The Parkinson’s Foundation is providing $1.5 million in community grants for Parkinson’s programs. Grants are provided to support local education, health and wellness programs to the Parkinson’s community.
Disbursements range from $5,000 to $25,000 per application. Programs that provide service in underserved communities will have a better chance of access to grants.
Communities in 38 states across the country will benefit from the grants. The Foundation has funded more than 338 community-based programs relating to Parkinson’s Disease since 2011. A full list of community grant recipients can be found on the Parkinson’s Foundation website.
Awareness for Parkinson’s Disease is on the rise this year, as celebrities and foundations aim to bring awareness through several campaigns. Social media campaigns have also helped bring awareness to the disease.
Singer, songwriter and music producer Josh Pfeiffer joined the Parkinson’s Foundation’s #startaconversation campaign to help raise awareness and funds though a performance at Sonora Opera Hall. Pfeiffer headlined the event titled “Saluti” Cheers To Hope.
The Parkinson’s Foundation has also announced their annual New York Fundraiser will take place on May 7. The New York Gala will try to raise more than the $750,000 that was raised during last year’s event. Willie Geist will be the master of ceremonies.
National leaders will attend the event, which includes dancing, dinner and a live auction. There’s also a cocktail reception to help ease everyone into the night’s events. Alex Gorsky, CEO of Johnson & Johnson, will be honored during the event. Former Pennsylvania governor and mayor Edward G. Rendell will also be honored. Rendell has Parkinson’s, which he announced in 2018.
The event will be the Foundation’s largest event of the year. The event aims to advance the care and research for patients who suffer from Parkinson’s disease.
Genetics Initiative, a program that was launched by the Foundation, is the first national study that will offer free genetic testing and counseling for those with Parkinson’s-related genes. Testing is often not covered under health insurance companies.
The Initiative will follow 15,000 people with Parkinson’s across roughly 50 states to try and help patients enter clinical studies and improve care.
The Foundation was founded in 1957 and has provided more than $330 million to clinical care and research into the disease. The neurodegenerative disorder impacts 60,000 new U.S. residents annually.
Detecting the disease in the early stages is difficult and often exhibits problems that are not related to a person’s motor function. Issues can include memory or judgment issues, depression and anxiety.
