This program offers an introduction and basic overview of Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD varies from person to person and changes over time. Discover its causes, common symptoms, available treatments and effective strategies for managing them. Learn practical daily living tips to empower you to take charge of your health and to navigate the challenges of living with PD.
Speaker
Nandakumar Narayanan, MD PhD
Juanita J. Bartlett Professor of Neurology
Vice Chair for Research
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
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.
Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.
Creative Connections is an arts-based wellness program designed to support the emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being of people with Parkinson’s and their care partners. In this session, our facilitators will introduce the creative practices they use—including acting, improvisation, voice work, choreography, drama therapy, music therapy, mindfulness, and movement.
After sharing an overview of their approach, they will guide participants through a series of simple, engaging activities. Together, we’ll explore how creative expression can spark connection, build confidence, and offer meaningful tools for well-being.
Speaker
Maggie Ivancic MSW, LCSW
Center Coordinator & Clinical Social Worker
UNC Chapel Hill, Movement Disorders Center, Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence
Heather Davis Cuevas, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
UNC Chapel Hill, Movement Disorders Center, Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence
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.
Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a surgical treatment that can improve quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s disease by helping to manage symptoms that may not be fully supported with medication. This webinar will provide an overview of recent advances is DBS technology that hold promise for people with Parkinson’s by providing more effective, personalized and convenient treatment for Parkinson’s symptoms.
Speaker
Arjun Tarakad
Associate Professor of Neurology
Director of Deep Brain Stimulation Program
Parkinson’s Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic
Baylor College of Medicine
Department of Neurology
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.
Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.
Tremor, Shakes, & Everything in Between: Parkinson's Motor Symptoms
Motor symptoms are among the most recognizable aspects of Parkinson’s disease. From tremor and rigidity to dystonia, dyskinesia, and changes in posture and gait, these symptoms can affect daily life in unique ways. We will explore the wide spectrum of motor symptoms, how they evolve, and strategies for managing them.
The Foundation's Expert Briefing series is intended to offer firsthand access to the latest research and updates from experts in the field. Expert Briefing webinars will include more scientific terms and concepts.
Speaker
Okeanis Vaou, MD, FAAN
Associate Professor of Neurology, Division Chief, Movement Disorders Program
Vice Chair of Faculty Development, UT Health San Antonio
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.
Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.
Join the Parkinson's Foundation, in partnership with the Elder Care Alliance and Neponset River Regional Chamber, for Panel on Parkinson’s Disease, a free program in Sharon, MA.
You will hear from a local Movement Disorder Specialist, a person living with Parkinson's disease and staff from the Parkinson's Foundation for talks around real life experience, and research and treatment updates.
Speakers
Suja Sadasivan, MD
Director of Movement Disorders, Boston Medical Center
Stefany Scliopou
Education & Outreach Manager, Parkinson's Foundation
Kyle Meingast
Advancement Director, Parkinson's Foundation
Bob DePeron
Person with Parkinson's
On-site parking is available.
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.
Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.
This article highlights the ways the Parkinson’s Foundation helped people living with Parkinson’s and the Parkinson’s community in 2025. It highlights:
How we advanced research through funding grants and evolving our genetics study.
Funded local community programs.
Launched new policy effort to improve care and research through advocacy.
Spread Parkinson’s awareness through programs, campaigns and resources.
2025 was a remarkable year for the Parkinson’s Foundation. Over the course of 365 days, we advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD) research while working hard to represent the one million people in the U.S. living with this neurodegenerative disease. We strengthened our connections among care partners and everyone serving the PD community.
With your support, we launched new initiatives and vital PD resources, stayed fast in our commitment to improving PD care and research, and empowering the community through education and new resources.
Thanks to YOU, here are the top 12 ways we made a difference this year:
In a year when federal funding for disease research sharply declined, we significantly increased our investment in Parkinson’s research. We awarded more than $4.3 million across 44 grants. We are proud to fund scientists pursuing innovative studies across diverse areas of PD — driving the development of new therapies, treatments and ultimately a cure for the 10 million people worldwide living with this neurological disease.
Dr. Kim is leveraging AI (artificial intelligence) to advance genetics research. His research seeks to understand how overlapping PD mutations may influence the risk of developing PD.
Providing genetic testing and counseling to 30,000+ people with Parkinson’s, at no cost.
Finding that approximately 12-13% of participants carry a genetic link to PD.
Expanded study to a total of 77 testing sites worldwide and counting — adding sites in Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru and El Salvador.
