Join the fight on Giving Tuesday!

As we all give thanks at this time of year, we remind ourselves for what, and for whom, we are thankful.  PDF is grateful now and always for our many supporters, volunteers, advocates and PDF Champions who are making a difference in the fight against Parkinson’s.  We could not do our work without these individuals who raise awareness and funds in their communities.

PDF's programs seek to empower the community to be proactive in making a difference in the cause.  One way we do this is by providing loved ones, family and friends with tools to raise awareness in their communities and raise funds through our grassroots fundraising program, PDF Champions.

Join us on this #GivingTuesday, by becoming a PDF Champion.  #GivingTuesday is a nationwide campaign to get individuals to give back to charity during the holiday season, and PDF is happy to be involved!

Our PDF Champions have made a difference in the fight against Parkinson's by raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for research.  People with Parkinson’s disease and their children have run marathons and triathlons and biked across Ohio and Alaska.  Grandchildren have set up lemonade stands and pancake breakfasts.  Husbands and wives have organized educational events.  No matter the size or scope of these events, they all highlight what #GivingTuesday is all about: giving back and making a difference in the lives of others.

Here is one of our PDF Champions in action! 11-year old Lauren Blum of Winchester, VA held a Zumbathon and raised over $1,000 for Parkinson's research.

How can you meet the example of Lauren and other inspiring PDF Champions?  How can you join them in raising the bar of grassroots community involvement?  You can donate your time.  Volunteer at an event or create one.  Re-tweet something you find inspiring.  Post information about PDF on your Facebook page.  Make this year’s holiday party a benefit for Parkinson's research –  become a PDF Champion!

As our PDF Champions have shown us, one person, one act of giving, can make a difference.

For more information about how you can participate in #GivingTuesday by fundraising for PDF, follow us @PDFChampions and @PDFParkinson, like our Facebook page, email us at info@pdf.org or call (800) 457-6676.

Happy Holidays!

The Cure Begins With You

How Will You Get an Early Start to Parkinson's Awareness Month, April 2013?

Are you planning yet for April 2013? Sounds pretty early to plan for spring, but several months ago, PDF asked the community how we could better support you during April's Parkinson's Awareness Month 2013.

You all had the same answer ... start earlier!

So, we are taking your advice. Today, we sent you an e-newsletter, letting you know about ways that you can plan now to make a difference next April.

Our tips include ordering free supplies now, planning an event, entering the t-shirt design contest and taking the PDF Champions challenges.

Some details on these ideas are below. Do you have other strategies for preparing early? Share them! Let's use the comments section of this blog to brainstorm for April 2013.

Imagine the impact we can make six months from now, if we all start ... now!

Order Your Free Parkinson's Awareness Month Supplies
If you didn't grab a free copy of our toolkit last year, order it now. It offers tips for making a difference in your community during April - whether you choose to host an educational event, collaborate with your library, or work with local public officials - and personal stories from those who have successfully raised awareness in their communities. You are also invited to browse our website for other tools, such as template letters to the editor and printable posters.
Order Now
Browse Online Tools

Enter the Annual T-Shirt Design Contest
Whose t-shirt design will be worn by thousands of people in April 2013? It could be yours! See our regulations and submit your design by Tuesday, January 15, 2013. The community will vote among five finalists in February.
Learn More

Take the PDF Champions Challenge
Could you imagine the impact on Parkinson's awareness if PDF Champions held 30 events around the country in 30 days next April? What about an event on each college campus? You can make a difference by signing up for the PDF Champions Challenge. Whether you host a bake sale, a walk/run or a party, we will work with you every step of the way to ensure your effort is a success.
Learn More


P.S.: Cyber Monday was a hit yesterday, but did you know that today is Giving Tuesday? Today, we honor ALL ways of giving back, including raising awareness, advocating and fundraising! Follow us on Twitter @PDFparkinson for #GivingTuesday updates.

PDF Champion Does Makeup

Join us in welcoming our newest PDF Champion, Stacey Catapano! Stacey will be hosting a Grand Opening and Cocktail Party at her makeup studio, Brooklyn Makeup Studio in Brooklyn, NY on Thursday, September 20, to benefit the Parkinson's Disease Foundation.

The event is sponsored by BELLA Magazine and Sovereign Mercedes Benz and will feature complimentary makeovers; a free gift with any purchase and a one year subscription to BELLA Magazine; over $1,000 in raffle prizes; guest vendors with beautiful fall accessories; food; cocktails; and more! A portion of all sales and 100 percent of all raffle sales will benefit PDF! 

