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
Dr. Justin Martello
Dr. Jill Farmer
For in-person attendees: Check-in starts at 10 a.m.
For virtual attendees, via Zoom: The live stream starts at 10:30 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.
This event has now reached capacity for in-person participation. We apologize for any inconvenience. To be placed on a waitlist, please contact Kelly Nicoll at knicoll@parkinson.org. You may also join virtually via Zoom by registering here.
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 to learn about current and emerging research in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Participants will hear how research helps shape treatments and identify new care strategies for managing Parkinson’s symptoms.
*This program may include moderately scientific terms and concepts.
Speaker
Zoltan Mari, MD, FAAN
Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence
This program is free and is open to individuals with Parkinson’s, their loved ones, and the community. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required as in-person seating is limited.
The Parkinson’s Foundation Southwest Chapter is grateful for the unwavering support of our Chapter Partners and Sponsors. Learn more about them by visiting our Chapter Supporter webpage.
Sponsor
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.
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
Nadine Nye, SLP
Intermountain Healthcare
Paola Testini, MD
University of Utah, Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence
This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends and the community. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required as in-person seating is limited.
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.
After many years of good symptom management, Parkinson's disease may become more challenging. Learn how Parkinson's symptoms may change over time and how physical and occupational therapies can help manage these changes.
Speakers
Becky Bernhardt, OTD, OTR/L, C/NDT, CAPS
Katrin Ramsey, DSc, PT
Agenda:
12:30 p.m. – check-in, visit with our exhibitors, refreshments
1:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Managing Changing Symptoms presentations
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.
After many years of good symptom management, Parkinson's disease may become more challenging. Learn how Parkinson's symptoms may change over time and how physical and speech therapy can help manage these changes.
Speakers
Dr. Samantha Carty, PT, DPT
Shannon Smith MS, CCC-SLP
Agenda:
12 p.m. – check-in, visit with our exhibitors, lunch
1 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Managing Changing Symptoms presentations
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.
Meet Our Volunteers Making Life Better for People with Parkinson’s
Every Parkinson’s Foundation volunteer helps us make a difference in the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This year, we celebrated our top volunteers with a prestigious national award. Meet our 2023 National Volunteer Awardees and let their empowering stories inspire you.
Paul Oreffice Volunteer of the Year
Jim Morgan
Florida Chapter
Jim was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 16 years ago. Shortly after, he found the Parkinson’s Foundation. Since his first encounter, Jim has been continuously involved with the Foundation and is a leader in helping us fulfill our mission to make life better for people living with Parkinson’s. He demonstrates the selfless and valuable contributions that volunteering makes to our community. He has made a substantial impact, not only in his own community but on a national scale.
“To be associated with an organization that is truly making a difference in people’s lives every day is an honor and a privilege. I am sincerely honored and humbled to be selected as this year’s Paul Oreffice Volunteer of the Year.”
Mark is a Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador and a member of the Southwest Advisory Board. After being diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s, he has made a dramatic initial impact in the Parkinson’s community and goes beyond what is expected to help the Foundation reach more people. He is passionate about helping the Foundation make a long-term impact.
"I am truly honored and humbled to receive such an award! Especially when so many people are working to raise awareness and to help people with Parkinson's across the country. I wouldn't receive an award like this without the love and support of my close friends and fellow "Parkies" who inspire me with their strength and who help lift me up when I need it."
Karan raised more than $80,000 as a Parkinson’s Champion upon completing the elite World Marathon Challenge this year. That’s seven marathons in seven continents in seven days.
“In part, it is to test myself and my boundaries mentally and physically. More importantly, it is to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s Foundation and to honor my dad, who has been living with this condition for the past six years.”
His amazing accomplishment puts him among just 200 people in the world who have completed this challenge, and he was able to spread awareness as he shared his journey, appearing on several news stations. In a special moment and the culmination of all his hard work, he presented all seven finishing medals to his hero and inspiration, his father, Rajit. The funds Karan raised help the Parkinson’s Foundation advance research that can lead us to a cure.
BJ serves the Parkinson’s Foundation in numerous impactful ways — this year, he has completed more community service hours than any volunteer, coming in at 189 hours! He serves on the People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council, Gulf Coast Chapter Board, as Chair of the Moving Day Baton Rouge planning committee and a Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador.
"It isn't about the number of hours; it is about the number of connections made and resources provided. I will provide as many hours as I am capable of to maximize those connections whenever and wherever necessary."
Already a volunteer? Make sure you report your hours at Parkinson.org/Volunteer-reporting so you can be in the running for our community service award next year!
Ranjit Rai is a veteran who served at the highest levels in the Special Operations Community in the Indian Armed Forces for nearly 23 years. In his younger days he was an athlete, adventurer and avid mountaineer. Throughout his life, especially when it comes to learning how to live with his Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis, he follows the philosophy, “Voluntarily do hard things and embrace the suck.”
Inspired by Ranjit, his son Karan Rai lives by the same philosophy and recently took on a monumental challenge in honor of his father. Karan recently completed seven marathons on seven continents in seven days to raise money for the Parkinson’s Foundation in order to help the 10 million people worldwide who live with this disease.
“To see my dad go from being this really active adventurer, explorer, outdoorsman to some days where he just needs help going to the bathroom, it’s just been tough to watch, It’s been tough on him,” Karan said.
One of the lessons my dad taught me early on is you’re meant to test your limits and if you’re going to do that, find a cause that’s near and dear to your heart and raise awareness and money for it.
