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.

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!

Congratulations to Brooklyn Sports Club: PDF Champions

I wanted to follow up on a very special event that was highlighted a few weeks ago on the PDF Champions blog. Aqua-Thon: Splash for a Cause hosted by Brooklyn Sports Club under the direction of Aquatics Director, Michael Hornung.

The Aqua-Thon was held this past Saturday, April 21 and was a great success! The Aqua-Thon included a gentle swim, aqua aerobics, aqua Zumba, children's swim, raffles, games, informational materials about Parkinson's disease, food and music! Donation cards were also sold and displayed for all to see.

The event raised over $3,100 for Parkinson's research!

Eddie Pelto, PDF's Director of Development, had the pleasure of attending the event and took some fantastic photos. Please check them out.

Remember: The Cure Begins With YOU!

PDF Champions Friday!

Walk to Fight Parkinson's

Best of luck to PDF Champion Mallory Hiltz on her 5K Walk/Run for Parkinson's this Saturday, April 21, at Brady's Run Park in Beaver, PA!  Proceeds from the walk will benefit PDF.

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

If you live near Beaver County, PA please be sure to stop by the event to show Mallory support!

Here are all the details:

Date: Saturday, April 21

Time: 8:30 - 11:30 AM

Location: Brady's Run Park - Shelter 6
121 Brady's Run Road
Beaver Falls, PA 15010

You can also make an online donation by visiting Mallory's PDF Champions webpage.

Remember: The Cure Begins With YOU!

PDF Champions: Recognizing Parkinson's Awareness Month

Recognizing Parkinson's Awareness Month

Parkinson's advocate and PDF Champion, Linda Giorgilli Rice, has dedicated herself to educating her community about Parkinson's disease and fundraising for a cure. 

Through Linda's hard work, she was able to receive a proclamation from the City of Tampa declaring April as Parkinson's Awareness Month. She has also been busy writing a book about her experience caring for her late father who lived with Parkinson's and was even interviewed by NBC 8 in Tampa.

Please check out Linda's interview below.

Watch this at Tampa Bay Online

Wednesday Picture Day: PDF Champions

Congratulations!

A special thank you to PDF Champion Jeni Forshier-Jenkins on her successful fundraising and awareness event, Shuffle-Shake Parkinson's Awareness Celebrate event held on April 14 at Lincoln Square Mall in Urbana, IL!

Together with her friend Mary Jones, Jeni helped raise awareness of Parkinson's disease and funds for a cure. The event included a silent auction, Parkinson's informational materials, DJ, refreshments, kid's corner, Corvette display and more!

Shuffle-Shake Parkinson's Awareness Celebrate will continue collecting donations through the end of April but to date Jeni has raised over $1,500 for Parkinson's research!

Thank you for doing a truly extraordinary job, Jeni! Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Remember: The Cure Begins With YOU!

Parkinson's Unity Walk: PDF Champions

Team PDF Pacers!

Are you looking to join a team for the 2012 Parkinson's Unity Walk in New York City. Well, look no further, join the PDF Pacers' walk team today! There are less than two weeks left to REGISTER!

This is a great opportunity to encourage the whole family to partake in Parkinson's Awareness Month, by building awareness and fundraising for a cure!

100% of all donations made to the Parkinson's Unity Walk are distributed among the major U.S. Parkinson's disease foundations for Parkinson's disease research.

Here are all the walk details:

Date:
Saturday, April 28

Time:
Registration Opens: 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Booths Open: 9:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Walk Kick-Off: 9:45 AM
Walk Begins: 10:00 AM

Location:
Central Park (72nd Street Bandshell, Central Park, New York. Use 72nd Street Park entrance on Fifth Avenue or Central Park West)

Be sure to stop by PDF's booth at the walk. Meet our staff, collect informational materials and special goodies!

Make sure you don't miss this year's Parkinson's Unity Walk. REGISTER for the PDF Pacers' team today!

Remember: The Cure Begins With YOU!

PDF Champions Friday!

Aqua-Thon: Splash for a Cause

PDF Champion Michael Hornung has been hard at work fundraising and building awareness for Parkinson's disease. As Aquatics Director at Brooklyn Sports Club, Michael will be hosting an Aqua-Thon: Splash for a Cause event on Saturday, April 21.

The Aqua-Thon will include a gentle swim, aqua aerobics, aqua Zumba, children's swim, raffles, games, informational materials about Parkinson's disease, food and music!

If you live in the Tri-State area please consider attending. All are welcome!