If you live in or around Brooklyn, NY please stop by the event to get dolled up and support Stacey and Parkinson's research! Come dressed in white and receive a fabulous bag of goodies!

Here are all the details:   

Where: 

Brooklyn Makeup Studio

447 Avenue P

Brooklyn, NY 11223

When:

Thursday, September 20

12:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Contact:

Makeup applications must be booked in advance by calling (718) 333-3482.

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of people with Parkinson's, Stacey!

Remember: The Cure Begins With YOU!

PDF Champions Friday!

PDF wishes best of luck to PDF Champion Heidi Johnson and Evergreen Golf Club in Elkhorn, WI, on their Pars Fore Parkinson's golf tournament on Thursday, August 16.  They have set a fundraising goal of $4,000 with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting PDF! 

Pars Fore Parkinson's has been set up in honor of one of Evergreen Golf Club's rangers, who lives with Parkinson's disease. 

Spots are still available! If you live in the Eklhorn, WI area and are interested in playing a round of golf to support Parkinson's research, please contact Heidi at johnsh43@uwosh.edu or (262) 949-3110.

Here are all the Pars Fore Parkinson's details:

Date:

Thursday, August 16

Time: 

12:00 PM - Check In

1:00 PM - Shotgun Start

Location:  

Evergreen Golf Club

N6246 US Highway 12

Elkhorn, WI 53121

(262) 723-5722

*The tournament is $75 per golfer and includes 18 holes of golf, cart, steak cookout dinner and hole & raffle prizes. 

Remember: The Cure Begins With YOU!

Celebrate CARNAVAL with PDF!

The date is set for CARNAVAL!

On Wednesday, November 14, PDF is hosting Carnaval at Slate in New York City. This Brazilian inspired fundraising event will feature DJ Brenda Black, Samba dancing, games of chance, a raffle, buffet dinner and premium open bar. Proceeds from the event will benefit Parkinson's research. 

PDF will also pay tribute to Peter Dorn, longtime member of PDF's Board of Directors, co-owner of the Copacabana Club and one of the creators of Carnaval, which has raised nearly $500,000 for Parkinson's research. PDF will honor Peter for his generosity and commitment to PDF's mission. 

Are you interested in becoming more involved with PDF? How about joining the Carnaval committee? This is a great opportunity to use your creative mind and make a difference! To learn more about becoming a committee member or about Carnaval in general please contact (800) 457-6676 or info@pdf.org. Tickets will be available for purchase in September. 



Remember: The Cure Begins With YOU!

Understanding the Progression of Parkinson's

Can you predict the progression of Parkinson's? ... or change its course?

Last Tuesday, during PDF's PD ExpertBriefing, "Understanding the Progression of Parkinson's," presenter Dr. Ron Pfeiffer had a few suggestions:

• Dr. Pfeiffer provided facts about PD progression - about the percentage of people with PD who develop certain symptoms or leave their jobs after a certain number of years - but also emphasized that these are general facts.  Each person's journey with Parkinson's is very different.
• He noted that there are no treatments proven to reverse PD, but he also emphasized there are actions people can take, such as exercising and joining support groups, that may improve life with PD. (In fact, there is extensive research into exercise right now.)

He also stressed that the picture of Parkinson's he painted during his presentation ... is how the progression Parkinson's looks now.  It's not necessarily the picture of PD in five, 10 or 15 years.  So how can we change it as quickly as possible?  Here's are some suggestions from PDF:

1. Advocate for PD Research: There may not be a cure for Parkinson’s, but you can be a part of the solution.  Join more than 150 PDF Research Advocates who are speeding the development of new treatments through the Parkinson’s Advocates in Research program.  In the Midwest?  We'll announce dates for our in-person three-day training in your region later this month and invite you to apply.  Don't have the time to commit to being a PDF Research Advocate or don't see a training nearby you right now? Take our four-part online course (available in mid-July) to advance your knowledge, and work with our Research Advocates in speeding new treatments. 
2. Inform Others About Parkinson’s: Parkinson's disease is not well understood.  Spread the word in your community and bring the latest educational information to families touched by Parkinson’s.  Browse PDF’s Awareness Toolkit to find tips for raising awareness that work for you, whether writing a letter to the editor or setting up a display in your library.
3. Fundraise for Research: PDF just announced $5.3 million in funding for Parkinson's research. We were only able to do so because of your support.   Support a PD organization, or join PDF Champions, the inspiring individuals who are raising funds for PDF’s programs, to improve the lives and futures of people touched by Parkinson’s.  Whether you run a lemonade stand that raises $20 or a golf tournaments that raises $50,000, you help to move the cause forward.

