Educational Events

Care Partner Conversations

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

Care Partner Conversations is a webinar series led by a panel of care partners who speak openly about a focused theme in the Parkinson’s caregiving experience. Our panelists share practical tools, personal stories, and the resources that have supported them along the way. Each session creates space for honest dialogue, connection, and validation—because caregiving is challenging, and no one should navigate it alone.

Speakers

Barbara Leffler, PhD, RN
Retired Clinical Psychologist and Registered Nurse
Care Partner to her husband living with Parkinson's
Parkinson's Foundation Hospital Lead Ambassador

Nancy Shea, RD, MBA
Business Coach and CASA
Loving Care Partner to husband
Parkinson's Foundation Ambassador 

Terry Thompson, LPC
Senior Editor, Stenhouse Publishers

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.

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My PD Story

Kasey Moore
General PD Community

Kasey Moore

In 2020, during the pandemic, my family and I were spending more time together at home, and one night we watched the movie Awakenings. I was deeply moved by the story, the patients’ struggles and the compassion shown by the doctors. I asked my dad about it, and he explained that the condition shown in the film was Parkinson’s disease (PD).

My dad is a neurologist who specializes in movement disorders, so during that time, as he worked from home, I learned more about this work. I was newly aware of how his patients fought every day against this disease, and how much it affected not only them but their families too. Learning that there was no cure broke my heart, but my dad also told me about the Parkinson’s Foundation and the incredible work they do to bring education, research and hope to those affected by PD. 

I was only 10 years old, but I wanted to help. Since I loved music, I decided to create a Facebook fundraiser and perform piano pieces to inspire donations for the Parkinson’s Foundation. Then I thought, why not invite others to join? Soon, friends, family and even professional artists became part of it. That’s how Parkin-SONG was born. To my surprise, our first event in 2020 even featured Gloria Estefan and was mentioned in the local news! 

In 2025, I brought Parkin-SONG back, bigger and stronger, through my nonprofit NeuroEduCares, a youth-led organization I founded to promote understanding, compassion and education about neurological diseases like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

With an incredible team of young leaders, we organized Parkin-SONG II as both a global virtual concert and a live event at American Heritage School (Palm Beach Campus). The campus came alive with music, karaoke, live performances and even a student dodgeball tournament, creating a day full of unity and purpose. It’s been amazing to see how something that started as one small online idea became a global and school-wide celebration of hope.

I’m proud to support the Parkinson’s Foundation as a Parkinson’s Champion through Parkin-SONG. To me, being a Parkinson’s Champion means taking action to help others. It means using my voice, my music and my efforts to bring comfort, hope and awareness to the Parkinson’s community.

It’s an incredible feeling to know that something that began from the heart can grow and truly make a difference, supporting the Foundation’s mission and giving strength to people with PD and families who face this disease every day.

The Parkinson’s Foundation brings hope where it’s most needed. The Foundation dedicates time, research and resources to improving the lives of people and families affected by this disease. Supporting the Foundation means helping fund education, care programs and research that could one day lead to a cure.

Through my experience as a Parkinson’s Champion, I’ve learned any idea, big or small, can have a large impact. You don’t need to be an adult or an expert to make an impact; you just need passion and a willingness to act. If you truly believe in your cause and put your heart into it, people will join you.

For more information on becoming a Parkinson’s Champion and creating your own fundraiser to support the Parkinson’s Foundation, visit Parkinson.org/DIY.

Educational Events

Esenciales del Parkinson: lo que usted y su familia deben saber

Virtual ( Zoom )
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm EST
Gratis
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
Una pareja mirando una tableta juntos en su porche

Regístrese Aquí

Acompañe a la Parkinson’s Foundation para aprender acerca de las causas, los síntomas y el manejo de la enfermedad de Parkinson, así como la participación en investigaciones.

