Virtual Programs and Events Available to Support PD Community Through Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic

The Parkinson's Foundation has continued to host virtual programs and events to support the Parkinson disease (PD) community during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This year, their signature event Fall Moving Day will be online. The Foundation has new events prepared for PD Health@Home, a virtual education and wellness program, along with PD Champions@Home, a virtual fundraising event.

"As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we want to ensure that the entire PD community has access to valuable education, health, and wellness resources to help them live better and stay safe and healthy," said John L. Lehr, president and chief executive officer of the Parkinson's Foundation. "We want the community to know that the Parkinson's Foundation is here to support your health and wellbeing during this pandemic." 

The Moving Day virtual walks will be hosted in 18 cities in the US this fall on November 7, 2020. All participants are invited to join via phone or computer and listen to people tell their inspiring stories, follow fitness instructors through various PD-friendly exercise demonstrations, and have the option to safely take a walk within their community alone or as part of as a team. All donations help the Parkinson's Foundation fund research and provide expert care for the 1 million Americans with PD. 

"As a Moving Day committee chair, and a person living with PD, I can say that moving with others in the PD community on Moving Day is inspirational and an important opportunity to increase the awareness of the disease – it's an empowering moment," said Anna Grill, Moving Day Washington DC committee member. "I invite the entire the entire PD community to move with us and help raise funds vital to sustaining the Foundation's important work in research, resources, and education."

The Parkinson’s Foundation also expanded the PD Health @ Home program to include more online events for the PD community. There are 3 new events hosted every week, each with a specific theme aimed to ease the challenges of physical distancing. Including mindfulness techniques, expert briefing educational webinars, guest lectures conducted via Zoom, and a fitness program led by a physical therapist who specialized in PD care.

Participants can register or learn more at MovingDayWalk.org.