These are our ideas. What do you do individually to take charge of your Parkinson's?  What ideas do you have for the community to make progress now?

New York City Rhythm and Blues Concert: PDF Champions

This past Friday, June 29, I had the pleasure of attending a PDF Champions Summer Show hosted by the State Employees Federated Appeal in Queens, NY.

The event featured live music, dancing and a 50/50 raffle. Entertainment was provided by The New York City Rhythm and Blues Ensemble.

Dr. Christopher Hess, Columbia University Fellow, spoke to the audience about Parkinson's disease and addressed their questions and concerns.  Dr. Hess was the recipient of the Ronald and Isobel Konecky Fellowship for Parkinson’s Research at Columbia University Medical Center. PDF awards this Fellowship to exceptional fellows who after completion of their two-year program are offered the opportunity to continue to an additional third year of research.  PDF also provided collateral and education resources to the guests.

While the State Employees Federated Appeal's fundraising efforts are still underway, they hope to raise $2,500 for Parkinson's research. Thank you!

Please take a look at some photos from the event:

If you are interested in hosting your own concert or other type of PDF Champions fundraising event please contact us at (800) 457-6676 or click here to register online.

Remember: The Cure Begins With YOU!

Tuesday's Tip: PDF Champions

Is there a special occasion coming up in your life? Perhaps a wedding, anniversary or birthday?

If so, make the celebration special by using it as an opportunity to fight Parkinson's. Many PDF Champions have used life's favorite moments to fundraise for the foundation. In lieu of favors consider making a donation on behalf of your guests to PDF or encourage your guests to do the same by forgoing gifts and making a donation to PDF instead. 

There is no better way to honor someone with Parkinson's disease than by donating to Parkinson's research and The Fitzmorris-Riles Family of Abita Spring, LA did just that!

Tawyna Foust Fitzmorris contacted PDF at the beginning of the year to inquire about making a donation to PDF in lieu of wedding favors for her daughter Karlin Louise Fitzmorris and soon to be son-in-law Joseph Barnes Riles' March wedding. Tawyna's father and Karlin's grandfather, Robert Lee Foust, passed away from complications from Parkinson's disease three years ago. As a close family they wanted to honor Robert on Karlin's special day. PDF donations cards were placed at each table setting and a photo montage of Robert was displayed at the reception.

Thank you and congratulations to The Fitzmorris-Riles Family for becoming PDF Champions and making a difference in the fight against Parkinson's disease. 

If you are interested in becoming a PDF Champion like The Fitzmorris-Riles Family, please visit our website or give us a call at (800) 457-6676.  PDF can provide you with donation cards to display at your wedding or party. Please click here to see an sample.

Remember: The Cure Begins With YOU!

PDF Champions Friday!

Next Friday, June 29 the New York State Education Department, Queens ACCES-VR will be hosting a S.E.F.A Summer Show to benefit PDF! 

The PDF Champions concert will feature live music, dancing and a 50/50 raffle. Entertainment will be provided by featured artist Mustang Sammy with music by The New York City Rhythm and Blues Ensemble. Representatives from PDF will be making a pre-event presentation focused on Parkinson's disease, symptoms, detection, medical treatment and counseling. A PDF information table will be set up in case guests have any questions or need any educational collateral.

Here are all the concert details:

Date: Friday, June 29

Presentation Time: 12:10 PM
Concert Time: 12:30 - 3:00 PM
Location: NYC Department 3rd Floor Cafeteria
1 Lefrak City Plaza 59-17 Junction Boulevard
Corona, NY 11368

A special thank you to the New York State Education Department, Queen ACCES-VR for becoming a PDF Champion and raising funds to support Parkinson's research! If you live in the Corona area please be sure to attend this fantastic concert and support PDF.

Become a PDF Champion today and join a group of grassroots fundraisers around the US who are working in their communities to improve the lives and futures of people with Parkinson's. If you are interested in hosting your own concert or other type of PDF Champions fundraising event please contact us at (800) 923-4778 or click here to register online.

Remember: The Cure Begins With YOU!

Shop For A Cause: PDF Champions!

Do you shop at Macy's? If so, this is the perfect opportunity to shop 'til you drop and support PDF at the same time! 