The event details are below:

Date: April 21, 2012
Time: 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Brooklyn Sports Club, 1540 Van Siclen Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11239

A special thank you to Michael and the Brooklyn Sports Club. PDF is so appreciative of your efforts in building awareness for Parkinson's disease and fundraising for a cure.

Remember: The Cure Begins With YOU!

Thursday's Tip: PDF Champions

Social Media & Marketing

PDF is willing to help publicize your PDF Champions event to our community through pre and post event promotions. By keeping PDF up-to-date on your plans and progress we can help further your reach. Below is a list of PDF's media outlets:

• Facebook/Twitter: Tell us your plans and we will help you reach a larger network of potential donors through Facebook, Twitter and of course our PDF Champions Blog! We can include your personal story, event details, webpage link and photos. Also, invite your friends to ‘like’ the PDF Facebook page so they can see updates about your event.

• PDF Champions Fridays: Fridays are dedicated to PDF Champions! Every Friday PDF features a new Champion on its website and social media – be the next PDF Champion in the spotlight!

• Press Outreach: Interested in reaching out to your local media? By request, PDF can assist by generating a press release with all your event details and distributing it to your local newspaper, radio or television station.

• PDF Champions Gear: You have already received some promotional PDF gear in your Welcome Packet (a hat, banner and wristbands). Wear your gear as you prepare for your event to help increase its visibility. Be sure to submit a photo of yourself wearing your gear so that we can include it on the PDF website! PDF wants to provide you with all the resources you need – not only for fundraising, but also for building awareness of Parkinson’s disease.  PDF’s publications (including our quarterly newsletter, education brochures, etc.) can be ordered for free by visiting our Shop PDF webpage.  Other items including t-shirts and additional wristbands may be ordered at a minimal cost.

• YouTube: What better way to tell your story than through a personal video on PDF’s YouTube Channel  explaining your fundraising event, what you hope to achieve, and your reason for joining the fight against Parkinson’s. If you are interested in going viral, PDF can supply you with instructions and a script to get you started on the road to video-making success.  Additionally, we can lend Flip Video cameras to anyone interested in creating a video, but who lack the proper equipment to do so.

To utilize PDF's media outlets please contact us me at (800) 475-676 or email me at kbresnahan@pdf.org.

Remember: The Cure Begins With YOU!

Wednesday Picture Day: PDF Champions

PDF Champion Making a Difference

Dr. Maria L. De Leon of Nacogdoches, TX has been extremely busy fundraising for PDF and building awareness in her community. Maria is a member of PDF's People With Parkinson's Advisory Council (PPAC) and is a dedicated PDF Champion!

On February 12, Maria's local Defeat Parkinson's group teamed up with the San Jacinto Junior Girls Scout Troop #9129 to pay tribute to the men and women in their community who are living with Parkinson's as well as their caregivers. The troop planted red tulips at Oak Manor Nursing Home in preparation for Parkinson's Awareness Month in April! 

On March 23, Maria and her local Defeat Parkinson's group hosted their 3rd Annual Parkinson's Disease Conference. The event helped to educate East Texas about Parkinson's disease, offer support, build awareness and fundraising for a cure! The event raised over $2,500 for PDF!

Thank you for your dedication to the fight against Parkinson's disease, Maria!

Remember: The Cure Begins With YOU!

Tuesday's Tip: PDF Champions

Fundraising on the Job


A major portion of our days are spent at our places of employment. So when it comes to raising funds for Parkinson's, why not start your PDF Champions fundraising there? Here are a few ideas ...

• Double your money! Many employers offer matching funds programs. Check with your human resources department to see if your company offers matching gifts and then remind those who donate to you, to do the same.

• Give your blazer a rest! One of the more popular concepts in today's busy business world is the casual dress day. Simply contact your human resources department and request their assistance in setting up a day when employees can "dress down" at the office for a small contribution (ranging from $1-$10) towards your PDF Champions fundraising goal! If your office is already casual you can set up an incentive program. For employees who donate, their names will be entered into a drawing to receive a half day off or a special prize.

Remember: The Cure Begins With YOU!

PDF Champions Friday!

Shop for Jewelry to Support PDF!

In honor of April as Parkinson's Awareness Month, www.emily-alice.com will be donating 15 percent of sales from her Dopamine Collection to PDF.

Emily Alice's professional homemade designs are inspired by science and in particular molecules. Please shop her site today to support Parkinson's research!

Thank for your being a PDF Champion, Emily!

Remember: The Cure Begins With YOU!

Thursday's Tip: PDF Champions

Fundraise Online!

What is one of the easiest ways to collect donations for your PDF Champions fundraiser you may ask? Well, the answer is simple, through your PDF Champions fundraising webpage, of course.

