PMD Alliance (Parkinson & Movement Disorder Alliance)

Thanks to our 2025 Annual Partner Supernus Pharmaceuticals, we're able to provide high-quality, high-impact programming for people living with a movement disorder and those caring for them! Their partnership supports programs like CAMP-FiRE, our mentorship program for early-career healthcare providers in Movement Disorders. They also help us to bring you the latest information on their treatments, including their newly FDA-approved wearable pump Onapgo (apomorphine hydrochloride) to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Learn more at: https://loom.ly/gibk06s

Act now! Early bird pricing to our Advanced Therapeutics in Movement & Related Disorders (ATMRD) conference ends March 30. Don't miss out on four days of in-depth insights designed to immediately enhance your care, renew your passion, and forge interdisciplinary relationships that will support your work for years to come. Register now: https://loom.ly/3Fnp7-Q

We're proud to announce a new media partnership with Parkinson's News Today, a leading digital news platform dedicated to providing the latest information, research, and resources to individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners. Learn more here: https://loom.ly/DYubeOY

When Michael was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 42 years old, a stream of terrifying thoughts ran through his mind: “How long will I be able to work? I’m the breadwinner of our home. Do we tell my daughter? Will I be in a wheelchair within a decade?” He told me, “It was an overwhelming and frightening moment filled with uncertainty and fear.” Eight years after his diagnosis, everything changed. He stumbled upon a study from the Cleveland Clinic about the positive impacts of exercise in Parkinson’s disease. It was a revelation. He followed the rabbit hole, discovering videos about Rock Steady Boxing for PD. “It made me cry,” he said, “giving me hope for the first time in years.” Eventually, Michael would work with a local gym to bring Rock Steady Boxing to his hometown. Within a few years, they grew the program to over 100 members. Michael continues to be active in the PD community. When he meets those who are newly diagnosed, he reminds them that it’s okay to “be real.” “This is a long and tough disease,” he says. “It’s okay to be angry with Parkinson’s. Just don’t stay down.” He encourages those going through it to keep seeking joy: “Enjoy your kids and grandkids. Go for walks, enjoy the sunshine. Don’t worry about the future; live for today.” More than anything, he encourages them to exercise. “Never give up!” he says. “Remember: you’re not alone in this journey. There is a whole community ready to support you.”

MOOC—the FREE, groundbreaking Parkinson's Massive Open Online Course—is spreading all over the world. This is your chance to join in! This innovative course, mostly in the form of short videos, is designed to empower people living with Parkinson's, their support networks, healthcare professionals, and our global community. It features over 100 contributors from around the world, including our friend Michael Okun, MD. Sign up for free through the end of March. Together, let's amplify awareness and education: https://loom.ly/y7qGWPw

"I have been told many times I don't look like I have PD, only to spend a great deal of time explaining to the person what PD actually is and is not. It's a conversation starter and leads to more awareness. I don't dismiss it or pretend it doesn't exist. It's an opportunity to shed light on what we go through every day. Sharing our stories is how we advocate for our needs and the needs of our community." —Jennifer

We had a great time at this weekend's Parkinson's IQ + You in Orlando, FL hosted by the Micheal J. Fox Foundation. Thank you to all who stopped by our table, and special thanks to PMD Alliance Ambassador Gregory Ritscher for helping us talk to people about our great work! We're grateful to have thriving partnerships to celebrate every time our community gathers ??

It's National Social Work Month and we couldn't be more grateful to have the support of kind, caring social workers! Here's a reminder of the beautiful place social workers hold in our community, in the words of social worker Erin Cecchi, LCSW: "In addition to providing support and resources, part of my job includes providing a safe place to have tough conversations about what it means to live with or care for a loved one with a movement disorder. I try to facilitate open and honest conversations about what it means to be resilient. It’s not uncommon to have feelings like resentment and exhaustion in addition to being resilient. "At the end of the day, movement disorders are much more than the physical symptoms, and people are so much more than their condition. The inner strength of the people I work with is palpable. Every day, people with movement disorders navigate a world of uncertainty and this takes strength, courage, and a special kind of perseverance that I am blessed to see day in and day out." #SocialWorkMonth #SWMonth

Because it’s award season, we’d like to give out some awards too! PMD Alliance acknowledges and loves everyone who supports our mission and community. However, some individuals and organizations have achieved all-star status in 2024, and we want to give them a HUGE shout out! Thank you for committing your time and excellence to PMD Alliance!

If you join our friend Robert Cochrane from Yes, And...eXercise for a virtual Jam for Joy gathering, we can almost guarantee you'll have fun! Jam for Joy is for people with PD, care partners and the medical/wellness staff who serve our community. It's an hour of improvisational fun, connection and discovery in a safe/brave space where we show our full selves, have each other's backs at all times, and know there are no wrong answers. Absolutely no experience is required - come as you are! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gNs63vZG