within the PD community, and I am so excited to continue pushing forward as a Parkinson’s Champion.
“No one knew what to do,” said Karen Weiss-Fisher, MD, recalling her father’s Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis in 1990. Dr. Weiss-Fisher and her mother, who would eventually be her father’s primary care partner, were at a loss as to how to help him manage the disease. Their lives were about to change, and they did not have the tools to deal with the challenges ahead.
“My parents did not have community support,” said Dr. Weiss-Fisher. “My father was a fully-functioning, active and engaging dentist, approaching his retirement, which among other activities, included playing golf four days a week. His passion for golf was evident to all who knew him, as he had been a referee for the Ryder’s Cup in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida in 1983. Unfortunately, he physically deteriorated over the ensuing 13 years until he was unable to walk and was confined to a wheelchair. Disappointed and frustrated, he finally acquiesced and learned to enjoy golf by watching the PGA when televised.”
The uneasy and helpless feeling from her father’s diagnosis stayed with Dr. Weiss-Fisher. Several years after her father passed away, she learned about the Parkinson’s Foundation from a friend who shared a post on social media about Moving Day, A Walk for Parkinson’s. She reached out for more information and connected with the Foundation. With her personal experience caring for her dad, and her professional experience as a physician, Dr. Weiss-Fisher decided to volunteer her time to help others live a better life with PD than her dad. She became the first President of the Foundation’s Southwest Chapter, which included participating in Moving Day Phoenix and Parkinson’s Revolution.
“I know my parents would have benefitted from today’s Parkinson’s community. I think the public is fearful of neurodegenerative disease primarily because of its unpredictable course. Today, thanks to organizations like the Parkinson’s Foundation, there are more resources that offer better methods to navigate the effects and symptoms of this degenerative disease.”
Recently, Dr. Weiss-Fisher expanded her support when she and her husband made a generous gift to the Reach Further campaign, our four-year fundraising initiative to invest an additional $30 million to accelerate progress on Parkinson’s disease research, improve care and treatments and increase access to quality of life programs.
“I am enthusiastic and passionate about the Reach Further campaign” she said. “The campaign’s dedication to advancing treatment, especially through the Foundation’s genetics initiative, PD GENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinson’s Disease, provides new knowledge that is on the cutting edge of medicine. We are learning more every day about genetics and its role in the expression of Parkinson’s disease. I am optimistic that clinical trials will lead to new treatments and, one day, a cure.”
Dr. Weiss-Fisher supports the Parkinson’s Foundation and hopes to encourage others to join her in supporting this important work. She is grateful people with PD today can find support through the Foundation’s Centers of Excellence, Helpline, online resources and more.
“Resources like the Foundation’s Hospital Safety Guide would have alleviated many of the difficulties my parents encountered as they navigated my dad’s increasing medical care needs and confusing hospitalizations,” she said. “The Parkinson’s Foundation mission to improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s, their care partners and the whole Parkinson’s community is inspiring and important. The Foundation and the Reach Further campaign continue to advancing care and research, bringing us closer to a cure.”
Join us to Reach Further to make life better for people with Parkinson’s at Parkinson.org/Reach.
Learn the basics of clinical research as well as the benefits of participating. Know what to expect and how to get involved in Parkinson’s research. You will also hear about how people with Parkinson’s and care partners are being involved in the research design process.
Speakers
Jim Beck, PhD
Senior Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer
Parkinson's Foundation
Evelyn Stevens, MPH
Director, Community Engagement
Parkinson's Foundation
We will also hear from a Parkinson's Foundation Research Advocate
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required.
Join the Parkinson’s Foundation in person or online for the Carolinas Chapter Parkinson’s Symposium. Hear about ongoing research, current treatments, and resources available to help you live your best life with Parkinson’s. In-person attendees will also have an opportunity to meet with exhibitors and pick up information during our Resource Fair.
Expert Panelists
Nicole Cool, BSN, RN Medical University of South Carolina
Kimberly Gamble Atrium Health Neurosciences Institute
Risa Hanau, LCSW AuthoraCare Collective
David Haynes, CLTC, CEP Haynes LTC Insurance
Vanessa K. Hinson MD, PhD Medical University of South Carolina
Amy Marriott, PT Cone Health
Maysen Mesaros MS, CGC Medical University of South Carolina
Mustafa Saad Siddiqui, MD Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Myriam Sollman, PhD Prisma Health
Dennis Toman, Esq., CELA The Elderlaw Firm
People with Parkinson's & Care Partner Panelists
Mike Horak and Family
Doug and Grace Boyce
Edwin and Michelle Costillo
Phil and Julia Gee
For in-person attendees: In-person check-in and resource fair starts at 9 a.m. ET. Lunch will be served.
For virtual attendees via Zoom: The live stream starts at 9:45 a.m. ET
COVID SAFETY: The health and safety of our participants, sponsors, volunteers and staff are our top priority. We continue to monitor CDC recommendations and will adhere to state and local COVID guidelines in place on the event day. Adjustments will be made if necessary.
Join the Parkinson's Foundation in person for the Georgia Chapter Parkinson's Symposium. Hear about ongoing research, current treatments, and resources available to help you live your best life with Parkinson's.
