Educational Events

Live Fitness Fridays - Gentle Yoga for Parkinson's

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

Join us for a soothing and supportive gentle yoga class designed specifically for individuals living with Parkinson's. This class focuses on gentle movements, mindful breathing techniques, and relaxation exercises to promote flexibility, improve balance, and reduce muscle stiffness commonly associated with Parkinson's disease. Through a series of accessible yoga poses and guided meditation, you'll learn to cultivate a sense of calmness, enhance body awareness, and foster a deeper connection between mind and body.

No prior yoga experience is necessary, and modifications will be provided to adapt to individual needs. Come nurture yourself in a safe environment tailored to the unique challenges and strengths of Parkinson's.

Please keep a chair and bottle of water nearby. Enjoy the session!

Instructors

Crista Ellis, Yoga & Meditation Teacher, Transformational Mentor, Founder of Rising Rose Yoga, Community Engagement Manager, Parkinson's Foundation

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.

PD Health @ Home is presented by the Light of Day Foundation, whose generosity has made this programming possible.

Light of Day

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

2026 Falmouth Road Race

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.

Falmouth, MA
Educational Events

Mindfulness Mondays - Heart Harmony

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

Join Crista for a guided meditation to welcome our hearts into healing and our minds into harmony. We often find ourselves trapped in our thoughts, pondering what we should do, weighing the pros and cons, wrestling with fears, and questioning our decisions. Although our minds are intelligent, accessing our heart space allows us to truly connect with our inner selves. By surrendering to our hearts, we can align our actions with our true desires, allowing both our heart and mind to work together in harmony.

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 and community connection following the practice.

Speaker

Crista Ellis, Yoga & Meditation Teacher, Inspirational Mentor, Founder of Rising Rose Yoga, Community Engagement Manager, Parkinson's Foundation

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.

PD Health @ Home is presented by the Light of Day Foundation, whose generosity has made this programming possible.

Light of Day

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

2026 Falmouth Road Race

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.

Falmouth, MA
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.

PD Health @ Home is presented by the Light of Day Foundation, whose generosity has made this programming possible.

Light of Day

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

2026 Falmouth Road Race

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.

Falmouth, MA
Educational Events

Mindfulness Mondays - Working With Discomfort

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

For many of us, physical discomfort is a part of our journey with Parkinson’s. In this session, we will talk together about how mindfulness can help us manage discomfort and pain, and offer a guided meditation on working with some of the common difficulties associated with Parkinson’s.

Speaker

Nico Hase, PhD, Author, Meditation Teacher

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.

PD Health @ Home is presented by the Light of Day Foundation, whose generosity has made this programming possible.

Light of Day

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

2026 Falmouth Road Race

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.

Falmouth, MA
Educational Events

Live Fitness Fridays: Punch Out PD

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

Power up your workout. Punch Out PD will include dynamic, high-energy drills that train muscle power. Vigorous exercise can help improve motor function and brain health. This class will incorporate intervals of high intensity power movements such as squats & punches, along with functional strength exercises that support activities of daily living. The goal of this class is to help support confidence, independence and optimal brain aging. Both seated and standing exercises will be included.

Instructors

Cammy Dennis, BS, ACE, AFAA, AEA, NAFC

Susan Lassiter, BSN, MSN, MHA, AEA, NAFC

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.

PD Health @ Home is presented by the Light of Day Foundation, whose generosity has made this programming possible.

Light of Day

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

2026 Falmouth Road Race

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.

Falmouth, MA
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, PhD - 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.

PD Health @ Home is presented by the Light of Day Foundation, whose generosity has made this programming possible.

Light of Day

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

2026 Falmouth Road Race

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.

Falmouth, MA
Educational Events

Mindfulness Mondays - Kindness

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

Many of us would like more kindness in our lives. Through meditation we can cultivate this most beneficial quality of the heart. This session will focus on the psychological and physical benefits of cultivating kindness, as well as offer a guided kindness meditation.

