Parkinson Association of Alabama

We’re counting down to the "Moving Forward: Central Alabama | Parkinson Patient Conference 2024" in Montgomery, Alabama, on September 24th!

This FREE conference is the perfect opportunity for Parkinson's patients, caregivers, family members, and healthcare professionals to come together, learn, and support one another. Don’t miss out on expert insights, engaging panel discussions, and the chance to connect with others who understand your journey.

📅 Event Details:
🗓 Date: September 24, 2024
📍 Location: Frazer Church | 6000 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL 36117

Click the link to register and join us for a day of knowledge, connection, and community spirit. Let’s move forward together with confidence and strength!

🔗 [Register Here] https://movingforward-centralalabama.eventbrite.com

We’re thrilled to announce the Team Rowland Series, and we’d love for YOU to join us in our mission to conquer Parkinson’s!

Here’s what’s coming up:

⛳️ Par Fore Parkinson’s Golf Scramble on Friday, October 18, 2024, at Oak Mountain State Park. Whether you’re joining with a team or going solo, everyone’s invited to enjoy a fantastic day of golf with fun extras like Mulligans, the Longest Drive, and the Closest to the Pin.

🚴 The Ride to Eradicate Parkinson’s on Saturday, October 19, 2024, in Birmingham. Join us for an inspiring ride and be part of this powerful movement to make a difference!

Let’s come together to support a great cause. Sign up today and be a part of something truly special!

🔗 [Register for Par Fore Parkinson’s] https://par-fore-parkinsons-golf-scramble.eventbrite.com
🔗 [Register for The Ride to Eradicate Parkinson’s] https://give.michaeljfox.org/event/2024-team-rowland-road-series/e589388

✨ Be part of something truly special! ✨ The Moving Forward: South Alabama Parkinson Patient Conference 2024 is happening in Mobile, and seats are filling up fast!

📍 Where: National Maritime Museum
🗓️ When: Tuesday, October 1, 2024
🕙 Time: 10 AM - 2 PM

Don’t miss your chance to connect with leading Parkinson’s experts, gain valuable insights, and meet others who share your journey. This is more than just an event—it’s a community coming together with strength and resilience.

Act now and reserve your spot at https://movingforward-southalabama.eventbrite.com —spaces are limited!

Caregiving or looking to expand your knowledge? We’re here to help!

📚 Discover Our Resources: Explore essential information about Parkinson's disease on our website. We keep it updated with the latest research and insights. Visit our website: https://www.parkinsonalabama.com/paa-resources

🗓️ Attend Our Moving Forward Conferences:
Central Alabama: September 24, 2024 | Learn more & register: https://movingforward-centralalabama.eventbrite.com
South Alabama: October 1, 2024 | Learn more & register: https://movingforward-southalabama.eventbrite.com

🗓️ Monthly Care Partner Support Group: Join us on Zoom every 2nd Tuesday at 7 PM. Join the Zoom meeting: https://www.parkinsonalabama.com/paa-support-groups

🔧 Free Online Course: The Parkinson's Foundation offers a fantastic program called "Building a Care Partnership," with self-paced courses covering important topics. Learn more & register here: https://education.parkinson.org/community-education/user/register?destination=node/115

Let’s make this journey easier together with support and knowledge. 💪💜

🚗 Make a Difference with a Free License Plate! 🌟 Help support Alabamians with Parkinson's by choosing a PAA license plate! Pre-commit by October 31, 2024, and be one of the first 250 to get your first year’s tag FREE!

Your pledge funds essential support programs and outreach initiatives for those impacted by Parkinson’s. Take this opportunity to make a meaningful impact and join our cause. Your support matters—let's drive change together! 💜

Pre-commit now at https://www.parkinsonalabama.com/app-landing-page.

We’re excited to invite you to a FREE, exclusive event in Montgomery, specially designed for Alabamians affected by Parkinson's disease. With only 75 seats available, you won't want to miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights, find support, and connect with others in our community.

📅 Date: Tuesday, September 24
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
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📍 Location: Frazer Church, 6000 Atlanta Hwy, Montgomery, AL 36117

Register now at https://movingforward-centralalabama.eventbrite.com to secure your spot!

Join us for a day of learning and support. Together, we can enhance our understanding of Parkinson's disease and strengthen our community connections. Don’t wait—reserve your seat today!

🗓️ Don't Miss the Gadsden Support Group Meeting This Wednesday! Join us for our monthly gathering and connect with others in the community:

📅 Date: This Wednesday (2nd Wednesday of each month)

🕐 Time: 1:00 PM

📍 Location: First Baptist Church of Gadsden, Family Life Center, 235 S 5th St, Gadsden, AL 35901

👤Facilitator: Judi Drew | [email protected] | 205.919.6992

This meeting is a great opportunity to share experiences, seek advice, and find support. Whether you need a listening ear, helpful tips, or just want to be part of a caring community, we’re here for you. We can't wait to see you and spend this time together! 💜

🌟 The Parkinson Association of Alabama is growing, and we’re thrilled to introduce Riya Patel as our newest team member! 🌟

Riya joins us as the new Care Navigator for Birmingham, West, and Central Alabama. With her impressive background in Public Health, including a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and her previous internship with us in 2023, Riya is ready to make a significant impact.

She’s passionate about supporting those affected by Parkinson’s disease and is here to assist with any questions or concerns. Feel free to reach out to Riya at [email protected] or 205.593.8277.

Welcome to the team, Riya! We’re excited to have you on board!

Navigating a Parkinson’s diagnosis can be challenging, but a strong Circle of Care can provide essential support. Here’s how to build and utilize yours:

👪 Family: Identify family members who can help with finances, home setup, or daily care. Understanding each person’s strengths can create a balanced support system.

👫 Friends: Let your friends know how they can assist, from running errands to offering companionship. Clear communication helps them support you better.

🏡 Neighbors: Neighbors can assist with practical needs like collecting mail or checking in on you, helping to build a supportive community.

⛪ Churches: Many churches offer programs and services that could provide extra support or help with care costs.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach—what matters is working together and communicating clearly.

For more information on building your Circle of Care, visit https://www.parkinsonalabama.info/building-care-teams-1.

Unlock the transformative power of exercise for Parkinson's disease! Research shows physical activity can slow disease progression while improving balance, mobility, mood, and cognitive functions.

Explore our website at https://www.parkinsonalabama.info/exercise to learn more about different exercise types and their benefits for improving Parkinson's symptoms. Discover local resources in Alabama, including movement-based support groups and home exercise tutorials. Take the first step towards a stronger tomorrow!

Since its founding in 1978, the Parkinson Association of Alabama has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for those with Parkinson's, their families, and their caregivers throughout the state. Through fundraising events, we support targeted Parkinson's research. We build a connected community through our Parkinson's support groups, educational forums, and community events.

As your community partners, we work to strike a balance between funding for a cure and filling gaps in service now. Learn more about our mission and how you can get involved. Together, we can make a difference.

We’re thrilled to invite you to TWO amazing events: Moving Forward: Central Alabama Parkinson Patient Conference 2024 and Moving Forward: South Alabama Parkinson Patient Conference 2024! Join us for valuable insights, supportive connections, and community—all for FREE!

📅 Moving Forward: Central Alabama: Sept 24 | Frazer Church, Montgomery, AL
[Learn more & register for Central Alabama | https://movingforward-centralalabama.eventbrite.com]

📅 Moving Forward: South Alabama: Oct 1 | National Maritime Museum, Mobile, AL
[Learn more & register for South Alabama | https://movingforward-southalabama.eventbrite.com]

Don’t miss out—be part of these special events!

Choosing a hospital to treat your loved one with Parkinson's can be a tedious task. Here at the Parkinson Association of Alabama, we're here to simplify the process for you.

