Educational Events

Learn More. Live Better. Parkinson's Symposium

12:30 pm to 2:00 pm EST
FREE
Learn More. Live Better. Parkinson's Symposium banner

Check-in begins at 12:00 pm and the program begins at 12:30 pm. 

Regardless of where you are in your Parkinson’s journey there are many things you can do to live well. Managing daily life with Parkinson's disease involves learning and adjusting as symptoms and needs change. This program addresses some common challenges and will provide important information, resources, and strategies to help you every day. Attendees will gain information to help find the balance between a proactive approach and wondering what lies ahead.

Speakers:

Kelley Giovannini M.S, PA-C
Movement Disorders Program
University of Michigan, a Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence

Erin Checchi, LMSW
Movement Disorders Program
University of Michigan, a Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence

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 Michigan Medicine in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation Great Lakes Chapter.

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Mindfulness Mondays - Decluttering our Minds

Virtual ( Zoom )
1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EST
Free
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
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Each Mindfulness Monday invites participants to slow down, reflect, and declutter their minds. Through guided breathwork and visualization, you will be encouraged to step into the present by releasing thoughtful roadblocks and opening your mind to new opportunities and experiences that can assist in managing Parkinson’s disease.

Speaker

Danielle R. Carns, PsyD
Clinical Neuropsychologist & Assistant Professor
Department of Neurology, Emory University 

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.

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Mindfulness Mondays - Meeting Discomfort & Finding Ease

Virtual ( Zoom )
1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EST
Free
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
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Physical discomfort, stiffness, and fatigue are often part of the Parkinson’s experience. This session offers mindful approaches for relating differently to discomfort—learning to soften resistance, steady the mind, and discover peace even when ease feels out of reach. A guided meditation will support you in meeting the body with patience and care.

Speaker

Devon Hase
Author & Meditatation 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.

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Mindfulness Mondays - Mental Well-being

Virtual ( Zoom )
1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EST
Free
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
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Each month, Dr. Rush invites you to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with yourself and your Parkinson’s community through a guided mindfulness practice. Together, we’ll explore simple ways to ground the body, calm the mind, and cultivate compassion and clarity that you can carry into your week.

Whether you’re new to mindfulness or a returning participant, these sessions are designed to be inclusive, supportive, and accessible for everyone. Find a comfortable place to sit, settle in, and experience how mindfulness can bring steadiness and space, even in the midst of change.

A brief time for questions and reflections will follow each 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.

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My PD Story

Richard and his wife outside
People with PD

Richard Huckabee

Richard Huckabee is a passionate Parkinson’s advocate, global speaker and retired Executive Manager who lives by two powerful mottos: “Get Better Every Day” and “Every Day I Fight.” Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in 2013, he transformed adversity into action—turning his journey into a global mission of hope, movement and momentum.

A devoted husband to Angela and proud father, Richard blends his love for global travel, hiking and photography with relentless advocacy. From hot air balloon safaris in Africa to exploring the pyramids, he proves that for him, Parkinson’s does not limit possibility, but fuels purpose.

Richard holding his award

Honored with the 2023 and 2024 President’s Bronze Volunteer Service Award, signed by President Joe Biden, Richard serves as a Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador and Research Advocate, an InMotion Ambassador, and a member of the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) Patient Council along with various other non-profit volunteer groups. He has led Ohio delegates on Capitol Hill advocating for increased federal funding for Parkinson’s research and has spoken to thousands, including at the World Parkinson Congress.

Richard is a powerful champion of inclusion in research. He was instrumental in encouraging the Black community to participate in PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson’s Foundation, helping ensure genetic research reflects the diversity of the PD community. His advocacy continues to open doors and build trust between underrepresented communities and leading research institutions.

“I want people with Parkinson’s to know that participating in PD GENEration is free, private, doesn’t involve any medications and is a way of contributing to a finding a cure someday. When you get your genetic testing results, you can review them and ask questions with a health professional.” – Richard

Exercise has been central to his journey from day one. In 2013, he participated in a dance drumming research study for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners. From this study, the members of the group formed into a source of invaluable support for Richard and his wife. They continue to meet for breakfast as the “Breakfast Club” and enjoy hikes together.

Additionally, Richard has participated in hundreds of research initiatives and groundbreaking clinical trials, including Cleveland Clinic’s Augmented Reality study, an experience that led to his appearance in the 2025 Cleveland Clinic Super Bowl commercial spotlighting Parkinson’s research.

Whether mentoring those newly diagnosed, collaborating with researchers, speaking internationally or lacing up his hiking boots, Richard inspires others to rise, move and believe in a bright future.

Explore ways to get involved with Parkinson’s research today. Visit our Join A Study page and learn more about PD GENEration, the Parkinson’s Foundation genetics study that offers genetic testing and counseling at no cost to participants.

My PD Story

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People with PD

Kathy McMurray

Kathy McMurray is a force of compassion and action in Evansville, IN, where she serves as a dedicated Ambassador for the Parkinson’s Foundation and a tireless advocate for people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

At just 36 years old, Kathy was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD). Soon after, she began volunteering with the Foundation in 2019. Along the way, she has served as a Community Grantee reviewer, Moving Day volunteer, support group presenter and advocate in securing Senate sponsorship for the Indiana Parkinson’s Registry. She continues to participate in Ambassador trainings, demonstrating her commitment to growth and informed advocacy.

Above all — she leads.

As Board President and Co-Founder of the non-profit PDEVV Hub, Kathy works to ensure that no one in the Evansville region feels alone after diagnosis. Providing access to local resources and fostering genuine human connection has been her driving force. This drive inspired Kathy to start two support groups in Evansville, IN and Hendersonville, KY. 

On the north side of Evansville, where Kathy lives with her husband, Jim, and their dog, something remarkable has quietly taken root. Within just 10 houses, four people are living with Parkinson’s disease — all at different stages.

What could have been isolating has instead become empowering. The neighbors encourage one another. The newly diagnosed find reassurance and shared understanding. Kathy believes fiercely in the strength of a group. “Life changes, but it can still be fun,” she said. 

Kathy is already looking ahead — to continued advocacy and attending the World Parkinson Congress in Phoenix, AZ. Her mission remains clear: to guide others to the support they need and ensure that no one walks this journey alone.

Her work spans local, state, and national levels — but it always returns home to Evansville.

Become a Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador today. Join our volunteer community to support people with Parkinson’s. Sign up now.

Videos & Webinars

Expert Briefing: Complementary Therapies & Functional Medicine in Parkinson's Care

November 12, 2025

Managing Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms goes beyond traditional medications, with complementary therapies and holistic approaches offering additional support. This program introduces participants to non-drug options—such as massage, acupuncture, red light therapy, and CBD—that can help relieve symptoms and enhance daily well-being. By exploring functional medicine's focus on root causes and whole-body wellness, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how these therapies can address symptoms and improve overall quality of life, providing a more balanced and individualized approach to PD management.

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Additional Resources

Presenter

Britt A. Stone, MD
Assistant Clinical Professor, Clinical Director — Vanderbilt Neurology Main Campus Clinics
Medical Director — Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence
Division of Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Videos & Webinars

Expert Briefing: Tremor, Shakes, & Everything in Between

Tremor, Shakes, & Everything in Between: Parkinson's Motor Symptoms

March 11, 2026

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.

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Additional Resources

Presenter

Pablo Coss, MD
Assistant Professor of Neurology, UTH San Antonio
Movement Disorders Specialist
Director, HDSA Center of Excellence, San Antonio
UT Health San Antonio

Raise Awareness

Find Real Answers

Find real answers

A Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis brings endless questions. Questions that evolve as the disease and your ability to cope evolve. This April, for Parkinson’s Awareness Month, we want to help people find real answers when it comes to Parkinson’s.

When Parkinson’s gets real, the Parkinson’s Foundation is here to help you find real answers. We offer trusted, accessible support through our Helpline, website, social media and our new AI chat feature: Ask PAM.