Expert Speakers
Valeria Gary, M.A., CCC-SLP
Parkinson’s Speech Services and Wellstar Health System
Laurie Mischley, ND, PhD, MPH
Seattle Integrative Medicine
Tanya Morris, LMSW
Senior Services North Fulton
Kelley Napier, CELA
Georgia Estate & Elder Law
Jack Shen, MD
Wellstar Neurology
Hilarie C. Tomasiewicz, MD, PhD
WellStar Neurosurgery
Angela Wang, MD
Kaiser Permanente
Fitness Demo Provided by
Center for Movement Challenges
For in-person attendees: Check-in and Resource Fair start at 9 a.m. Lunch will be served.
For virtual attendees via Zoom: The live stream starts at 10 a.m.
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their families, friends, and the community.
Agenda
9:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.
Check-in & Resource Fair
9:50 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Welcome
Annie Long, Parkinson's Foundation
10:00 a.m. - 10:40 a.m.
Expert Panel Discussion: Advances in Treatment
Moderated by: Tammyjo Best, LPN, Emory Brain Health Center
Lenora Higginbotham, MD, Emory Brain Health Center
Joash Lazarus, MD, Atlanta Neuroscience Institute
Hilarie Tomasiewicz, MD, PhD, Wellstar Neurosurgery
Angela Wang, MD, Kaiser Permanente
10:40 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Question & Answer Session
11:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Fitness Break
Center for Movement Challenges
11:15 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.
Lifestyle Modification as a Therapeutic Strategy
Laurie Mischley, ND, PhD, MPH, Seattle Integrative Medicine
12:10 p.m. - 12:25 p.m.
Lunch Break
12:25 p.m. - 12:55 p.m.
Research Spotlight: Vibro-tactile Stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease
Jorge Juncos, Juncos Neuro Consulting
12:55 p.m. - 1:05 p.m.
Question & Answer Session
1:05 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Fall Prevention Workshop
Brittney Hooker, PT, DPT, Synapse NeuroRehab and Wellness, LLC
1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Expert Panel Discussion: When Outside Help Is Needed
Moderated by: Tammyjo Best, LPN, Emory Brain Health Center
Valeria Gary, M.A., CCC-SLP, Wellstar Kennestone Outpatient Neurorehabilitation Clinic
Tanya Morris, LMSW, Senior Services North Fulton
Kelley Napier, CELA, Georgia Estate & Elder Law
Jack Shen, MD, Wellstar Neurology
COVID SAFETY: The health and safety of our participants, sponsors, volunteers and staff are our top priority. We continue to monitor CDC recommendations and will adhere to state and local COVID guidelines in place on the event day. Adjustments will be made if necessary.
Check-in and exhibitor tables open at 9:30 a.m. ET.
We will address some of the challenges of advancing PD and explore strategies to prepare for the future, including how to evolve your care plans and treatments throughout progression so you can live your best life with PD now.
Featured Speakers:
George Dumenigo, LCSW
Clinical Social Worker/Community Outreach Coordinator
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center, University of Miami, a Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence
Alexandra Ingram, FNP- BC
Nurse Practitioner
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center, University of Miami, a Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence
Fitness Demonstration by: YMCA of Collier County
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.
COVID SAFETY: The health and safety of our participants, sponsors, volunteers and staff are our top priority. We continue to monitor CDC recommendations and will adhere to state and local COVID guidelines in place on the event day. Adjustments will be made if necessary.
COVID SAFETY: The health and safety of our participants, sponsors, volunteers and staff are our top priority. We continue to monitor CDC recommendations and will adhere to state and local COVID guidelines in place on the event day. Adjustments will be made if necessary.
A balanced diet is important for people with Parkinson's disease. Learn about food that may help ease symptoms and support brain health in addition to understanding how some foods can affect the way Parkinson's medications work. This program will also address the latest information on the gut and brain connection with PD.
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.
Featured Speakers:
Rebecca Solch-Ottaiano, PhD
Tulane University School of Medicine
Heather Rietschel, MCD, CCC/SLP Lakeview Hospital
Judy Roberts, RDN LDN Council on Aging St. Tammany (COAST)
COVID SAFETY: The health and safety of our participants, sponsors, volunteers and staff are our top priority. We continue to monitor CDC recommendations and will adhere to state and local COVID guidelines in place on the event day. Adjustments will be made if necessary.
Veterans and Parkinson's: Managing Anxiety, Depression, and Apathy
1:30 pm to 4:00 pm EST
FREE
Check-in starts at 1:00 p.m. ET.
For veteran's living with Parkinson's disease, non-motor challenges are not always easy to discuss. With a focus on mood changes, including anxiety, depression and apathy this program will provide strategies for coping and talking about it with healthcare providers or loved ones.
Expert Speakers:
Megan Gomez, PhD, Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center
Expert Panelists from the Atlanta VA and Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation:
Marian Evatt, MD
Madeleine Hackney, PhD
Joe Nocera, PhD
Camille Vaughan, MD, MS
Veteran Living with Parkinson's Panelist:
Jerry Feldman
Mike Bowman
This program is hosted by the Parkinson's Foundation Georgia Chapter in collaboration with:
COVID SAFETY: The health and safety of our participants, sponsors, volunteers and staff are our top priority. We continue to monitor CDC recommendations and will adhere to state and local COVID guidelines in place on the event day. Adjustments will be made if necessary.
