Raise Awareness

5 Volunteers Making a Difference

Across the country and beyond, Parkinson’s Foundation volunteers are going out and making a difference in the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their loved ones. They help us spread awareness and resources to those who need it most.

Ambassadors By the Numbers infographic

The dedication from our volunteers is what makes the Parkinson’s Foundation what it is today. We are honored to recognize five exceptional volunteers at the national level, who each received a 2024 volunteer award.

Dr. Reversa Joseph headshot

Dr. Reversa Joseph - Great Lakes Chapter

Paul Oreffice Volunteer of the Year

“Volunteering for the Parkinson's Foundation is more than just a commitment; it’s a deeply personal mission. Each effort, whether it’s a presentation, a lecture, or a podcast, is a step towards improving the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s, honoring my father’s struggle, and ensuring that every patient receives the comprehensive, integrative care they deserve.”

Read Reversa’s full story


Esther Labib-Kiyarash headshot

Esther Labib-Kiyarash – Southwest Chapter

Rising Star

“Along the way I have learned that there are many things, tips and tricks that the people who live the best with this disease share: exercise, positive thinking, being around others like themselves and giving back. The Parkinson’s Foundation is a great way to give back.”

Read Esther’s full story


Roland and Shelley Frankel and children

Roland and Shelley Frankel – Midwest Chapter

Top Fundraiser

As the somber saying goes, a parent should never have to bury their child. But in March 2023 Roland and Shelley Frankel had to do just that. Their son Graeme had been fighting Parkinson’s for five years and passed from an asthma-related emergency. To keep Graeme’s memory alive, the family decided to start a DIY fundraiser with the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Read Roland and Shelley’s full story


Debra Flynn headshot

Debra Flynn – Florida Chapter

Community Service Award

“I really enjoy volunteering. I see it as another way to celebrate movement. I move my brain cells around; I motivate my soul to do good things; and volunteering moves forward the search for a cure.”

Read Debra’s full story

There are many powerful ways to get involved and support the Parkinson’s Foundation and our work to make life better for people with Parkinson's. Get started with our How You Can Help page. This page will give you options for volunteering, starting your own DIY Fundraiser, or even just donating to the cause.

You can also fill out a volunteer interest form to chat with our volunteer engagement team about how we can best put your skills to use. Help us bring life-saving information and resources to the hands of those who need them most.

Already a volunteer? Check out our course offerings today!

Educational Events

Let's Talk About It: Non-motor Symptoms

1:00 pm to 4:00 pm MDT
Free
Woman thinking in contemplation

There are many non-motor challenges associated with Parkinson’s disease that may not always be easy to discuss. With a focus on non-motor symptoms, this program will provide strategies for coping and talking about it with healthcare providers or loved ones.

Speakers:
Dana Sugar, MD, University of New Mexico

Sponsored by:

Seed for Success
More to Parkinson's

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2025 Utica Boilermaker Race Weekend

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.

Utica, NY
Educational Events

Parkinson’s Research and Care

10:00 am to 2:00 pm PDT
Free
Research and Care Banner

Parkinson's research is important to finding better treatments and improving care. At this program, attendees will learn about how research shapes treatments, about care strategies for managing Parkinson’s symptoms, and what’s new in research.

People with Parkinson’s and their loved ones are invited to join us for a resource fair, exercise demonstrations, table activities, raffles and giveaways, and lunch.

Registration, parking and meals are provided at no cost to attendees, but registration is required.

Speakers: Anny Lin, MD, UW Medicine; Pinky Agarwal, MD, Evergreen Health

Sponsored by:

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2025 Utica Boilermaker Race Weekend

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.

Utica, NY
Educational Events

Fitness Counts

10:00 am to 1:30 pm EST
Free
Fitness Counts Banner

Check-in and resource fair starts at 10 a.m.; Program starts 11:00 a.m.

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

Erin Buckley, OTR/L
Central Virginia VA Health Care System

Cameron Gordon, PT, DPT
Veterans Healthcare Administration

Alyssa Yeary, PT, DPT, NCS
VCU Health

Margaret Preston
Power Over Parkinson's (POP)

Molly Cupka 
Up ENDing Parkinson’s

Lindsay Dawson, PT, DPT
Rock Steady Boxing Richmond

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.

Thank you to our Sponsor:

Kyowa Kirin
Educational Events

Hacia Adelante: Navegando el Mar del Parkinson

9:00 am to 2:00 pm PDT
Free
Hacia Adelante

Acompañe a la Parkinson’s Foundation en nuestro evento educativo en español para explorar formas de mantenerse motivado cuando se vive con Parkinson y disfrute de una feria de recursos, baile, almuerzo, juegos, rifas, oportunidades de investigación in situ y mucho más.