Head over to our website to learn more about the three hospital systems that spealize in Movement Disorders and the treatment of Parkinson's in Alabama in Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile.

Check out https://www.parkinsonalabama.info/pd-hospitals-in-alabama to equip yourself with the knowledge you need to effectively care for yourself and your loved one with Parkinson's.

Stay informed with our newsletter dedicated to Parkinson's. Discover informative articles, inspiring community stories, upcoming events, and expert insights—all in one place at https://www.parkinsonalabama.com/paa-newsletter!

Make sure to get all updates from PAA; sign up for our newsletter today. Click the link above to subscribe and join the conversation.

We're thrilled to showcase our Pelham Support Group—a warm and inviting space for those navigating Parkinson's disease. Our recent gathering featured engaging dexterity stations and enriching social interactions, fostering a supportive community where members share experiences, gain insights, and cultivate meaningful connections.

📍 Location: Pelham YMCA | 2610 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham, AL 35124
🕰 Meetings: 1st & 3rd Tuesday Monthly | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
👤 Facilitator: Alane Cleavelin | [email protected]

Stay tuned as we highlight our incredible support groups and their impactful contributions. If you or someone you know could benefit from joining, reach out. Together, we thrive! 💪💙

Become part of our vibrant Movement Group at the Tuscaloosa YMCA!

📅 Date: Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs Weekly
🕰 Time: 9:30 A.M. - 10:30 A.M.
📍 Where: Tuscaloosa YMCA - Downtown Branch | 2300 13th St., Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
👤 Facilitator: Riley Strickland ([email protected])

We invite you to join our Movement Group at the Tuscaloosa YMCA. Discover a supportive community with classes that include Parkinson's Wellness Recovery, Boxing, Cycling, and General Movement. We recommend you take an assessment beforehand to find the best class for your skill level. Strengthen your body, enhance flexibility, and improve balance, effectively managing long-term Parkinson's symptoms. Spouses and care partners are welcome to participate, too!

Crafting a long-term care plan for Parkinson's can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. At the Parkinson Association of Alabama, our personalized Care Navigation sessions offer support for individuals and caregivers. Whether you're newly diagnosed or planning ahead, our dedicated team provides tailored resources to fit your needs.

Join us for a thorough Zoom or phone session lasting up to 90 minutes, dedicated to addressing your questions and concerns. After a comprehensive assessment, we'll tailor resources for you, offering a newly diagnosed kit or personalized wellness plan delivered digitally or by mail, as you prefer.

Ready to schedule your session? Visit https://www.parkinsonalabama.com/care-navigation to learn more and book your Care Navigation Session with PAA today!

A heartfelt thank you to the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham for their remarkable support! Your generous $10,000 grant to the Parkinson Association of Alabama is truly making a difference. Together, we’re empowering Alabamians living with Parkinson’s disease by connecting them to vital resources, care, and support systems. We deeply appreciate your partnership and commitment to our mission.

Your support makes a local impact! Unlike other organizations, here at the Parkinson's Association of Alabama, every donation directly benefits our community. From funding research at UAB to providing movement-based scholarships and supporting our Care Navigation program, your contributions make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by Parkinson's in Alabama.

Donate now to help those in your local community fight back against Parkinson's!

Reminder: Join our Mobile Partner-Only Support Group tomorrow! Open to participants of the Mobile PD Support Group.

📅 : 2nd Tuesday Monthly
⏰ : 10 AM
📍: Saad Healthcare | 1515 S University Blvd South, Mobile, AL 36609
👥 : Sterling Moore (1.251.343.9600, ext 2)

Find strength, support, and community when you join our in-person Mobile partner-only support group for Parkinson's. Navigating this journey can be challenging, but you're not alone. Learn effective coping strategies, share personal stories and experiences, and become part of a supportive community.

Join us for a life-changing transformation!

Finding the right services for Parkinson's can be a challenge. At Parkinson Association of Alabama, we've simplified the search for you.

Dive into our comprehensive directory of medical services and providers across Alabama, custom-tailored to meet your specific needs.