Here are some of the top questions and answers people have about Parkinson’s:

What are the early signs of Parkinson’s?

Early signs of Parkinson’s can be subtle. While movement symptoms like tremors, stiffness and trouble with balance are the most noticeable, early signs also include a change in handwriting, loss of smell, trouble sleeping and vertigo. Learn all 10 early signs of PD.

What do you do after noticing early signs?

No one symptom means you have Parkinson’s. If you have several symptoms, consider seeing your primary doctor, then asking for a referral to a neurologist, or ideally, a movement disorders specialist (a specialized neurologist). Keep reading on this topic.

How is Parkinson’s diagnosed?

Parkinson’s is diagnosed based on observation — a doctor assesses medical history, current symptoms and a physical exam. No single lab or test confirms a diagnosis, though certain tests can help rule out other conditions. Learn more about getting diagnosed.

What causes Parkinson’s?

Scientists believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors are the cause of Parkinson’s. Genetics contribute to 10–15% of PD cases, with specific gene mutations linked to the disease. Learn more about this topic.

How do you manage Parkinson’s symptoms?

The most obvious symptoms of PD are called movement symptoms. Parkinson’s is called a movement disorder because it causes tremors, slowing and muscle stiffness. However, non-movement symptoms are common and can be more troublesome and disabling than movement symptoms for many people with Parkinson’s. These can include depression, anxiety, sleep issues and more.

Treatment often includes medications specific to your needs. The medication Levodopa is the most effective treatment for movement symptoms as it converts to dopamine in the brain. Treatments also include things that you do yourself such as exercise and rehabilitative therapies, such as physical or speech therapy.

Is there a cure for Parkinson’s?

While there is no cure for Parkinson’s, treatments can effectively manage symptoms. Medication, exercise and rehabilitative therapies help maintain mobility, balance and mental health. The Parkinson’s Foundation also funds research to advance better treatments and move us closer to a cure. Explore ongoing PD research.

Can you live a long life with Parkinson’s?

Yes. Parkinson’s symptoms and rate of progression are unique for every person living with the disease. Navigating PD involves building a care team with specialists who can address symptoms as they occur, building a support network and staying active.

Find nearby exercise classes and support groups through your nearest Parkinson’s Foundation Chapter. 

3 Ways to Find Real Answers to PD Questions

  1. For immediate answers based on Parkinson’s Foundation information and articles, try our new AI-powered chat tool, Ask PAM (Parkinson’s Assistance Messenger). Ask PAM now.
  2. Call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) to speak with an information specialist for personalized answers.
  3. Explore Parkinson.org for tailored resources and information on the PD topics that matter most to you right now.

The Parkinson’s Foundation mission to help people live better with Parkinson’s continues strong year-round. Here are some ways you can help us raise PD awareness right now:

Get more answers and help us raise Parkinson’s awareness on our Find Real Answers page.

Raise Awareness

Encuentre respuestas reales

Encuentre respuestas reales

Un diagnóstico de la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) suele ir acompañado de una interminable lista de preguntas. Preguntas que evolucionan al ritmo de la enfermedad y de su capacidad para afrontarla. Este mes de abril, con motivo del Mes de la Concientización sobre el Parkinson, queremos ayudar a las personas a encontrar respuestas reales cuando se trata del Parkinson.

Cuando el Parkinson se vuelve real, la Parkinson's Foundation está para ayudarle a encontrar respuestas reales. Ofrecemos asistencia confiable y accesible a través de nuestra Línea de Ayuda, nuestro sitio web, las redes sociales y nuestra nueva función de chat con inteligencia artificial (IA): Ask PAM (pregúntele a PAM).

Estas son algunas de las preguntas y respuestas más frecuentes que hacen las personas sobre el Parkinson:

¿Cuáles son los signos tempranos del Parkinson?