Este programa es gratuito y está disponible para las personas con Parkinson, sus familiares, amigos, personas de apoyo y promotores de salud. Entre los presentadores estarán Natalie Diaz, MD, Pacific Neuroscience Institute; Ignacio Mata, PhD, Cleveland Clinic; Xavier Cagigas, PhD, UCLA; y Adriana Jimenez, Give for a Smile. 

El estacionamiento y el almuerzo son gratuitos y hay una zona de actividades para niños disponible. 

Inscribase en persona

Sponsored by:

Medtronic

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2025 Utica Boilermaker Race Weekend

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.

Utica, NY
Educational Events

Better Lives, Together: Fresno Parkinson's Summit

9:30 am to 2:00 pm PDT
Free
Fresno Summit 2025

Living with Parkinson’s can be challenging, but many resources are available to help you live your best quality of life. This program will provide important information about defining your care goals – both now and for the future – as well as guidance on accessing supportive services.

The event is free and is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends and the community. Registration is required as in-person seating is limited.

Thank you to our event partners, the Greater Fresno Parkinson’s Support Group and Move Up Health.

Speaker: Kwame Adjepong, MD, UCSF

Sponsored by:

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2025 Utica Boilermaker Race Weekend

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.

Utica, NY
Educational Events

Let’s Talk About It: Thinking Changes

11:00 am to 2:30 pm EST
FREE
Woman thinking in contemplation

There are many non-motor challenges associated with Parkinson’s disease that may not always be easy to discuss. With a focus on cognition & thinking changes, this program will provide strategies for coping and talking about it with healthcare providers or loved ones.

Speakers

Mariel B. Deutsch, MD, FAAN
Neurology MIND Care
Cognitive Behavioral Neurologist at Neurology MIND Care PLLC

Kaitlin Stephen, MS, OT/L, LSVT
Metro Physical & Aquatic Therapy

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.

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2025 Utica Boilermaker Race Weekend

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.

Utica, NY
Educational Events

Live Fitness Fridays - Cardio, Balance & Brain Boost

Virtual ( Zoom )
1:00 pm to 1:45 pm EST
FREE
A man lifting two weights in a T motion

Get ready to challenge your body and mind with this exciting high-energy class designed for individuals with Parkinson’s. You’ll alternate between heart-pumping cardio intervals and balance exercises that not only strengthen your stability but also improve your multitasking skills. By combining physical and cognitive tasks, this class helps you enhance both coordination and mental agility.

Choose from three versions based on your balance needs: standing without support, standing with support, or seated. Whatever your ability, there's a version for you!

Instructor

Nicole Lanzafame, PT, DPT, Clinic Director, Wellness 360

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.

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2025 Utica Boilermaker Race Weekend

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.

Utica, NY
Educational Events

Mindfulness Mondays - Management of Negative Thinking

Virtual ( Zoom )
1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EST
FREE
Woman sitting on the couch drinking coffee

Negative thinking can contribute to unnecessary self-criticism, negative emotions like depression or anxiety, and avoidant behaviors that can impact our ability to manage a chronic illness well. While it is natural to experience negative thoughts,  when our mind is stuck in the past or focused on the future, we are not being mindful of the things we can control now. When the thoughts become overwhelming our autonomic nervous system becomes unbalanced and managing physical symptoms can become more challenging.  

Join us to get "unhooked" from that negative anchor through guided imagery and breathwork.

Speaker

Danielle R. Carns, PsyD - Director, Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder Program; Clinical Neuropsychologist, Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh School 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.

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

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2025 Utica Boilermaker Race Weekend

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.

Utica, NY
Educational Events

Mindfulness Mondays - Mental Wellbeing

Virtual ( Zoom )
1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EST
FREE
Woman sitting on the couch drinking coffee

In sessions with Dr. Rush, we explore different dimensions of a mindfulness practice. She will share ways to ground and settle the mind and body. These mindfulness techniques can offer moments of respite and clarity that can be useful throughout your week. Find a comfortable seat and join your mindful Parkinson's community for a special session.

Whether this is your first mindfulness Monday, or you are a returning participant, these sessions are created with the intention of including everyone. There will be time for questions following the practice.

Speaker

Taylor Rush, Ph.D. - 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.

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2025 Utica Boilermaker Race Weekend

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.

Utica, NY
Back to Top