Purchase a $5.00 savings pass through Macy's Shop for a Cause program and 100 percent of your donation will support Parkinson's research. Your savings pass can be used at any Macy's on Saturday, August 25.

You'll save 25 percent all day on regular, sale and clearance items, including home – even save on most brands usually excluded! Save 10 percent on electrics/electronics, watches, furniture, mattresses, and rugs/floor coverings. Exclusions apply. Saving pass holders are also eligible to register to win a $500 Macy's gift card.

Be sure to spread the word to your family, friends and co-workers! Click here to purchase today.

Remember The Cure Begins With YOU!

Friday's Tip: PDF Champions

Obtaining in-kind donation(s) for your PDF Champions event can make all the difference! In-kind donations can help increase the amount you are able to donate to Parkinson's research by keeping your expenses down.

In-kind donations are those donations that are done in goods and services rather than monetarily.

Start by brainstorming.  The easiest way is to make a list of all your PDF Champions event expenses. Take a look and see what items you could potentially have donated. Here are some examples: food, beverages, rental fees, printing, basic supplies, etc.

Identify one sponsor that you can approach.  Inside your PDF Champions Welcome Packet you will find a sample donation letter that you can use as a guide for approaching any business to donation to the Parkinson's cause. Don't be afraid to approach any type of business, whether you have a personal connect with them or not. Companies are very willing to help out in their communities, especially when they know the proceeds will be coming to a great charity like Parkinson's Disease Foundation.

Offer to promote their business in exchange for their service. Add their logo to the invitations, t-shirts or event signage. Invite them to have a presence at the event by setting up an information table. The possibilities are endless. Be sure to ask them what would be the most beneficial for their company.

Remember: The Cure Begins With YOU!

Happy Birthday to the Original PDF Champion

Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PDF) would like to recognize the birthday of our founder and the original PDF Champion, Mr. William Black!

In 1957, Mr. Black’s, controller and close friend was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Appalled to learn that no truly effective therapy was available, nor was any basic research being conducted on the disease, Mr. Black set up PDF to establish a research program aimed at finding effective drug treatment. He made two major gifts: one to Columbia University to help build the research laboratory with a floor dedicated to Parkinson’s research; the other to endow PDF.

Help PDF fulfill Mr. Black's dream of finding a cure for Parkinson's by becoming a PDF Champion today!

Turn your passion and talents into fundraising for Parkinson's disease research. Here are a few ways that you can fundraise:

• Hold a car wash
• Run a marathon
• Coordinate a concert
• Create and sell your art
• Host a wine tasting
• Arrange a bake sale
• Complete a triathlon
• Fundraise online
• Organize a silent auction
• Forgo holiday gifts and give to PDF

To sign up to become a PDF Champion please click here!

Remember: The Cure Beings With YOU!

Wednesday Picture Day: PDF Champions

A special thank you goes out to PDF Champion Mallory Hiltz on her successful 5K Walk/Run for Parkinson's held on Saturday, April 21, at Brady's Run Park in Beaver, PA!  

As part of PDF Champions Campus Challenge program, Mallory and a few of her classmates from Community College of Beaver County worked tirelessly on the walk to raise money and awareness for Parkinson's disease!

Mallory and her classmates raised over $1,100 to support Parkinson's research! Check out these great photos from the walk. 

Remember: The Cure Begins With YOU!

Tuesday's Tip: PDF Champions

Summer can be the best time of year for fundraising for Parkinson's! The weather is great. Vacations are scheduled.  Kids are out of school. Checkout the list of summer fundraising ideas for your next PDF Champions event below.

• Down to a tee! Work with a local golf course to plan a PDF Champions golf outing. Golfers pay a certain amount to play with proceeds benefiting PDF.  See if local businesses will donate prizes and offer a prize to the winner of each hole, or of the whole course.
• Happy Independence Day! Use your usually Fourth of July BBQ as an opportunity to fundraising for PDF. Ask guests to donate $5 to help find a cure for Parkinson's!
• Suds up for Parkinson's! Hold a car wash in your neighborhood. Ask a local store to donate the supplies and ask your friends to start scrubbing. You can add to your profit by hosting a bake sale or selling chilled bottles of water.

Remember: The Cure Begins With YOU!

Thursday's Tip: PDF Champions

A "thank you" goes a long way. One of the most important pieces of your PDF Champions event is making sure you say "thank you" to your participants, volunteers and sponsors for their support of Parkinson's research.