We also launched an exciting new pilot program, PD Trial Navigator, to help advance PD GENEration’s goal of accelerating genetic-focused clinical trials. This program helps inform PD GENEration participants about Parkinson’s genetic trials they may qualify for based on their genetic results.
Hosting a national roundtable on Parkinson’s care and innovation to identify national priorities to improve care for people with PD.
Co-hosted the 2025 Parkinson's Policy Forum, where 250 people with PD, family members and advocates from 45 states gathered in Washington, D.C. to urge Congress to accelerate progress toward better treatments and a cure.
We awarded more than $1 million in community grants for programs that help people living with PD across 38 states. Our 2025 grants fund local programs that provide exercise and educational support for people with PD and their care partners and address mental health needs. Since 2011, the Foundation has devoted more than $12.7 million in community-based programs, reaching a combined 81,000 people with PD and care partners.
Pictured: Parkinson’s Foundation Community Grantee, Parkinson's Exercise Program For You, in Dana Point, CA, offers PD-tailored exercise programs.
To find your nearest exercise or wellness class, visit your local chapter’s webpage or call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).
5. Appointed our first-ever Chief Medical Officer.
This year, we welcomed Sneha Mantri, MD, MS, as Chief Medical Officer of the Parkinson’s Foundation. A nationally recognized movement disorders specialist and educator, Dr. Mantri believes in getting to know her patients and personalizing their treatments. “I'm excited to bring that philosophy of care to this role and address the needs of people with Parkinson’s on a national scale,” she said.
Look out for virtual events featuring Dr. Mantri in 2026.
6. Moved two Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech drugs into trials.
Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech is a research-driven investment fund we support alongside Parkinson’s UK. In 2025 we shared two exciting advances:
Project ASPro-PD became the first Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech project to enter a large phase 3 trial, assessing whether ambroxol (a common cough medicine ingredient) can slow the progression of Parkinson’s. This trial is the closest to delivering a new treatment.
A new drug from NRG Therapeutics, designed to repair the mitochondria that power brain cells, is advancing to clinical trials for Parkinson’s and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). This progress was made possible through early investment from the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech, proving how our venture philanthropy model fuels innovation — turning bold ideas into real possibilities for people living with Parkinson’s and making investments less risky for future funders.
We know that healthcare appointments for Parkinson’s can feel overwhelming. Which is why we published new content and tips dedicated to help people with PD and care partners advocate for their best care. Use our Steps to Prepare for a Parkinson’s Appointment worksheet for a step-by-step guide to choosing your top three appointment topics.
8. Raised $263,000 on Parkinson’s Foundation Day of Giving.
Our incredible community came together and made our third annual Day of Giving the most successful so far, raising double the amount raised in 2024. Our steadfast supporters made this special day a success, raising awareness and funds to support our mission to make life better for people with Parkinson’s disease.
9. Facilitated 3,949 community service hours through Parkinson’s Ambassadors.
Volunteers are essential to our mission and help us localize our reach. This year, we trained 239 new Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassadors and brought all our volunteers together at our national Volunteer Leadership Summit.
Etana Soloman joined our People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council to add her voice and help represent young caregivers and people like her mother who are in the later stages of PD. “Being able to care for my mom is truly an honor” Read her story.
10. Reached 8.6 million visits to Parkinson.org and expanded Spanish-language engagement.
Parkinson.org reached a record of 8.6 million visits, including 1.3 million visits to our Spanish content. Every page visit represents an opportunity to connect people with life-changing resources, digital events and actionable ways to help make life better for people with Parkinson’s.
11. 20,000 participants raised more than $8.3 million through community fundraising events.
Parkinson’s Foundation community fundraisers raised an impressive $8.3 million to advance PD research, access to care and life-changing resources in 2025. Together, every person who participates in Moving Day, A Walk for Parkinson’s, Parkinson’s Champion and Parkinson’s Revolution bring us closer to a cure.
Two years after his diagnosis, Brooke Ramsey found Moving Day Columbus. For the last 14 years his family has raised more than $117,000 to help make life better for people with Parkinson’s. Read his story.
12. Engaged with our audience through two awareness campaigns.
In April, we introduced the world to PAM, your guide to Parkinson’s Awareness Month. To raise PD awareness, PAM shared essential information, tips and resources about PD on our social media channels and website.
In April we:
Posted 5 new videos highlighting PD facts everyone should know.
Reached 2+ million visits to Parkinson.org — our most page views in a single month!
Earned 914,000 impressions across our social media posts
In November, for National Family Caregivers Month, we amplified the diverse experiences of caregiving through our Real Care. Anywhere. campaign. We provided tailored resources for three types of caregivers including those caring for someone living with Parkinson’s, those providing care from a distance and those managing PD alone.
