Join us for the Georgia Chapter Volunteer Open House and Orientation designed for new volunteers and those interested in learning more about how to get involved with the Foundation in the Georgia Chapter!
You will have the opportunity to meet your chapter staff and fellow volunteers at this meeting. We will also share the steps to becoming a Parkinson's Foundation Ambassador and what you can do to help make a difference in the lives of people with Parkinson's once you have completed your training. Finally you will hear about upcoming events in the chapter and get connected.
Speakers
Sadie McCoy
Manager, Volunteer Engagement
Annie Long
Senior Director Community Education & Outreach
Southeast Region
In this session we will talk together about how to build joy into your days, and introduce a joy meditation that you can do sitting quietly or on the go.
Studies have demonstrated that exercise has brain and body benefits for people with Parkinson’s disease. Exercise can help to improve Parkinson’s symptoms and help individuals do the activities they enjoy. Learn that there are benefits to movement at all stages of Parkinson’s and that it is never too late to start.
Speakers
Karyssa Silva OTR/L, CLT
Director of Rehabilitation
Aldersbridge Physical Therapy and Wellness Center
Timothy VanHorn, PT
Aldersbridge Physical Therapy and Wellness Center
Kenneth Vinacco, PT, DPT
Rhode Island Hospital
Suja Sadasivan, MD
Director of Movement Disorders
St. Elizabeth's Medical Center/Boston Medical Center Health System
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.
In this session we will talk together about how to build joy into your days, and introduce a joy meditation that you can do sitting quietly or on the go.
The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2026 Big Sur International 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. Click here to register to run.
Fundraising Commitments:
Marathon - $2,000
11-miler - $1,500
**If you already purchased a bib and want to join us as an Honorary Athlete please email us at Run4PD@Parkinson.org
The Big Sur International Marathon is a destination race like no other. Whether you are running 26.2 or the 11 miler up the California coast you will see what makes this tiny community so unique. Towering redwoods, crashing waves, coastal mountains and verdant pastures are featured on this bucket list course.
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.
In this session we will talk together about how to build joy into your days, and introduce a joy meditation that you can do sitting quietly or on the go.
Get out and move with your community! Every dollar raised supports the Parkinson’s Foundation mission to make life better for people affected by Parkinson’s disease (PD). At Moving Day Community Walks across the country, we’re fighting Parkinson’s and celebrating movement — proven to help manage Parkinson’s symptoms — and we’re doing it together. The Moving Day Community Walk Program is a complement to the Parkinson’s Foundation Moving Day, A Walk for Parkinson’s. These walks are family-friendly and help the Foundation make life better for people with PD.
The Community Walk program offers volunteers an opportunity to organize a walk in their own community that does not have a Moving Day event. The program leverages the personal experiences and community leadership of passionate volunteers to promote Parkinson’s awareness and raise funds for the Parkinson’s Foundation.
In this session we will talk together about how to build joy into your days, and introduce a joy meditation that you can do sitting quietly or on the go.
Get out and move with your community! Every dollar raised supports the Parkinson’s Foundation mission to make life better for people affected by Parkinson’s disease (PD). At Moving Day Community Walks across the country, we’re fighting Parkinson’s and celebrating movement — proven to help manage Parkinson’s symptoms — and we’re doing it together. The Moving Day Community Walk Program is a complement to the Parkinson’s Foundation Moving Day, A Walk for Parkinson’s. These walks are family-friendly and help the Foundation make life better for people with PD.
The Community Walk program offers volunteers an opportunity to organize a walk in their own community that does not have a Moving Day event. The program leverages the personal experiences and community leadership of passionate volunteers to promote Parkinson’s awareness and raise funds for the Parkinson’s Foundation.
In this session we will talk together about how to build joy into your days, and introduce a joy meditation that you can do sitting quietly or on the go.
Let's Talk About It: Medications, Research, Memory & Anxiety
Hosted by the Parkinson’s Foundation Mid-Atlantic Chapter & Acts Country House
There are many non-motor challenges associated with Parkinson’s disease that may not always be easy to discuss. With a focus on Medications, Research, Memory & Anxiety, this program will provide strategies for coping and talking about it with healthcare providers or loved ones. Learn comprehensive insights with a focused discussion, presentations, and Q&A panel with our speakers.
Speakers: Whitley Aamodt, MD, MPH, MSCE
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center
University of Pennsylvania
Muhaimin Id'Deen, PharmD
Jesus Arriaga, OHI
Clinical Pharmacists, Neurology Specialty Pharmacy - Christiana Care Health System
Roseanne D. Dobkin, PhD
Associate Professor of Psychiatry
Rutgers
Lanny Edelsohn, MD
Retired Neurologist - Christiana Care Health System
Deborah Heald
ACTS Country House Rock Steady Boxing Trainer
Check-in and resource fair starts at 10 a.m.; Program starts 11:00 a.m.
Attendance is free. Parking is available onsite
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.
A Collaboration with Acts Country House in Wilmington, DE
In this session we will talk together about how to build joy into your days, and introduce a joy meditation that you can do sitting quietly or on the go.
Expert Briefing: Addressing the Challenge of Apathy in Parkinson's
September 11, 2024
Apathy can significantly impact the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This invisible symptom can make it difficult to maintain interest in daily activities and to effectively manage PD symptoms. Apathy can be frustrating for people with Parkinson’s, care partners and loved ones, but understanding it as a symptom and finding ways to cope with it are key to ensuring a good quality of life.
