parkinsons-orange-county

Next for Ask an Expert: Women & Parkinson’s and Technology &Parkinson’s Care

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 17:00:06 GMT

Women & Parkinson’s and Technology & Parkinson’s Care- Research Summary from the World Parkinson's Congress

Parkinson’s Orange County invites you to join us for the next session of our Ask an Expert: World Parkinson Congress Education Series on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 12:00 PM via Zoom.

The World Parkinson Congress brings together researchers, healthcare professionals, people living with Parkinson’s, care partners, and advocates from around the world to share the latest developments in Parkinson’s research and care. Our Ask an Expert series makes this valuable information accessible to our local community by transforming key conference insights into practical, easy-to-understand education.

During this upcoming virtual session, our experts will continue the World Parkinson Congress recap with discussions on Women and Parkinson’s and Technology and Parkinson’s Care. Attendees will learn more about how Parkinson’s may affect women differently and explore emerging tools and innovations that are helping shape the future of treatment, support, and everyday care.

This free program is designed for individuals living with Parkinson’s, care partners, family members, and anyone interested in learning more about the latest developments in the Parkinson’s community.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Online via Zoom

Join us from the comfort of your home for an informative conversation that connects global Parkinson’s research with the needs and experiences of our Orange County community.

Visit www.parkinsonsoc.org for additional information and registration.

Rock for a Cause: Support Parkinson's OC While Celebrating Ozzy Osbourne's Legacy

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 17:00:06 GMT

Rock for a Cause: Celebrate the Legacy of Ozzy Osbourne While Supporting Parkinson’s Orange County

Get ready to turn up the volume for a great cause! Parkinson’s Orange County is honored to be the beneficiary of a special Ozzy Osbourne fundraiser at Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales in Costa Mesa.

On Wednesday, July 22, Slashers will celebrate the legendary music and lasting legacy of Ozzy Osbourne with Ozzy and Black Sabbath playing all day long. From 2:30 to 10:30 PM, guests can enjoy an afternoon or evening of axe throwing, food, drinks, and unforgettable rock music—all while supporting the local Parkinson’s community.

Twenty percent of ticket sales from the event will be donated to Parkinson’s Orange County. These funds will help us continue providing education, resources, programs, and meaningful support to individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s disease throughout Orange County.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Time: 2:30–10:30 PM
Location: Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales
Address: 1941 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA

Whether you have been an Ozzy fan for decades or simply want to enjoy a unique outing for a meaningful cause, we hope you will join us. Gather your friends, wear your favorite band shirt, and help us rock in support of the Parkinson’s community.

Tickets and additional information are available at www.slashersoc.com .

Together, we can celebrate an iconic musical legacy while making a real difference for local individuals and families living with Parkinson’s. We’ll see you there! ��

Ready to Fight ft. Guest Speaker Lauren Simmons

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 19:01:41 GMT

Be Prepared: Preparing for a Hospital Stay with Parkinson’s

A hospital visit can be stressful for anyone, but for people living with Parkinson’s disease, careful preparation is especially important.

Join the Ready to Fight Parkinson’s Support Group in San Juan Capistrano on Tuesday, July 21, at 11:30 a.m. for a special presentation featuring Lauren Simmons, Board President of Parkinson’s Orange County.

After living with Parkinson’s for 10 years, Lauren recently experienced an emergency room visit that reminded her how easily important details can be overlooked—even when you know what to expect. She will share lessons from her experience and practical guidance to help individuals with Parkinson’s and their loved ones prepare for an emergency room visit or hospital stay.

This conversation will offer valuable information for people living with Parkinson’s, care partners, family members, and anyone who wants to feel more confident navigating hospital care.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, July 21
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Location: Capistrano Boxing Gym
31531 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 102
San Juan Capistrano, CA

We hope you’ll join us for this important and informative discussion. Being prepared can help you advocate for yourself or your loved one and make a challenging hospital experience safer and less overwhelming.

Our Next Workshop: Mid Stride

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 16:59:57 GMT

Find Support, Resources, and Expert Guidance at Parkinson’s Orange County’s Mid Stride Workshop

Living with Parkinson’s disease is a journey that changes over time, and having access to the right information, resources, and support can make a meaningful difference. This August, Parkinson’s Orange County invites individuals living with Parkinson’s and their care partners to join us for our free Mid Stride Workshop , a morning dedicated to education, connection, and community.

The Mid Stride Workshop will take place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM at the Clifton C. Miller Community Center in Tustin .

Designed specifically for individuals in the mid-stage range of Parkinson’s disease (approximately 5–15 years since diagnosis) and their care partners, this workshop will provide an opportunity to learn from trusted experts while connecting with others who understand the Parkinson’s journey.

Expert Education and Meaningful Conversations

Attendees will hear from movement disorder specialists who will share insights on symptoms, treatment approaches, and the latest developments in Parkinson’s care.

Featured presentations include:

Dr. Sandeep K. Thakkar
Mid Stride Symptoms and Solutions

Dr. Ravi Rajmohan
Non-Motor Symptoms and Clinical Trials

These sessions will explore important topics related to managing Parkinson’s symptoms, understanding changes that may occur throughout the disease journey, and learning about current research opportunities.

Connecting Our Community with Resources and Support

The Mid Stride Workshop is more than an educational event—it is an opportunity to build connections and discover resources available right here in Orange County.

The morning will include:

Expert presentations from medical and technical specialists
Information about local resources and support programs
Exercise program opportunities
Care partner support
Social connection with others in the Parkinson’s community
A light breakfast

Whether you are navigating Parkinson’s yourself or supporting someone you love, this workshop offers a welcoming space to learn, ask questions, and connect with others.

Join Us for This Free Community Event

Space is limited, and registration is required. We encourage individuals living with Parkinson’s in the mid-stage range and their care partners to reserve their spot today.