Speaker

Devon Hase, Author, Meditation Teacher

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.

PD Health @ Home is presented by the Light of Day Foundation, whose generosity has made this programming possible.

Light of Day

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

2026 Falmouth Road Race

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.

Falmouth, MA
Raise Awareness

Rehabilitation Care & Parkinson’s: Start Early and Assess Often

Man doing physical therapy exercises using a stretch band

A serious misconception about Parkinson’s disease (PD) is that rehabilitative care should only come into play in the later stages of the disease. In fact, rehabilitation can play a crucial role in managing and improving PD symptoms, function, and quality of life and reducing disability from day one.

In January 2024, the Parkinson’s Foundation published a paper on the importance of delivering rehabilitation care in Parkinson’s in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease. This paper was written by the Parkinson’s Foundation Global Rehabilitation Medicine Task Force, which was formed to help healthcare professionals incorporate rehabilitation into PD care.

“Our goal is to raise awareness of the importance of rehabilitation care in PD. We want to motivate people living with Parkinson’s to advocate for their best care, and that means knowing that they can start rehabilitative care at any point in their disease. We also want to motivate professionals to include evidence-based rehabilitation interventions when providing care to every person with Parkinson’s,” said Jennifer Goldman, MD, MS co-chair of the Parkinson’s Foundation Rehabilitation Medicine Task Force.

Rehab infographic

Parkinson’s rehabilitation services should start early and be assessed every year.

Rehabilitation is defined as a set of treatments and therapies that can help people with Parkinson’s maintain or improve activities of daily living and independence. PD rehabilitation can include:

Trained rehabilitation professionals provide care with the goal of keeping people with PD communicating well, engaging in activities they love and moving well. Rehabilitative care plays a crucial role in PD care and improving health outcomes, with growing evidence showing the benefit for movement and non-movement symptom management, activities of daily living and quality of life.

Key Highlights

The Parkinson’s Foundation Global Rehabilitation Medicine Task Force published the following takeaways regarding rehabilitative care and PD: 

  • Rehabilitation should involve the person with PD and care partner and should incorporate shared decision-making to promote symptom management and independence.

  • Care coordination and communication among the rehabilitation team, the entire PD care team, the person with PD, and care partner are critical for best results.

  • Rehabilitative care professionals should have knowledge and expertise in treating people with Parkinson’s disease.

  • Since Parkinson’s is a progressive disease, rehabilitative care should be offered at diagnosis and regularly throughout the disease course with repeated assessments and interventions adapted to changes in a person’s condition or needs.

  • Rehabilitative interventions are critical in treating PD, alongside medical, surgical and other PD-related interventions.

What is the takeaway for people with Parkinson’s?

More than half of people with PD are never referred to rehabilitative therapy in their lifetime. Research shows that these therapies help with symptom management and help people with PD stay independent longer. Many healthcare professionals and people with PD remain unaware of the potential impact of rehabilitative care, thereby limiting their use and availability in the PD community. These therapies are greatly under-utilized for people living with PD.

Rehab infographic

Participating in rehabilitation care leads to:

The Parkinson’s Foundation recommends that every person with PD ask their PD doctor at least once a year if they can benefit from rehabilitative services.

Learn more about Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapies. For a referral to a rehabilitation expert near you, call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).

Educational Events

South Florida Parkinson's Symposium

Virtual ( Zoom )
11:00 am to 2:00 pm EST
FREE
South Florida

Join us to discuss Parkinson's symptoms, treatments, and progression while we explore important factors in helping live your best life, including diet, exercise, and staying connected. This program will also feature a live Q & A with Parkinson's experts.

Expert Speakers

Ihtsham ul Haq, MD, FAAN
Professor of Neurology and Chief of Movement Disorders Divisions
University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. 