10 a.m. hora del Pacífico (Los Ángeles)
11 a.m. hora de la Montaña (Colorado, Phoenix y Nuevo México)
12 p.m. hora del Centro (Texas y Ciudad de México)
1 p.m. hora del Este (Nueva York , Peru y Colombia)
2 p.m. hora de Venezuela
3 p.m. hora de Chile y Argentina
7 p.m. hora de España

*Por favor, verifica su zonas horarias.*

Presentador

Dr. Federico Rodriguez-Porcel
Profesor asistente, Neurología en la División de Trastornos del Movimiento y Neurología Conductual 
Medical University of South Carolina (Centro de Excelencia)                       

¿En busca de algo más? Podrá encontrar todos nuestros videos de EP Salud en Casa en YouTube.

Más información:

Todos los eventos de “EP Salud en Casa" – Parkinson.org/EPSalud.

Una lista de nuestros recursos en español – Parkinson.org/Recursos

Línea de Ayuda – 1-800-473-4636, opción 3 para español.

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Educational Events

Mindfulness Mondays - Being With What Is

Virtual ( Zoom )
1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EST
Free
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
Woman sitting on the couch drinking coffee

Meeting Change, Emotion, and Uncertainty with Compassion. 

Parkinson’s brings ongoing change—not just physically, but emotionally and relationally. This session invites participants to explore how mindfulness can support us in being with what’s present: emotions, thoughts, grief, fear, love, and resilience—without becoming overwhelmed by them.

Rather than pushing difficult experiences away or trying to stay “positive,” we practice turning toward our inner experience with kindness and curiosity. This session is especially supportive for care partners and professionals, who often carry a lot while making space for others.

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.

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

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Educational Events

Mindfulness Mondays - Mental Well-being

Virtual ( Zoom )
1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EST
Free
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
Woman sitting on the couch drinking coffee

Each month, Dr. Rush invites you to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with yourself and your Parkinson’s community through a guided mindfulness practice. Together, we’ll explore simple ways to ground the body, calm the mind, and cultivate compassion and clarity that you can carry into your week.

Whether you’re new to mindfulness or a returning participant, these sessions are designed to be inclusive, supportive, and accessible for everyone. Find a comfortable place to sit, settle in, and experience how mindfulness can bring steadiness and space, even in the midst of change.

A brief time for questions and reflections will follow each practice.

Speaker

Taylor Rush, PhD
Health Psychologist, Director of Behavioral Services and Interdisciplinary Programs, Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic

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.

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

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Raise Awareness

10 Tips for Playing Pickleball to Stay Active with Parkinson’s

🧠 What will you learn in this article?

This article highlights tips for playing Pickleball to stay active with Parkinson’s disease. It discusses:

  • When it comes to Parkinson’s symptoms, Pickleball is an aerobic workout that strengthens balance, agility, builds muscle and cognitive function.
  • The importance of exercise for people with Parkinson’s. 
  • 10 ways people with Parkinson’s can stay safe while playing pickleball.
Scott Rider playing pickleball

For many people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), pickleball has become a new way to infuse exercise with socialization.

Exercise is a vital part of Parkinson’s disease management. It helps maintain balance, mobility, flexibility and overall quality of life. Research shows that consistent exercise — at least 2.5 hours per week — can slow symptom progression and improve physical and emotional wellbeing. 

Pickleball is a paddle sport played indoors or outdoors on a court smaller than a traditional tennis court. It is played in singles or doubles with a light, plastic ball. USA Pickleball sets official rules and supports programs nationwide. One reason the sport is popular is because it is easy to learn but challenging, and is accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

When it comes to Parkinson’s symptoms, Pickleball is an aerobic workout that strengthens balance, agility, builds muscle and cognitive function. A player’s ability to think and respond quickly while playing pickleball can boost brain activity. Additionally, it is a great way to socialize, an important part of living well with Parkinson’s as isolation following a diagnosis can lead to depression, a common PD symptom.

Trying a sport like pickleball can make staying active feel social and motivating. Setting a small, achievable goal, such as playing pickleball once a week, can help turn exercise into a habit you look forward to rather than a chore.