Personalizing your fundraising webpage is the key and will get you moving in the right direction. You can upload photos, share your story and email the link to your family and friends.

For inspiration, check out PDF Champion Tanya Puckett’s webpage. Tanya completed the 2012 Albany Marathon in Albany, GA and raised $1,000 for PDF.

Don't forget that PDF has entries into the sold out 2012 Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday, October 28! If you are interested in joining PDF's marathon team please email me at kbresnahan@pdf.org.

Remember: The Cure Begins with YOU!

Wednesday Picture Day: PDF Champions

Strike!

Last Thursday, March 29, I had the pleasure of attending Ivory Latta’s First Annual Celebrity Bowl-A-Thon for Parkinson’s in Atlanta, GA! Earlier this year, WNBA star, Ivory Latta, became the Ambassador for our PDF Champions program. Ivory’s family has been touchrf twice by Parkinson’s. Her father was diagnosed a few years ago and her grandmother earlier this year. Ivory is truly dedicated to the cause and boy, does it show. Her enthusiasm during the Bowl-A-Thon was quiet remarkable.

Although my bowling was far from impressive, the celebrity crowd definitely impressed. Ivory was joined by Marvin Williams (Atlanta Hawks), Sean Weatherspoon (Atlanta Falcons), Corey Peters (Atlanta Falcons), Reshad Jones (Miami Dolphins), Tori Gurley (Green Bay Packers), Terrence Trammell (3x Olympian), Mark Hayes (Good Day New York Anchor), Sam Crenshaw (11 Alive News), CJ Simpson (DJ 95.5 The Beat) and Griff (Comedian/On-Air Personality).

Thanks Ivory for kicking off April’s Parkinson’s Awareness Month!

Remember: The Cure Begins With YOU!

Tuesday's Tip: PDF Champions

Volunteers, volunteers, volunteers!

Minimize last-minute stress at your PDF Champions fundraising event. If your event calls for extra hands, recruit your friends and family for support Parkinson’s disease. Touch base with your volunteers one to two days before your event date to review details with responsibilities. Also, use this time to gather and organize any supplies you’ll need to ensure your event runs smoothly.

Need to brainstorm or talk things through? That’s what I am here for! I am one call or email away.

Remember: The Cure Begins With YOU!

Light of Day Foundation Donates $60,000, Irving G. Brilliant Doubles Challenge

Bob Benjamin, a leader in Parkinson’s fundraising and head of the Light of Day Foundation, contacted PDF this week to let us know that the foundation is donating $60,000 this month – raised from its Light of Day Concerts – to the Irving G. Brilliant Parkinson's Research Challenge.

While this brought PDF well past its initial goal of $100,000 (all of which Mr. Brilliant promised to match), the news got even better.

Upon hearing about Mr. Benjamin's gift, Mr. Brilliant DOUBLED his challenge. If PDF reaches $200,000 by Thursday, June 30, Mr. Brilliant will match every single gift to benefit Parkinson’s research.


Stories of Our Donors, NBC Nightly News Clip

Irving G. Brilliant, J.D.

Mr. Brilliant is a long-time resident of Brooklyn, NY, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2003. A Harvard-trained attorney, Mr. Brilliant spent most of his career on Wall Street. At a young age, he sat on the US legal team at the Nuremberg trials prosecuting leaders of Nazi Germany. With his challenge gift, he is hoping to spur philanthropic interest in scientific research seeking the cause(s) of and a cure for the disease.

The Light of Day Foundation and Bob Benjamin

Mr. Benjamin was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1996 at the age of 38, and shortly thereafter, founded Light of Day Foundation, which has held concerts all over the world to raise funds for Parkinson’s. Performers have included Bruce Springsteen. The concerts have raised over $1 million to benefit Parkinson’s organizations. Last year, PDF presented Mr. Benjamin and The Light of Day Foundation with the Page and William Black Humanitarian Award.

Mr. Benjamin was recently profiled on NBC Nightly News for his work in the Parkinson’s community, a clip you can view below. In his interview, Mr. Benjamin states,

“I don’t look at what I can’t do, I look at what I can do.”

Certainly, he has given much to the Parkinson’s community.

We are grateful for not only his support, but for yours in helping us to reach the challenge goal to fund much needed Parkinson’s research. The efforts made this April by Mr. Benjamin, Mr. Brilliant and all of you around the country are truly inspirational.

We encourage you to watch this video below and invite your feedback on the fundraising challenge, the gifts by Mr. Benjamin and Mr. Brilliant and your experiences this April in raising awareness.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy