Partners in Parkinson’s Opens Education and Support Video Gallery Website

Partners in Parkinson’s has opened a video gallery online to help educate people about the disease and to support services to Parkinson’s patients worldwide. The group is also planning to host information events in two U.S. cities this year.

The gallery’s aim is to bring essential information to patients that can help improve their care at every stage of Parkinson’s. The events carry a more personal touch.

“I feel more comfortable . . . more knowledgeable, more connected and more hopeful,” said a  participant at a New York event in 2016. “Thank you for a powerful day.”

This year, the live events that bring information, educational tools and resources to patients will be in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Orlando, Florida, according to a press release.

Online video gallery

The online gallery at the Partners in Parkinson’s website can be accessed at any time.

Its videos include stories by Parkinson’s patients and caregivers, and talks with healthcare professionals and researchers working on the disease.

The gallery also allows patients and caregivers to attend live events virtually and watch recordings of panels and breakout sessions from the May 14, 2016, event that was held in Oakland, California.

Four live webinars will be available on demand this year for patients needing the latest updates on Parkinson’s resources. They will cover topics such as how to assemble a care team and what to expect as the disease progresses.

The webinars will feature such guests as Lonnie Ali, Muhammad Ali’s widow, talking about her experience as a Parkinson’s caregiver.

Live events

The Grand Rapids event will be June 10, and the Orlando event Oct. 28. Both will include interactive panels and breakout sessions on life with Parkinson’s. Another feature will be the staging of an appointment with a movement disorder specialist, which will give patients a better understanding of what to expect.

Those at the event will gain access to recent research updates, and to support organizations and activities. Question-and-answer sessions are also planned.

Partners in Parkinson’s is working with the Davis Phinney Foundation, the Parkinson’s Foundation, LSVT Global Inc., and the Parkinson Voice Project in hosting the events.

Other tools available online

The Partners website features an online tool that helps patients get in touch with a movement disorder specialist. The tool was developed in collaboration with the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Website users can find comprehensive information on Parkinson’s and connect with AbbVie Parkinson’s Disease Advocates, who provides one-on-one support across the United States.

“Together with AbbVie, we are proud that Partners in Parkinson’s has provided individuals with the support and empowerment to navigate their disease, and we look forward to connecting with more of the community through the tools we are adding to the program in 2017,” Todd Sherer, PhD, CEO of the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF), said in a news release.

Partners in Parkinson’s is a joint effort of the Michael J. Fox Foundation and AbbVie. Since its start in 2014 it has served more than 20,000 people — patients, families and caregivers — through in-person and online events.