Here are 10 tips for playing Pickleball to stay active with Parkinson’s:

  1.  Get clearance from your neurologist.
    Before starting any new exercise, talk to your neurologist or PD doctor to make sure starting a new sport or exercise is safe. They may recommend seeing a physical therapist to prevent injuries.
  2. Work with a physical therapist (PT).
    Telling your physical therapist that you are playing pickleball or plan to start can help them customize your sessions to improve movement and mobility. PT can address stiffness and help you train to keep on-court movements safe. PT can also help build strength and improve coordination.
  3. Incorporate other exercises to up your pickleball game.
    Pickleball is a great way to evolve your exercise routine. Explore other exercises, like PD Health @ Home on-demand videos that address PD-specific balance, agility and movements between games.
  4. Warm up before playing pickleball to prevent injury.
    Before playing, develop a pickleball warm-up routine that works for you. This is a great opportunity for your physical therapist to weigh in.

Building PD Awareness on the Court

The Parkinson’s Foundation has partnered with Selkirk to raise awareness of the benefits of exercise for people living with Parkinson’s. For every pickleball paddle sold, Selkirk will donate 12% of sales to the Parkinson’s Foundation, a percentage that represents the 1.2 million people projected to be living with Parkinson’s by 2030.

Check out the Parkinson’s Foundation pickleball paddle
  1. Don’t play hurt.
    Rest when your body needs more recovery time. Parkinson’s symptoms can change from day to day, listen to your body and don’t push yourself on days you need more rest.
  2. Play during “on” times, when symptoms are most manageable.
    Medications like levodopa, commonly used for PD, help manage symptoms. As PD progresses, the brain's response to these medications may change, which can lead to symptom fluctuations, known as "on" and "off" periods. If possible, schedule pickleball games during "on" periods, when medication is working well.
  3. Use pickleball to build community and bond with a family member or spouse.
    Playing doubles can also help reduce court coverage and build relationships. Joining a pickleball league could be a great opportunity to start a new pastime with your adult child or spouse.
  4. Always stay hydrated.
    On or off the court, being dehydrated can make some PD symptoms worse, including constipation, swallowing issues and low blood pressure. On the court, not drinking enough liquids can bring muscle cramps and dizziness. Hydrate whenever possible.
  5. Modify the game as needed.
    Adjust game lengths, build in more breaks or stick to playing doubles. Joining a PD league or playing with others who have Parkinson’s is a great way to build in modifications.
  6. Explore Pickleball for Parkinson’s events.
    Pickleball4Parkinsons logo

    Join an upcoming Pickleball for Parkinson’s event or start your own. For qualifying events, the pickleball paddle manufacturer Selkirk offers a sponsorship. Learn more.

Pickleball can be more than a game. For people living with Parkinson’s, it can be a powerful tool for movement and connection —essential elements of living well with PD.

Exercise Resources

The best way to see benefits is to exercise consistently. People with PD enrolled in exercise programs for longer than six months, regardless of exercise intensity, see significant gains in functional balance and mobility compared to shorter programs. Explore our exercise resources:

Explore tips and learn more about exercise and Parkinson’s research on our Parkinson’s and exercise page.

Educational Events

Mindfulness Mondays - Building the Foundations

Virtual ( Zoom )
1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EST
Free
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
Woman sitting on the couch drinking coffee

Establishing a mindfulness practice can be a powerful ally in managing Parkinson’s symptoms and stress. This session focuses on practical ways to weave mindfulness into your daily routine—whether through breath, gentle movement, or stillness—helping you create a sustainable foundation of calm, clarity, and self-support.

Speaker

Devon Hase
Author & Meditatation Teacher

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.

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Educational Events

Improve with Improv for 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

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.

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

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Educational Events

Mindfulness Mondays - Coming Home to the Body

Virtual ( Zoom )
1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EST
Free
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
Woman sitting on the couch drinking coffee

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.

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

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Educational Events

Mix and Mingle Kick Off

5:00 pm to 7:00 pm EST
Free
SacYard Kickoff

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

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