Educational Events

Learn More. Live Better. Parkinson’s Symposium

10:00 am to 1:30 pm CDT
FREE
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Check-in & the Resource Fair (for in-person attendees) begins at 9:00 a.m. CDT 

Living with Parkinson’s can be challenging, but there are many things you can do to maintain and improve your quality of life.  This program will provide you with information to help you find the balance between a proactive approach and wondering what lies ahead.

Expert Speakers

Erin Edmundson, PT, DPT 
Huntsville Hospital Parkinson's Care Clinic

Anitra Ford, MS, CCC-SLP
Huntsville Hospital Therapy Services

Jay van Gerpen, MD, FAAN
Neurology Consultants of Huntsville

Carolina Parker, MD
Neurology Consultants of Huntsville

Brandi Ivey M.Ed, CPPN
Huntsville Hospital Parkinson's Care Clinic

Katelyn Bowden, OT
Huntsville Hospital Parkinson's Care Clinic

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.

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Parkinson's Disease Program for African American and Latinx Communities

10:00 am to 2:00 pm PDT
FREE

Join Stanford and UCSF for a free educational event for two under-served communities – the African American Parkinson’s community and the Latinx Parkinson’s community.  There will be simultaneous sessions (different rooms) in English and Spanish.

Ideally for those diagnosed in the last few years.  Family members and friends are welcome and encouraged to join!  

Attendance is free, but registration is required and seating is limited. Lunch will be provided.

To register, email Aaron Daley at aaron.daley@ucsf.edu.

Expertos en el tratamiento de trastornos del movimiento hablarán en español acerca de los sintomas y el manejo de la enfermedad de Parkinson y se dará información acera de agencias en la comunidad que ofrecen grupos de apoyo y programa de ejercicio.

Este programa es gratuito y está disponible para cualquier persona interesada, incluyendo a las personas con Parkinson y sus familiares, amigos, aliados de cuidado y promotores de salud. 

Inscríbase en persona

Ubicación del evento, direcciones y información de estacionamiento: https://ce.csueastbay.edu/conference/index.html#location.

Este evento gruito. Se ofrecerá almuerzo.

Para inscribirse, envie un correo electrónico a: aaron.daley@ucsf.edu.

Sponsored by the Parkinson's Foundation and hosted by UCSF Movement Disorders and Neuromodulation Center & Stanford Movement Disorders Center. Both are Parkinson's Foundation Centers of Excellence.

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Educational Events

The PD Solo Network

Virtual ( Zoom )
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm EST
FREE
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
PD Solo event banner of woman staring out the window

Parkinson's Foundation Launches: The PD Solo Network - Living Alone While Living with PD

There are two sessions available: You are welcome to choose one or attend both.
– 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET
– 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET

What is the PD Solo Network: 

A virtual network for people living with Parkinson's disease (PD) who live alone, by choice or circumstance. The purpose of this group is to create a community of support for those living without a care partner. People living with PD are the experts about what challenges, changes and accommodations are needed on a daily basis. This network will provide a place to share ideas, concerns, brainstorm strategies, suggestions, resources & to build relationships.

The Parkinson's Foundation is providing the initial funding and support to kick start this network. It will most likely become a very strong network that will operate independently although the Parkinson's Foundation will always be an entity of support & information for the participants.

Upcoming Meeting Dates:

– February 13 and February 27, 2024
– March 12 and March 26, 2024
– April 9 and April 23, 2024

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required in order to receive the Zoom link.

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

The PD Solo Network

Virtual ( Zoom )
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm EST
FREE
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
PD Solo event banner of woman staring out the window

Parkinson's Foundation Launches: The PD Solo Network - Living Alone While Living with PD

There are two sessions available: You are welcome to choose one or attend both.
– 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET
– 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET

What is the PD Solo Network: 

A virtual network for people living with Parkinson's disease (PD) who live alone, by choice or circumstance. The purpose of this group is to create a community of support for those living without a care partner. People living with PD are the experts about what challenges, changes and accommodations are needed on a daily basis. This network will provide a place to share ideas, concerns, brainstorm strategies, suggestions, resources & to build relationships.

The Parkinson's Foundation is providing the initial funding and support to kick start this network. It will most likely become a very strong network that will operate independently although the Parkinson's Foundation will always be an entity of support & information for the participants.