The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2026 Escape for Alcatraz Triathlon. By signing up to swim, bike, and 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 other fun benefits and perks. Register today at PDChampionsAlcatraz.org.
Fundraising Commitments:
Triathlon - $3,000
Honorary Champion (you already have a bib) - $500
For more than 45 years, triathletes from around the world have made the pilgrimage to San Francisco to attempt a challenge once thought impossible – the Escape From Alcatraz. Entering its 46th year in 2026, this iconic Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon attracts thousands of adventurous athletes from all 50 states and over 50 countries, eager to test their endurance against the city’s legendary bay waters, steep hills, and rugged terrain.
Consistently ranked as a bucket list triathlon, it’s a summer showdown to see who truly has what it takes to ESCAPE. The course features an intense 1.5-mile swim from the waters near Alcatraz Island, an 18-mile bike ride through the Presidio's rolling hills, a demanding 8-mile run that includes the famed Sand Ladder, before an exhilarating finish at Marina Green. Race weekend also includes a two-day Fitness Festival at Marina Green, free and open to the public, featuring the Official Escape Merchandise Store, a Beer Garden, local food trucks, product giveaways, and interactive sponsor activations- all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the City by the Bay.
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.
Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.
In the past 10 years, Cindy and Scott Heider have assisted three family members navigate a Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis. As avid philanthropists, becoming supporters of the Parkinson’s Foundation felt like a natural fit as they set out to learn more about the disease to aid those in their family with PD and help raise awareness.
“I don’t think people really understand the progression of Parkinson’s disease and how it affects so many aspects of a person’s life, as well as the people around them,” Cindy said.
One thing Cindy noticed firsthand is how PD symptoms and the progression are unique to each person who has it. While one of her family members battled movement symptoms, another experienced both movement and non-movement symptoms.
“As I’ve watched family members deal with Parkinson’s, I’ve seen that everyone responds differently to different therapies,” said Cindy. “Knowing how Parkinson’s is affecting you and communicating that to your doctors is so important so you can find the right treatment for your symptoms.”
Cindy also believes educating healthcare professionals about Parkinson’s disease, especially people who work in hospital settings, is essential to improving care. When her mother was hospitalized, she was shocked to learn most of the staff were not aware or familiar with the medications specific to Parkinson’s and the importance of the timing they needed to be administered.
“I think there needs to be a minimum education requirement to ensure safe, supportive care for people with Parkinson’s,” she said.
Cindy and Scott are proud to support the Parkinson’s Foundation and invest in programs that are addressing these concerns, including our Hospital Care Initiative and PD Library of educational resources. They are also eager to support innovative research that can lead us to treatments that slow or stop progression.
“We decided to support the Foundation because we think it is important for more people to know about Parkinson’s,” Cindy said. “As the population ages, more and more people are getting diagnosed with this disease, and we know from experience how important it is to learn more about it. We also believe in supporting research initiatives like PD GENEration, which is a great avenue to get more people with Parkinson’s involved in research. The more people you can engage, the more accurate your results are, and the faster research can progress.”
Through the Heider Family Foundation, Cindy and Scott have made a generous matching gift, which they believe will inspire others to support the Foundation’s important initiatives.
“I was inspired by my mom to make this matching gift,” Cindy said. “She was so willing to be open about having Parkinson’s disease and she took each day as it came. Her outlook and positivity inspired me, and I want it to inspire others.”
Join Cindy and Scott and support the Parkinson’s Foundation with their mission to improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease. Make a year-end gift today.
La enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) sigue siendo una condición con muchas incógnitas, pero la investigación constante nos está ayudando a cerrar estas brechas en el conocimiento. En los últimos años, se han logrado importantes avances en las terapias diseñadas no sólo para el manejo de los síntomas motores y no motores, sino también para frenar el avance de la enfermedad. Este programa explorará los últimos hallazgos en la investigación de la EP y tratamientos innovadores.
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
Dra. Natalie Diaz
Trastornos del movimiento, Neurología
Pacific Neuroscience Institute
Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.
A dynamic, high-energy circuit combining aerobic activity with lower-body strength and power. Participants will move through stations designed to challenge endurance, build strength, and enhance functional mobility. This session focuses on improving cardiovascular fitness, explosive movement, and high amplitude training, all while maintaining accessibility and safety for people of varying abilities.
Instructors
Bethany Althaus, PT, DPT, NCS, PWR! Moves
Director of Clinical Excellence at Maine Strong Balance Centers
Anna Chornyak, PT, LSVT, PWR! Moves
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.
Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.