Aaron C. Malina, PhD, ABPP
Clinical Neuropsychology
Northwestern Medicine-Lake Forest Hospital
A Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence
Raise Awareness
How To Start A Support Group
It is vital for people living with Parkinson's disease (PD) and care partners to make social connections and find support. Whether you have been newly diagnosed with PD, have been living with PD for a while, or are caring for someone with PD, connecting with others can help.
Challenges associated with PD, including movement symptoms, cognitive changes and emotional fluctuations, can lead to social withdrawal and isolation. Engaging in social activities can provide a valuable support network, combat feelings of depression and loneliness, maintain cognitive function and emotional well-being.
Why are support groups important?
Finding the right support group can help you build your PD community. In these groups, people share their experiences, learn from each other, and get access to resources that suit their needs.
Through these connections, individuals affected by PD not only find companionship and empathy but also gain a sense of belonging and resilience that can improve their PD journey. With the support provided by groups, people affected by PD can navigate the condition with greater confidence, hope and well-being.
Types of Support Groups
There are many kinds of PD support groups available. They include:
People with PD: These groups focus on people living with PD, allowing them to share their experiences, learn from each other and offer support.
Care partners: Care partners know Parkinson’s and its ups and downs. These groups provide a space for care partners to share their challenges, receive support and learn coping strategies.
Combined Groups: Many support groups welcome people with PD and care partners, fostering a supportive environment where both groups can share experiences, offer mutual support and learn from each other's perspectives.
Young-Onset PD (YOPD): These groups cater to those diagnosed with PD at a younger age, addressing unique challenges and concerns relevant to them.
Virtual: Online communities that allow members to share experiences from the comfort of their own home.
In-person: Face-to-face gatherings where people can meet to discuss their experiences.
Tips for Starting A Support Group
If you have not found a support group that is the right fit for you, consider starting your own. Explore our Support Group Guide for a step-by-step planning process. The most important part of any support group is to ensure members feel accepted, respected and comfortable when attending the group.
Building and launching a support group requires planning, organization and attention to detail. The “let’s get started” phase can be overwhelming, but breaking down a big task into smaller tasks can make planning more manageable. Consider these key aspects before launching a support group:
Who will attend this group?
This step is crucial for building the foundation of your support group. Make sure you know your audience before you figure out any specific details about the group. You can choose from the types of support groups above to get started.
Where will the group take place?
If you decide to start an in-person support group, start looking for a potential meeting space. The location can make or break your group. Rule out locations that are not easily accessible.
These locations are generally open to hosting support groups:
Public libraries
Hospitals
Community living centers
Places of worship (remember accessibility requirements for older buildings)
Town halls
Senior centers
Senior living facilities or nursing homes
Each community is unique, so consider what other possibilities could exist in yours. Talk to people and let them know what you are looking for. Let others spread the word to help you secure a solid, consistent location.
How often will your group meet?
Many PD support groups meet monthly. Find the frequency that works for your group. Consider that the more often you meet, the faster members can become fatigued, and more planning will be required. Meeting less than once a month can limit the group’s ability to build relationships.
Having a consistent day of the month (for instance, the second Tuesday of each month) helps people to remember when the group meets.
An even bigger consideration is time of day — will you meet in the morning, afternoon, or evening? Make the decision that works best for you as a leader and ask potential participants for feedback. Establishing a regular time and place will help your group expand as more people become aware of its existence.
What is the support group’s format?
There are many formats you may choose to use for your group. The best advice is to stay flexible. You may start out with a formal meeting agenda and decide that you want to change things up and go less formal. Listen to what your group members tell you!
To help “break the ice” at the start of each meeting, particularly for new members in attendance, introductions are a great technique. Not only does everyone get a chance to say something, but it also helps members remember names and relationships.
How long are meetings?
Support groups usually meet for no more than 90 minutes. It also may be helpful to design a break halfway through for refreshments and a rest room break. Find what works best for the group.
Parkinson’s Education and Finding Guest Speakers
Besides planning the basics, it is also important to consider things like topics for each meeting and if you plan to have a guest speaker. One common need for the Parkinson’s community is disease education.
Parkinson’s Foundation volunteer. Email us at Volunteer@Parkinson.org and we can help connect you to someone in your area.
If you are not sure where to start, ask your group members for suggestions and topic recommendations.
Promoting Your Group
Promotion is essential for a successful support group. Word of mouth can help but it is typically not enough. Consider creating a flyer or letter announcing the group, starting date, location and contact person. If you have a speaker scheduled, be sure to include that information and the topic they will be discussing.
Social media can also be helpful in raising awareness of your new group. It can be especially helpful for reaching younger people with PD and their care partners. Managing a social media page could be a great volunteer role for a group member to take on.
How To Find A Support Group
Here are two ways to find a local PD support group:
This webinar highlights the importance of planning for long-term care and the role of elder law in protecting your assets and securing quality care. Participants will learn about different care options, their costs, and payment sources like Medicare and Medicaid. The session will also cover eligibility for these programs, helping attendees make informed decisions about their long-term care and financial security.
Speaker
Lauren L. Fink
Shareholder and Attorney at Law
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.
In this session we will talk together about how to build joy into your days, and introduce a joy meditation that you can do sitting quietly or on the go.
Join us for an in-depth look at the latest advancements in Parkinson’s disease research and the emerging treatments. This webinar will cover the current medication pipeline, highlighting new therapies and their potential impact on symptom management. Participants will also learn how to identify and participate in relevant clinical studies, staying informed on the cutting-edge research that is shaping the future of Parkinson’s care.
Speaker
Kevin McFarthing, PhD
Parkinson's Research Advocate, Oxford, UK
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.
In this session we will talk together about how to build joy into your days, and introduce a joy meditation that you can do sitting quietly or on the go.
