Podcasts

Episode 176: Allied Health Spotlight: The Challenges of Speech and Swallowing Issues

Allied health professionals are a group of healthcare providers whose role and expertise complement the work of physicians. These include specialists such as physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, nutritionists, and many more. They are just as important as your Movement Disorders Specialists and Neurologists, and play a vital role in creating a comprehensive, well-rounded Parkinson’s care team that caters to your individual needs and addresses your overall well-being.

In this second episode of our Allied Health Spotlight series, we highlight the benefits of working with a speech-language pathologist early on in your Parkinson’s journey. Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects movement throughout the body, including the face, mouth, throat, and breathing muscles. As the disease progresses, people with PD may develop problems with speaking and swallowing. This can not only impact eating habits, but can also lead to soft voice and drooling, making conversations during social gatherings uncomfortable. 

In this episode, Melissa Grassia Chisholm, MS, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech pathologist and a voice-swallow airway expert, explains how speech and swallowing problems can develop in people with PD.  She also discusses different diagnostic procedures, therapies, and programs that can help improve speech and swallowing.

Released: February 11, 2025

We want to thank this episode's podcast sponsors, UCB and Novartis, for supporting our mission. 

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Fundraising Events

2026 BMW Berlin Marathon

6:00 am to 6:00 pm CEST
Parkinson's Champions runners

The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2026 Berlin Marathon. 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 fundraising support and team benefits. You can learn more about our program at Run4PD.org

Our official Parkinson's Champions Berlin team is full for 2026 and we are not currently accepting applications for 2027 yet.

More world records have been broken on Berlin's fast pavement than at any other marathon race in the world. 13 so far. More could follow. But that is not the only reason that makes the season highlight in the German capital one of the most popular running spectacles of the year. Over 50,000 finishers experience their very special moment when crossing the Brandenburg Gate just before the finish line, millions of spectators and 80 live bands celebrate the sport along the course. The international running community is a guest in the German capital at this special highlight.

If you have questions, send us an email at Run4PD@Parkinson.org. For more information about the race itself, visit the Berlin Marathon Homepage.

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2026 TCS Sydney Marathon

6:00 am to 6:00 pm AEST
Parkinson's Champions runners

The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2026 Sydney Marathon. 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. Learn more about our programs at Run4PD.org and apply to join the team.

We have limited bibs available for Sydney and will be prioritizing fundraisers who apply with goals above the fundraising minimum.

Fundraising Commitment:

  • Marathon - $4,000

The 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS is the 7th, and one of the newest members of the Abbott World Marathon Majors! We are thrilled to be welcoming runners from around the globe to Sydney. The marathon is not only be the largest ever held in Australia, but also the centerpiece of an entire running festival. This festival features over 40,000 participants from more than 100 countries, making it the largest event of its kind in Australia. 

If you have questions, send us an email at Run4PD@Parkinson.org. For more information about the race itself, visit the Sydney Marathon Homepage.

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

Tokyo Marathon 2026

6:00 am to 6:00 pm JST
Parkinson's Champions runners

The Parkinson's Foundation is an Official International Charity of Tokyo Marathon 2026. 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. You can learn more about our program at Run4PD.org

Our Tokyo Marathon 2026 team is full and we are no longer accepting applications. We hope to have bibs available for 2027. You can register your interest and apply here.

Part of the World Marathon Majors, this flat and fast course has played host to several records and is attended by as many as 2 million spectators annually – that’s c.15% of Tokyo’s population. The course is said to symbolize the past, present and the future of Tokyo, traversing the city’s major districts including Kanda, where you can take in traditional architecture, the halfway point at Ryogoku and the finish at Tokyo Station. One of the world’s most popular races and Asia’s biggest marathon, take your place in history.

If you have questions, send us an email at Run4PD@Parkinson.org. For more information about the race itself, visit the Tokyo Marathon Homepage.

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2026 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

5:00 am to 8:00 pm EST
Participant running in Disney race

The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2026 Disney Wine & Dine Half 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 gain access to an entry (bib) to the race plus other perks and benefits.

Register to run at PDChampionsWineAndDine.org
 

Fundraising Commitments:

  • Half Marathon - $1,250
  • 10k: $900
  • 5k: $750

Email  Run4PD@Parkinson.org to register a minor.

 

Still need to book your Disney trip but not sure where to start? Maggie Cattle with Spirit of Adventure Travel specializes in Disney destinations and can help take the stress out of planning. She’s also passionate about the Parkinson’s community. Her father was diagnosed with PD in 2020, the same month her husband began working at the Parkinson’s Foundation. Email Maggie to inquire & book!

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2027 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

6:00 am to 8:00 pm EST
Participant running in Disney race

The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2027 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. By signing up to run as a Parkinson's Champion, you commit to raising funds and awareness for the Parkinson's Foundation. In return, you get access to an entry (bib) to the race plus other perks and benefits.