Kimberly Amigo, DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC
Memorial Neuroscience Institute

Annelly Bure-Reyes, PhD
Assistant Professor, Division of Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience
Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. 

Marina Sarno, PsyD
Assistant Professor, Division of Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience
Lead Neuropsychologist, Movement Disorders Division, Department of Neurology
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. 

Melissa Grassia Chisholm, MS, CCC-SLP
CEO | Voice Rehab LLC

Valeria Garcia-Mallon, MS OTR/L
Memorial Hospital West Outpatient Rehabilitation

Rania Massad PT, DPT
Assistant Professor & Neurologic Residency Coordinator
Nova Southeastern University- Physical Therapy Program.

Sydney Hughes, CAP
Founder & CEO, Senior Proof

Moderator

Adolfo Diaz
Associate Vice President, Information & Resources
Parkinson's Foundation

Fitness Demonstration: "The Dancing Nurse", Shan'tel Davidson, Karisma Dance Fitness LLC

Event Volunteers Needed! Service hours and lunch are provided. To sign up and learn more, visit: Volunteer sign-up here


For in-person attendees: Check-in and Resource Fair start at 10 a.m. Lunch will be served.

For virtual attendees via Zoom: The live stream starts at 11 a.m.


There is no charge to attend, but registration is required since lunch will be served. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their families, friends, and the community.

Sponsored by:

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2026 Falmouth Road Race

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.

Falmouth, MA

My PD Story

Herbert Wennink headshot
People with PD

Herbert Wennink

I was 56 when I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD). Now, almost 10 years later, I look back on how the disease has affected my life but also how I continue to adapt. I never thought I’d be at the gym so much, or that I’d have to take early retirement, but I have learned that I am resilient and that even as the disease progresses, I can still have a great deal of joy in my life.

A few months before being diagnosed, I noticed symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as a small tremor in my hand and a loss of smell. At the urging of my wife, I saw my primary care doctor, who suspected Parkinson’s. I then saw a general neurologist who confirmed the diagnosis.

I sought a second opinion at Northwestern Medicine Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center because it is a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence. Northwestern Medicine Neurologist Danny Bega, MD, confirmed my diagnosis and created a personalized treatment plan addressing not only medications, but also lifestyle changes and exercise to manage symptoms and enhance my quality of life.

A central element of my life is attending Rock Steady Boxing classes specifically designed for people with Parkinson’s. I also attend Parkinson’s-specific ping pong, golf and Second City Improv classes. Who knew Parkinson’s could be so funny? Many of these initiatives have received Parkinson’s Foundation community grants.

The Parkinson’s Foundation has been a key resource for providing me and my family with ongoing education. I found the Hospital Safety Guide to be helpful when I was diagnosed and continue to use it as a resource. Each year, I attend the Parkinson’s Disease Patient and Caregiver Symposium, co-hosted by the Parkinson’s Foundation and Northwestern Medicine, to stay updated on treatments and research. Through the Foundation’s events like Moving Day walks and Parkinson's Players activities, I have found support, camaraderie and a sense of belonging.

My journey with Parkinson’s disease has taught me many things. One is that Parkinson’s isn’t limited to older adults; it affects people of all ages and can happen to anyone.

Herbert Wennink on a hike

I’ve also learned to celebrate milestones. I’ve been living with Parkinson’s for nearly a decade, and every year that my symptoms are managed is a milestone. I appreciate that I have been able to live well enough to take several international trips with my wife and daughter since my diagnosis.

I am proud to have stuck with a vigorous exercise program over the years, and it’s paying off. I have definitely learned that exercise equals medicine, and the community of supportive coaches and friends is invaluable. I hope fellow people with PD will approach this disease with a positive attitude and a commitment to being active — and keep pushing to live the best life possible.

Learn more about the Northwestern Medicine Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center

Find the Parkinson’s exercise class that works for you! For virtual options, explore our Fitness Friday videos. For in-person classes, visit your local chapter’s webpage or call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).

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