Upcoming Meeting Dates:

– May 14 and May 28, 2024
– June 11 and June 25, 2024
– July 9 and July 23, 2024
– August 13 and August 27, 2024

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required in order to receive the Zoom link.

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

Michael Sierchio and his wife
People with PD

Michael Sierchio

My Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis started one morning when my wife said to me that I should see a doctor about how I was walking.  She had noticed that my gait had changed, and had been searching online for reasons why. As soon as she mentioned it to me, I realized she was right, and I became very aware of how my movement had changed.

I started with my regular doctor who after watching me walk and noticing an occasional tremor in my hand told me that it was likely Parkinson’s. She told me everyone’s journey with Parkinson’s was different. She referred me to a neurologist who ordered a DAT scan that confirmed my results were consistent with Parkinson’s. 

The diagnosis was confirmed on January 5, 2023, about one week before we embarked on a 111-day world cruise. My neurologist encouraged me to take the cruise and just be careful on the cobble stone streets around the world. “Just don’t fall.” It was the trip of a lifetime, and I was able to do almost everything I wanted.

After returning from the cruise, I made an appointment with a neurologist who was a family friend, and he also confirmed the diagnosis. He was in Los Angeles and a five-hour drive from my home in Las Vegas.  It wasn’t practical in the long term, so he referred me to the Cleveland Clinic at the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas. 

Fortunately, my doctor at the Cleveland Clinic was also the Principal Investigator for a new Parkinson’s medication. I was accepted into the Phase three trial and didn’t think twice about participating, even though you don’t know if you’re in the placebo group or the drug group.

Participating in research led me to new opportunities, including being invited to speak about my drug trial experience at a Cleveland Clinic event. This event was also my introduction to the Parkinson’s Foundation. In just three months, I began exploring and utilizing Parkinson’s Foundation resources, which motivated me to apply to the People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council and to become a research advocate for the Foundation.

Throughout my research experience, I have learned that it’s challenging to enroll participants in drug trials for many reasons. I didn’t think twice about participating in the trial because it is an opportunity to not only help my own Parkinson’s symptoms, but to help other people who will be diagnosed with PD in the future. 

I found myself constantly checking for any change in my condition to see if I could tell which trial group I was assigned. After 27 weeks of phase three participation, I will move to the Phase four trial and receive the new drug for an entire year.

In the last two months I’ve joined a gym and started playing racquetball again. I’ve noticed my better days are the active ones. Staying active really makes a difference for me. I think of exercise as important as medication for my Parkinson’s journey.

I have started attending Parkinson’s events and grow my participation in the PD community here in Las Vegas. I find that events let me meet other people with PD, which is different than reading about someone’s journey online. I find it helpful to reading about PD news and studies to help me understand the state of the disease.

I would encourage everyone to see a neurologist as early as possible when you display early symptoms, such as the loss of sense of smell and active/restless sleep. I had these symptoms more than 10 years ago but never understood they would be the early steps towards Parkinson’s.

Find a PD-trained neurologist using our In Your Area search feature or by calling our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).

Educational Events

Parkinson's 101: What You and Your Family Should Know

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm EST
FREE

 

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Check-in starts at 2:00 p.m. ET.

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 and available treatments. Learn practical daily living tips to empower you to take charge of your health and to navigate the challenges of living with PD.

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 program is hosted by the Parkinson's Foundation Georgia Chapter in partnership with Senior Medicare Patrol.

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Learn More. Live Better. Parkinson's Symposium

Virtual ( Youtube Live Stream )
9:00 am to 12:30 pm EST
FREE
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
Learn More. Live Better. Parkinson's Symposium banner

Check-in & the Resource Fair (for in-person attendees) begins at 9:00 a.m. EDT 

Living with Parkinson’s can be challenging, but there are many things you can do to maintain and improve your quality of life.  This program will provide you with information to help you find the balance between a proactive approach and wondering what lies ahead.

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.

Expert Panelists:

Vanessa Hinson, MD, PhD
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) - A Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence

Nathan DeTurk, MD
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) - A Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence

Courtney Conner, RD
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bluffton

Ellen Glazer, SLP
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bluffton

Renee Bannon, RN, BSN
Encompass Health

Robert Scutta, CSA
Scutta Advocacy Group

Rhonda Hiott
Lowcountry Council of Governments

People with Parkinson's & Care Partner Panelists:

Jay & Marilyn Phillips

Ron Stokes

Scott Rider

Pete & Mary Anne Oliver

Movement Break Provided By:

Rock Steady Boxing Hilton Head
Carter Barrett, RipTide MMA

Participation Options:

Join us in-person at our main symposium location - Creative Church in Hardeeville, SC: Check-in and the Resource Fair start at 9:00 a.m. Lunch will be served immediately following the program. 