Register to run at PDChampionsDisneyPrincess.org.

Fundraising Commitments:

  • Half Marathon - $1,750
  • 10k: $1000
  • 5k: $900

Email  Run4PD@Parkinson.org to register a minor.
 

Still need to book your Disney trip but not sure where to start? Maggie Cattle with Spirit of Adventure Travel specializes in Disney destinations and can help take the stress out of planning. She’s also passionate about the Parkinson’s community. Her father was diagnosed with PD in 2020, the same month her husband began working at the Parkinson’s Foundation. Email Maggie to inquire & book!

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2026 Disney World Marathon Weekend

6:00 am to 8:00 pm EST
Participant running in Disney race

The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2026 Disney World 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. Register to run now at PDChampionsDisneyworld.org

Fundraising Commitments:

  • Dopey Challenge (5k, 10k, Half, & Marathon) - $3,000
  • Goofy's Race and a Half (Half & Marathon) - $2,250
  • Marathon - $1,500
  • Half - $1,000
  • 5k/10 - $750

*Do you have your own bib? Do you have a runner under age 18 to register? Please email us at Run4PD@Parkinson.org for special registration instructions.

Close your eyes and dream it – then make those dreams come true with runDisney and the Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend. Join Mickey Mouse and friends as you go the distance on your journey across every magical mile. Every course is full of “character” and encouragement as you earn every mile in a weekend filled with four different races, two challenges, and inspiration at every turn (of the course, that is). Dreams do come true with runDisney.

Looking for travel support? Sign up for a free consultation with our wonderful friends at Magical Park Vacations at THIS LINK (whether you end up running with us or not). They have deep knowledge of the parks and traveling with a family member who has Parkinson’s disease.

NOTE: Registration for this race includes access to the Walt Disney World Resort® amusement parks for the race event only. To “ride-the-rides” you would need to purchase a separate ticket to the parks. There may be the opportunity for friends and family to come cheer you on without needing to purchase entry to the park, but this will be announced later by the runDisney organization at their discretion.

If you have questions, send us an email at Run4PD@Parkinson.org. For more information about the race itself, visit the runDisney Homepage.

 

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2026 Utica Boilermaker Race Weekend

6:00 am to 6:00 pm EST
Parkinson's Champions runners

The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2026 Utica Boilermaker Race 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.

Fundraising Commitments:
15k - $500

This world-renowned race is often referred to as the country’s best 15K. The Boilermaker 15K is recognized for its entertaining yet challenging course and racing’s best post-race party, hosted by the F.X. Matt Brewing Company, featuring Saranac beer and a live concert! With plenty of water support, strong attention to medical detail, and crowd support like no other race, the Boilermaker 15K is an event worth training and traveling for and should be on every runner’s “must-do” list.

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.

If you have questions, send us an email. For more information about the race itself, visit the Boilermaker Homepage.
 

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2026 Peachtree Road Race

6:00 am to 6:00 pm EST
Parkinson's Champions runners

The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2026 AJC Peachtree Road Race. By signing up to run as a Parkinson's Champion, you commit to raising funds and awareness for the Parkinson's Foundation. In return, you receive an entry (bib) to the race. 

Fundraising Commitment: $1,000

The AJC Peachtree Road Race is more than a race; it’s a celebration of community, determination, and the spirit of Atlanta. For over half a century, it has brought people from all walks of life together to spend Independence Day in a one-of-a-kind running and walking tradition. The 6.2-mile course takes participants from the streets of Buckhead through Midtown, finishing in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park.

Note: Race weekend may bring high temperatures. Please consult with your doctor to make sure you have a plan to exercise safely in the heat.

For more information about the race, visit the Peachtree Road Race homepage.

Parkinson's Champions Cheer Team
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 athletes along the race course! Learn more and sign up at Parkinson.org/ChampionsCheer.

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2026 Lifetime Chicago Spring Half Marathon

5:00 am to 8:00 pm CDT
Parkinson's Champions runners

The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2026 Lifetime Chicago Spring Half Marathon. 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. You can learn more about our program and join our interest list at Run4PD.org

Fundraising Commitments:

  • Half Marathon - $1,000

To register runners under age 18 or if you have your own bib and want to run as an honorary athlete, please email us.

Revel in the changing of the seasons at the Life Time Chicago Spring Half Marathon! Get ready for a breathtaking race experience just for you. The Half Marathon is designed to help you celebrate spring along our scenic lakefront, with amazing views and refreshing lake breezes. And the run is only the start of the fun. After the finish line, join us in our Spring Market Festival, featuring a delicious brunch, picturesque photo ops, a lively beer garden, live music, and even a flower planting station where you can take home your own spring bloom. It’s the perfect way to celebrate spring!

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.

For more information about the race itself, visit the Chicago Spring Half Marathon.

Upcoming Events

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