Visit www.parkinsonalabama.info/directories-and-programs today to access the information you need to navigate your Parkinson's journey with confidence.

We at the Parkinson Association of Alabama are incredibly grateful for the chance our members Teri, Michael, and Brian had to speak with Samford University’s 3rd-year DPT students alongside the dedicated Huntsville Parkinson’s Care Clinic staff!

Their personal stories and journeys with Parkinson’s provided invaluable insights for these future physical therapists. One student shared, “Hearing directly from people who have had similar life experiences as our future patients is invaluable. I enjoyed hearing their stories and appreciated their vulnerability in sharing with our cohort.”

Thank you to everyone who made this experience so impactful! 💙

📢 Big News! 📢 President Biden signed the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act into law!

This historic legislation will launch the first-ever National Parkinson’s Project, uniting experts, patients, and caregivers to improve diagnosis, treatment, and work towards a cure.

Thank you to everyone who made this possible, especially our dedicated advocates and supporters in Congress. Together, we are making history!

Read more about this groundbreaking milestone below [https://www.michaeljfox.org/advocacy-campaign/thank-congress-passing-national-plan-end-parkinsons-act].

Thank Congress for Passing the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act On July 2, 2024, President Biden signed the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act into law! Please thank your members of Congress for prioritizing the Parkinson's community by passing this bipartisan bill.

Michael J. Fox shines on stage with Coldplay at Glastonbury Festival! Witnessing his incredible talent and energy was truly amazing. Let's celebrate this unforgettable moment and the joy it brings us all!

Michael J. Fox joins Coldplay for surprise performance at Glastonbury Festival The “Back to the Future” actor made a surprise appearance at Glastonbury Festival Saturday by joining Coldplay onstage during the band's set.

Caring for a loved one with Parkinson's comes with its own unique challenges and rewards. Let us be your guide on this journey! We invite you to explore our caregiver resources, tailored to help you navigate the role of a care partner with confidence and compassion.

Equip yourself with the knowledge and support needed to provide dignified care to your loved one. Together, we can create a meaningful path towards a quality life with Parkinson's.

To learn more about identifying your role as a care partner, visit https://www.parkinsonalabama.info/care-partners

Sign up for our Rock Steady Movement Group in Gulf Shores!

• 🗓 - Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays Weekly
• 🕒 - 11 A.M.
• 📍 - Rock Steady - Wheeles Yoshukai Karate Academy | 314 East 2nd Ave., Gulf Shores, AL 36542
• 📧 - Chris Wheeles ([email protected])

Join our Rock Steady Gulf Shores movement group for invigorating exercises tailored to help manage Parkinson's symptoms and boost your well-being. Engage in fun and effective physical activities, all while sharing experiences, support, and encouragement. Feel the strength of belonging to a supportive community—join us as we move, connect, and thrive!

Reminder: Join our in-person support group for Anniston and Calhoun County!

• Date: Third Thursday of each month
• Time: 12:30-2 PM
• Location: Interfaith Ministries | 1431 Gurnee Avenue, Anniston, AL 36201
• Facilitator: Cindy McMinn ([email protected])

Living with Parkinson's disease can be challenging, but you don't have to face it alone. Immediately following our Rock Steady Boxing session, join us for an in-person support group dedicated to providing community for those who are affected by Parkinson's. Our meetings often feature insightful guest speakers, offering valuable information and perspectives!

Join us as we find strength in unity, hope in shared experiences, and comfort in knowing you're not alone.

Embarking on your Parkinson's journey involves navigating various topics and decisions, from safety measures and nutrition to planning for advanced care.

Discover insights, solutions, and resources on crucial subjects like sharing your diagnosis with loved ones.

Explore our comprehensive guide to find answers, tips, and support tailored to your needs. Whether it's communicating with family, telling your kids, or engaging with friends, we're here to help you every step of the way.

Start empowering conversations today: Visit https://www.parkinsonalabama.info/topics-and-tips