Join us in-person at an Encompass Viewing Party: If you cannot join us in person in Hardeeville, we encourage you to attend an Encompass Viewing Party (locations outlined below). At a Viewing Party, you can participate in a Resource Fair, watch the livestream, and enjoy refreshments with other members of your local Parkinson's community.

Encompass Viewing Party Locations:

  • Greenville
  • Little River

To register for a viewing party, click on the "Register for Virtual" button above and specify which location you will be joining. 

Join us online: If you cannot participate in our in-person Symposium or a Viewing Party, you can join us online from home!

This program is hosted by the Parkinson's Foundation Carolinas Chapter in partnership with Encompass Health.

Encompass Health

Program Agenda

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Educational Events

Learn More. Live Better. Parkinson’s Symposium

Virtual ( Zoom )
10:00 am to 2:00 pm CDT
FREE
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
Learn More. Live Better. Parkinson's Symposium banner

Check-in & Resource Fair start at 9:00 a.m. CDT. (for in-person attendees)

Living with Parkinson’s can be challenging, but there are many things you can do to maintain and improve your quality of life. This program will provide you with information to help you find the balance between a proactive approach and wondering what lies ahead.

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. Lunch will be served to those joining us in person.

Featured Speakers:

Marissa Dean, MD
The University of Alabama at Birmingham

Ruth K Fredericks, MD
St. Dominic Neuroscience Center

Laurie Mischley, ND, PhD, MPH
Seattle Integrative Medicine

Expert Panelists:

Gil & Gina Kim
Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassadors

Bobbie McLaughlin
Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador

Ashley Ricotta, OTL/R
Methodist Rehabilitation Center

Merry Claire Wardlaw, PT
Methodist Rehabilitation Center

Kelli Priest, SLP
Methodist Rehabilitation Center

For in-person attendees: In-person check-in and vendor visits start at 9:00 a.m. CDT.

For virtual attendees, via Zoom: The live stream starts at 10:00 a.m. CDT.

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Raise Awareness

From Passion to Action: 4 Volunteers Making a Difference

Every day at we are grateful for the wonderful volunteers, known as Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassadors, who help make a difference in the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

National Volunteer Week is April 17 to 23, and we want to celebrate and thank all the hard-working volunteers across the globe who spread awareness and improve their PD communities.

There are many ways to get involved and start volunteering, from Moving Day to joining our People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council. Finding the opportunity that fits your abilities and passion is key. Below are four volunteers who did just that, and who are excited to share their stories with you in the hopes that you might also find the volunteer role that works for you!

Rebecca

Rebecca LeClair on stage at Moving Day Walk

Volunteer, Brother is living with Parkinson’s 

Selfishness is normally considered a negative characteristic, but in this case, I’m proud to be a selfish volunteer for the Parkinson’s Foundation. Luckily, everything I do for the Foundation helps Greg, and vicariously helps others too! I think that’s pretty positive.

Read Rebecca’s story
 

Mike & Angela

Angela and Michael Bowman

Parkinson’s Research Advocates, Mike is Living with Parkinson’s and Angela is his care partner

Back in the day, it was uncommon for older people, especially African Americans, to seek medical attention for physical and mental needs. Now, as a Research Advocate, I can ask questions and help raise awareness for PD. I use this role to spread information about the importance of clinical research and genetic testing.

Read Mike and Angela’s story
 

Darrell

Darrell Allers headshot

Volunteer, Living with Parkinson’s

There are many volunteer roles in the Parkinson’s Foundation and my interest settled on giving presentations in the community. First, I needed to complete the Ambassador training which was very helpful and increased my PD knowledge. My motivation to pass the training quickly became my reality and I became a Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador for the Georgia Chapter.

Read Darrell’s story
 

Whether you are interested in becoming a Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador like Darrell, a research advocate like Mike & Angela, or speaking to people in your community like Rebecca, we want to hear from you! Get to know more of our volunteers through this special volunteer edition podcast episode.

Complete our volunteer interest form to get started. You can also chat with the volunteer engagement team to help us educate others about PD and connect them to life-saving resources.

Already a volunteer? Check out our course offerings today! 

Learn more about how you can become a Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador.
 

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