Supporters focus on empowerment, education this awareness month
Parkinson's Foundation, APDA among groups marking observance globally
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month and, in the U.S. and across the globe this year, patients, caregivers, medical professionals, and advocates will be focusing their attention on helping to empower those living with the neurological disease by providing educational resources, fostering community, and providing opportunities to get involved.
World Parkinson’s Day is April 11.
“I am committed to raising PD [Parkinson’s disease] awareness, not just because I have the disease, but because of the growing number of people living with it worldwide,” Kathleen Blake, MD, a retired physician, said in a press release from the Parkinson’s Foundation. Blake serves as vice chair of the foundation’s People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council.
“I feel strongly that we must get this [disease] on more people’s radar, increase awareness, provide resources to make life better for people with PD, and ultimately reverse this upward trend,” Blake said.
Parkinson’s disease, which affects more than 10 million people globally, results in the progressive degeneration of a type of nerve cells that produce dopamine, a chemical messenger involved in motor control. This gives rise to a characteristic set of motor symptoms, namely, rigidity, tremor, balance and gait problems, and slowed movement, called bradykinesia. Additionally, nonmotor symptoms typically develop, among them problems with sleep, emotional complications, and difficulty with cognition and memory.
According to advocates, awareness — which can lead to a more rapid diagnosis — is key to achieving better care.
PAM to serve as new digital guide for Parkinson’s Awareness Month
This year, the Parkinson’s Foundation is introducing what it dubs “a new voice” in the fight against the disease — an animated digital guide to Parkinson’s Awareness Month called PAM.
“Parkinson’s disease currently affects nearly one million Americans, with 90,000 individuals newly diagnosed each year,” said John L. Lehr, the nonprofit’s president and CEO. “In the era of voice assistant technology, we are excited to announce PAM as the newest online tool for addressing key topics that impact people living with Parkinson’s disease, those recently diagnosed, and the millions of loved ones who care for them.”
Each week in April, PAM will share videos, tips, and the answers to frequently asked questions from the foundation’s extensive digital library, made available in both English and Spanish.
Patients and advocates can become better informed by visiting the library, which contains videos, podcasts, webinars, and fact sheets. Topics include “10 Early Signs of Parkinson’s Disease,” “How to Prevent Falls in Parkinson’s Disease,” and “What Do Parkinson’s Disease Caregivers Need to Know?”
For her part, Blake noted that she had symptoms — primarily pain and reduced swinging of her left arm — for five years before being diagnosed. She chalked it off to arthritis and aging.
“It never occurred to me that I might have PD, and I share my story as someone who was humbled by my unexpected diagnosis,” Blake said.
The foundation encourages all those living with the disease to share their stories and help build a community of support for everyone along their journey. To that end, patients are invited to connect with the Parkinson’s Foundation on Facebook, X, and Instagram. A social media toolkit, which includes a sample proclamation for state or local governments, is provided.
American Parkinson Disease Association launches ‘Did You Know?’ campaign
Known as APDA, the American Parkinson Disease Association will commemorate awareness month this year with a “Did You Know?” campaign. It’s designed to educate the public about the disease, and will highlight everything from statistics and symptoms to personal stories and ways to get involved.
“APDA works tirelessly every day to provide the support, education, research, and community to help everyone impacted by Parkinson’s disease live life to the fullest,” Leslie A. Chambers, the APDA’s president and CEO, said in an email to Parkinson’s News Today. “In April, and always, we are here for the PD community and hope to serve as a beacon of knowledge and connection.”
According to a press release from the nonprofit, the APDA wants to help those affected by Parkinson’s to be informed and to “feel empowered with the resources and support they need.”
Throughout April, APDA will share educational information and resources on its social media channels using the hashtag #DidYouKnow. A variety of programs and events have been planned by various APDA chapters and information & referral centers:
- On April 4, a Parkinson’s Awareness Symposium will be held in Brockton, Massachusetts, by the Veteran’s Voice Network and the Boston VA Healthcare System.
- April 12 will feature a Parkinson’s Empowered Symposium, with guest speakers, to be held in Atlanta.
- Also on April 12, a Parkinson’s Half Marathon, 5K & More in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, will raise funds for the ADPA.
- On April 25, the Minnesota Spring Parkinson’s Symposium, which can be attended in-person or online, will be offered in Arden Hills.
- April 30 will feature PD Essentials, an hourlong virtual forum.
Supportor are encouraged to check the APDA’s calender of upcoming events and its resource library, with many offerings available in Spanish and Mandarin/Simplified Chinese.
During awareness month the community can triple the impact of a donation to the APDA if giving is complete by April 30.
“Through our innovative programs, events, and campaigns, we offer a unique platform for participants to gain insights, share experiences, and build a stronger, more informed Parkinson’s community,” Chamber said.
MJFF encouraging advocates to join Team Fox, become a fundraiser
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) is encouraging community members to take action this awareness month.
To help raise money for research, patients and advocates are encouraged to join Team Fox, the nonprofit’s grassroots program, and become a personal fundraiser.
Hosting pickleball events or pancake breakfasts, and organizing local 5Ks and golf tournaments are just a few of the ideas Team Fox suggests. Walking, cycling, and endurance events sponsored by MJFF can be found on the website.
Since 2006, more than $121 million for research has been raised by Team Fox members, according to the nonprofit.
World Parkinson’s Day on April 11 is also MJFF’s Day of Giving, an opportunity to make a donation toward research.
On April 17, MJFF is hosting a 90-minute special edition of its Third Thursday’s webinar, titled “How Do You Feel With Parkinson’s?” A panel including patients and a medical expert will provide tips and varied perspectives on living with Parkinson’s and dealing with its emotional impact.
Near the end of the month, on April 26, the MJFF’s Parkinson’s Unity Walk will be held in New York City’s Central Park.
Events also marking Parkinson’s Awareness Month outside the US
Parkinson’s affects 153,000 people in the U.K., statistics show. This year, Parkinson’s UK is marking World Parkinson’s Day by encouraging everyone to show their support and “Light up Blue,” by getting buildings lit up, hosting blue bake sales, and wearing the signature color.
Alongside the charity’s helpline and website, the regular in-person, support activities offer a local lifeline to people at every stage of their Parkinson’s journey, [12] months of the year.
“Across the four nations of the UK, celebrations [organized] by Parkinson’s UK branches, groups and volunteers will be taking place,” Claudia Christie, senior media and PR officer for the U.K. charity said in an email to Parkinson’s News Today. “Parkinson’s is complex and often misunderstood, so our charity remains determined to reach more people diagnosed and their loved ones, to help them navigate daily life.”
Christie added: “Alongside the charity’s helpline and website, the regular in-person, support activities offer a local lifeline to people at every stage of their Parkinson’s journey, [12] months of the year.”
In Canada, the Parkinson’s Association of Alberta has launched a 2025 campaign dubbed #PUSH for Parkinson’s. According to the group’s website, PUSH means “striding forward with purpose and intention” to ensure the fullest life possible.
“PUSH can represent the steps we take to take action. Preparation, Uniqueness, Safety, and Health are crucial elements to consider when preparing to achieve our objectives—a roadmap to success,” the webpage states.
Once again, the association is encouraging participation in its upcoming events: its 2nd annual partnering with Stand Up to Parkinson’s, slated for April 7 in Calgary, and its observance of World Parkinson’s Day in Edmonton. The events will promote exercise for those living with the disease.
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