You can send an email, invest in inexpensive thank you notes or use the sample thank you letter located in your PDF Champions Welcome Packet as guide. Make sure to highlight the successes of your event; why their participation meant so much to you; how many guests attended; and the total amount raised for Parkinson's. You can even include photos, a video or news articles of your event!

Letting your supporters know how much you value them and their help in finding a cure for Parkinson's disease can make all the difference!

Remember: The Cure Begins With YOU!

PDF Champions Friday!

For PDF Champions Friday, we would like to highlight Ellene Warren of Los Angeles, CA. Ellene is a great example of someone using  creativity to fundraise for a cure for Parkinson's disease!

She has crafted a collection of handmade, crocheted cuffs. She designed this collection specifically to sell and raise money to help fight Parkinson's disease. As a caregiver to a person with Parkinson's, Ellene knows first hand the importance of funding critical research. 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit PDF!

Thank you so much for your time and generosity, Ellene!

Please visit Elene's webpage on Etsy.com to purchase one of these beautiful handmade cuffs.

Remember: The Cure Begins With YOU!

Walk Over the Water: PDF Champions

Thank you to the Parkinson's Support Group of the Mid-Hudson Valley for hosting the 2nd Annual Walk Over the Water event on April 29 in Poughkeepsie, NY to benefit PDF!

PDF Champion and chair of the support group, Nancy Redkey, helped to make this walk an amazing success. More than 200 people, including Karlin Schroeder, PDF's Advocacy Relations Manager, took part in the walk located at Walkway Over the Hudson. We are thrilled to report that nearly $17,000 was raised for Parkinson's research!

This is the second year the Parkinson's Support Group of the Mid-Hudson Valley has hosted Walk Over the Water. Nancy and the group were featured in PDF's Parkinson's Awareness Month Tool Kit and Posters.

Please take a few moments to read the article about Walk Over the Water featured in today's Poughkeepsie Journal. 

Remember: The Cure Begins With YOU!

PDF Champions Friday!

Tomorrow, PDF Champion Jennifer Neathery will be running 26.2 miles in the St. Jude Country Music Marathon in Nashville, TN all to benefit Parkinson's disease research!

Ms. Neathery, an avid runner, was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson's disease seven years ago at 32. Despite her Parkinson's symptoms, she decided to partake in the run to challenge herself and prove to others that Parkinson's doesn't mean "giving up being active and living a good life."

Please take a moment to check out Jennifer's story featured on the Alabama Local News webpage. 

Thank you for making a difference in the fight against Parkinson's disease, Jennifer!

If you are interested in supporting Jennifer Neathery please visit her PDF Champions fundraising webpage.

Remember: The Cure Begins With YOU!

Afternoon Tea: PDF Champions

Tea, anyone? On Saturday, April 21, PDF Champion Linda Habenstreit held an afternoon tea and jewelry sale to benefit Parkinson's research at her home in Springfield, VA.

Linda encouraged her friends and family to purchase a piece of jewelry at afternoon tea all in the name of finding a cure for Parkinson's. Linda raised $700 in total!

Congratulations on a successful event, Linda!

Photo taken at afternoon tea. From left to right are: Linda Habenstreit (holding Dodie), Ghislaine Sonies, Donna Groves, and Nancy Benjamin (holding Theo).

Remember: The Cure Begins With YOU!

Wednesday Picture Day: PDF Champions

A special thank you goes out to Linda Morgan for raising awareness of Parkinson's disease this April! Linda is a member of PDF's People With Parkinson's Advisory Council (PPAC) and a dedicated PDF Research Advocate. On Monday, April 23, Linda hosted a screening of the film Just Around the Corner at her local movie theater in Asheville, NC, followed by a question and answer session with a panel of people with Parkinson's.

The documentary by Flat Broke Productions follows the story of Bob Benjamin, a music industry veteran and founder of the Light of Day Foundation, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 38. The film documents the challenges of living with Parkinson’s disease and how Mr. Benjamin responded to the diagnosis. He chose to fight back, and as his weapon, he chose something near and dear to him, rock n’ roll.

Light of Day Foundation has been a big supporter of PDF over the years; generously providing PDF with funding for Parkinson's research. At PDF's 2010 Gala Bob Benjamin and the Light of Day Foundation were awarded the Page and William Black Humanitarian award.

As a PDF Champion, you too can host a movie night to benefit Parkinson's research.  Ask your local theater to donation one of their theaters at an off time or you can even host the event at your home. Collect admissions, sell popcorn, candy and drinks with proceeds benefiting PDF!

Remember the Cure Begins With YOU!