Los primeros signos del Parkinson pueden ser sutiles. Si bien los síntomas motores, como temblores, rigidez y problemas de equilibrio, son los más evidentes, los primeros signos también incluyen cambios en la escritura, pérdida del olfato, problemas para dormir y vértigo. Conozca los 10 signos tempranos de la EP.

¿Qué hacer cuando se notan los primeros signos?

Ningún síntoma por sí solo significa que tenga Parkinson. Si tiene varios síntomas, considere ver a su médico de cabecera y, luego, pedir que lo mande a un neurólogo o, en el mejor de los casos, a un especialista en trastornos del movimiento (un neurólogo especializado). Siga leyendo sobre este tema.

¿Cómo se diagnostica el Parkinson?

El diagnóstico del Parkinson se basa en la observación: el doctor evalúa el historial médico, los síntomas actuales y un examen físico. Ningún laboratorio o prueba por sí solo confirma un diagnóstico, aunque ciertas pruebas pueden ayudar a descartar otras afecciones. Aprenda más acerca del diagnóstico.

¿Qué causa el Parkinson?

Los científicos creen que la causa del Parkinson es una combinación de factores genéticos y ambientales. La genética contribuye a un 10-15% de los casos de la EP, con mutaciones genéticas específicas vinculadas a la enfermedad. Aprenda más acerca de este tema.

¿Cómo se manejan los síntomas del Parkinson?

Los síntomas más evidentes de la EP se llaman síntomas motores. El Parkinson se llama trastorno del movimiento porque provoca temblores, movimientos lentos y rigidez muscular. Sin embargo, los síntomas no motores son frecuentes y pueden ser más molestos e incapacitantes que los síntomas motores para muchas personas con Parkinson. Éstos pueden incluir depresión, ansiedad, problemas de sueño y más.

El tratamiento suele incluir medicamentos específicos para sus necesidades. El medicamento Levodopa es el tratamiento más eficaz para los síntomas motores, ya que se convierte en dopamina en el cerebro. Los tratamientos también incluyen cosas que puede hacer usted mismo, como ejercicio y terapias de rehabilitación, como fisioterapia o terapia del habla y el lenguaje.

¿Existe una cura para el Parkinson?

Aunque el Parkinson no tiene cura, los tratamientos pueden manejar eficazmente los síntomas. Los medicamentos, el ejercicio y las terapias de rehabilitación ayudan a mantener la movilidad, el equilibrio y la salud mental. La Parkinson's Foundation también financia la investigación para impulsar mejores tratamientos y acercarnos a una cura. Explorar la investigación actual sobre la EP.

¿Se puede vivir mucho tiempo con Parkinson?

Sí. Los síntomas y el ritmo de progresión del Parkinson son únicos para cada persona que vive con la enfermedad. Navegar por la EP implica crear un equipo de atención con especialistas que puedan atender los síntomas a medida que aparecen, crear una red de apoyo y mantenerse activo.

Encuentre clases de ejercicio y grupos de apoyo cercanos a través del Chapter más cercano de la Parkinson’s Foundation. 

3 maneras de encontrar respuestas reales a preguntas acerca de la EP

  1. Para obtener respuestas inmediatas basadas en información y artículos de la Parkinson’s Foundation, pruebe nuestra nueva herramienta de chat impulsada por la IA, Ask PAM (Parkinson's Assistance Messenger, o mensajero de asistencia para el Parkinson). Pregúntele a PAM ahora.
  2. Llame a nuestra Línea de Ayuda al 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636), opción 3 para español, para hablar con un especialista en información y obtener respuestas personalizadas.
  3. Explore Parkinson.org/Espanol para obtener recursos e información personalizados acerca de los temas relacionados con la EP que más le interesan en este momento.

La misión de la Parkinson’s Foundation de ayudar a las personas a vivir mejor con Parkinson permanece fuerte todo el año. Estas son algunas formas en las que puede ayudarnos a generar conciencia acerca de la EP ahora mismo:

Obtenga más respuestas y ayúdenos a generar conciencia acerca del Parkinson en nuestra página encuentre respuestas reales. 

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