When he came across the World Marathon Challenge, it was so far out of his comfort zone as an athlete he just had to do it. “In part, this was to test myself and my boundaries mentally and physically. More importantly, it is to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s Foundation and to honor my dad who has been living with this condition for the past six years.”
He started out slowly but eventually trained until he was running 60 to 100 miles a week — up to 15 hours a week. One week before the start of the challenge, Karan tore a ligament in his right knee. He was so committed to his goal he decided to continue with the plan. He wanted to see what he could get done, for himself and his father.
On January 31, 2023, Karan flew to Antarctica to compete in his first race. From there he traveled and ran a marathon in Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Brazil, and finally Miami. His father cheered him on from home every step of the way and made the journey to Miami to cheer him on in person.
Karan completed the World Marathon Challenge and raised more than $80,000 for the Parkinson’s Foundation. “There was this sense of relief more than anything else, but also a sense of accomplishment, just kind of gutting it and getting it done.”
His amazing accomplishment puts him among just 200 people in the world who have completed this challenge, and while doing so, he helped spread Parkinson’s awareness as he shared his journey. He even appeared on several news stations in Denver, CO, where he currently lives with his family.
Karan’s final task was to present all seven finisher medals to his hero and inspiration, his father, Ranjit. It was a special moment and the culmination of all his hard work that meant the world to him.
The funds Karan raised through World Marathon Challenge as a Parkinson’s Champion help the Parkinson’s Foundation advance research that can lead us to a cure, and help people live a better life with Parkinson’s.
When someone you love is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD), many emotions and questions may arise. What can I do to help? How can I provide support if I’m not the care partner or live nearby? Read on for 10 practical tips about how to show your support to a loved one living with PD.
Offer a helping hand to your loved one and their care partner. A two-hour visit can give a care partner time for themselves. Invite your loved one to a movie or offer to bring a meal to their home. Find ways to help on a regular basis, such as going grocery shopping, mowing the yard or picking up medication. For more tips, explore our Caring From Afar article.
3. Check in and chat.
Call or facetime your loved one with Parkinson’s, even if you are not sure of what to say. Reach out for their opinion or to tell a story about something that happened this week.
4. Offer to help with appointments.
Offer to take your loved one or friend to a doctor’s or physical therapy appointment, or a group exercise class. If you live far away, try to keep track of appointments, and call your loved one to see how it went.
5. Work alongside the care team.
Keep in touch with your loved one’s care team to make sure they receive the best possible care. Our Global Care Network creates opportunities for people with PD to access high-quality care from a team of experts. Find expert care near you.
6. Communicate.
Communicating your thoughts with your loved one, as well as listening to their feelings, can help ease stress on your relationship. Have family chats often to share everyone’s feelings, understand what each person is going through, and discuss ways to better support one another.
7. Access local resources.
Interacting with your local PD community can help your whole family find support and learn more about Parkinson’s. Search for your local chapter and other resources near you.
8. Get involved.
Engaging with the PD community is a great way to show support to your loved one. Attend a local Moving Day walk, organize your own fundraiser to support research through Parkinson’s Champions, or raise awareness within your community.
9. Find your support system.
A parent’s or loved one's Parkinson’s diagnosis can weigh a lot on you. Seek out a supportive, comfortable environment to share your thoughts and feelings about Parkinson’s. Join a local support group to connect with members of the PD community. In addition to groups for people living with Parkinson’s, there are also support groups available for family members. Contact our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) to find a support group near you.
10. Practice self-care.
When caring for or supporting someone with Parkinson’s, secondary caregivers can experience burnout. Addressing these feelings before they result in compassion fatigue is vital to a healthy relationship. Make time for yourself outside of caregiving duties to enjoy what you love and incorporate self-care into your routine.
Helping a loved one with Parkinson’s looks different for everyone. With the right mindset and resources, you can help your loved one or friend navigate some of the challenges of PD.
We have reached capacity for our in-person program. Please register to join us at-home via Zoom or contact GreatLakes@parkinson.org to get added to our waitlist.
A balanced diet is important for people with Parkinson’s disease. Learn about foods 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.
Speakers
R. Ross Coleman, MD
Movement Disorders Specialist
Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI
Emily Ruether, MD
Movement Disorders Specialist
Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI
Sarah E. Raguckas, PharmD
Pharmacist
Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI
Angela West, PA-C
Parkinson's Physician Assistant
Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI
Emily Buteyn, MA, CCC-SLP
Parkinson's LSVT-Certified Speech Language Pathologist
Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI
Nicholas Stephanoff, MD
Family Practice and Lifestyle Medicine
Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI
For in-person attendees: Check-in starts at 10 a.m.
For virtual attendees, via Zoom: The live stream starts at 11 a.m.
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.
The Parkinson’s Foundation Great Lakes Chapter is pleased to be working with Parkinson Partners of Northwestern Pennsylvania for the September 16th program in Erie, Pennsylvania.
In-person check-in starts at 9 a.m.
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
Xin Xin Yu, MD, MS
Director of Functional Movement Disorders Program
Neurological Institute Experience Officer
Center for Neuro-Restoration
Cleveland Clinic
Dimitrios A. Nacopoulos, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Neurology
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
UPMC Neurological Institute
For in-person attendees: Check-in starts at 9 a.m.
For virtual attendees, via Computer or Smartphone: The live stream starts at 9:30 a.m.
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.