Join Parkinson’s Orange County for a morning of education, connection, and support as we continue working together to strengthen our Parkinson’s community.

Register today at: Parkinson’s Orange County

We look forward to seeing you at the Mid Stride Workshop!

Introducing: Adopt-A-Day

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 16:59:05 GMT

Adopt-A-Day: Honor a Life, Share a Story, and Inspire Hope

This summer, Parkinson’s Orange County is launching something special—a meaningful way to honor someone whose life has been touched by Parkinson’s disease while supporting our local community.

Through Adopt-A-Day , you can select a meaningful date between January 1 and December 31 in memory or celebration of someone important to you. It might be their birthday, the anniversary of their diagnosis, or simply a day that holds a special place in your heart.

Every day tells a story. Yours can inspire hope.

How Adopt-A-Day Works

When you adopt a day, you will create a permanent tribute on Parkinson’s Orange County’s new Wall of Honor .

Your loved one’s name will be displayed alongside the date you select. You will also have the opportunity to share a personal message about who they are, what they mean to you, and how Parkinson’s has shaped their story.

The Wall of Honor is more than a collection of names and dates. It is a digital place where family members and friends can visit, share meaningful tributes, and remember the strength, courage, and legacy of the people who matter deeply to them.

Whether you are celebrating someone currently living with Parkinson’s, honoring a dedicated care partner or advocate, or remembering someone who has passed, your tribute becomes part of a community united by love, resilience, and hope.

Your Tribute Makes an Impact

A gift of $100 adopts a full day while providing vital support for individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s throughout Orange County.

Your generosity helps Parkinson’s Orange County continue providing connection, education, resources, and support to members of our community. By honoring one person’s journey, you also help others feel less alone in theirs.

Only 30 Days Are Available

To make every tribute especially meaningful, this campaign is limited to just 30 adopted days .

Once these days have been claimed, the campaign will close. We invite you to choose a date that matters to you and create a lasting tribute to someone whose story deserves to be celebrated and remembered.

Your tribute. Their legacy. Our community.

Ready to adopt a day? Visit our Wall of Honor to select your date and create your tribute.

Ask An Expert: What We Learned from the WPC

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 16:58:25 GMT

Bringing World Parkinson’s Congress Insights to Our Orange County Community

Parkinson’s Orange County recently hosted a special Ask An Expert recording highlighting key takeaways from the World Parkinson’s Congress and what these important developments mean for our local Parkinson’s community.

Our Ask An Expert educational series was created to make trusted, meaningful information more accessible to individuals living with Parkinson’s, care partners, and families throughout Orange County. By bringing insights from leading research and conversations directly to our community, we hope to help people feel better informed, supported, and empowered throughout the Parkinson’s journey. This recording explores two important areas: movement, music, and the brain and exercise as medicine . Research and practice continue to demonstrate the powerful role that movement, rhythm, and regular physical activity can play in supporting both motor and cognitive health.

Music and rhythm can offer more than enjoyment. They may also support movement, coordination, engagement, and connection. Exercise is similarly becoming an increasingly important part of Parkinson’s care, helping individuals remain active while supporting mobility, independence, and overall well-being.

The conversation does more than share information—it helps connect global research and innovation with the everyday experiences of people living with Parkinson’s here in Orange County. Our goal is to make these insights understandable, practical, and relevant to the individuals and families we serve.

More Important Conversations Ahead

The next Ask An Expert session will continue our World Parkinson’s Congress recap with two additional topics: Women and Parkinson’s and Technology and Parkinson’s Care .

These conversations will explore how Parkinson’s can affect people differently, including the distinct experiences and care needs of women. We will also look at how emerging technologies, innovative tools, and more personalized approaches are helping shape the future of Parkinson’s care.

We invite you to watch, learn, and share this resource with anyone who may benefit from trusted education, practical insight, and continued hope along the Parkinson’s journey.

Watch the recording:
https://youtu.be/KzpOGrcKKdM

Support SB 895: A Voice for Parkinson's Research

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:55:42 GMT

Advancing Research in California

SB 895 would establish the California Foundation for Science and Health Research and authorize a $12 billion bond to support medical research throughout California, including research into Parkinson’s disease.
If approved by the Legislature and signed by the Governor, the measure is expected to appear before California voters on the November 2026 ballot. Before that can happen, legislators need to know that their constituents support it. People living with Parkinson’s understand the importance of research. Today's treatments improve symptoms, but continued investment is essential to finding better therapies and ultimately a cure.

Please take a few minutes to contact your California State Senator and Assembly Member and urge them to support SB 895. To find your legislators, visit https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.go
A simple message is all it takes: "As a constituent affected by Parkinson’s disease, I urge you to support SB 895 and allow California voters the opportunity to invest in medical research that offers hope to thousands of families. The science is advancing. Help ensure California continues to lead the way."

When Community Comes Together: Creating Connections through Pickleball

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 14:33:07 GMT

Late last year, I received an email from John King of Huntington Beach. John loves playing and teaching pickleball and was looking for a way to use his talents to serve the Parkinson’s community.

I told John about a new indoor pickleball facility that was opening in Lake Forest. Together, we approached Adam Go, owner of Pickleball Haven, and proposed creating a pickleball program specifically for people living with Parkinson’s. Adam immediately embraced the idea and generously offered complimentary use of a court for several hours each week.

The pieces were beginning to fall into place, but we still needed guidance from experts in Parkinson’s-focused exercise programs. After a couple of meetings with PEP4U physical therapists, Gabi Frei and Tricia Brown and PEP4U board president, Jerry Miller, the PEP4U board approved adding pickleball to its offerings.

With all the pieces in place, the first two classes of people with Parkinson’s attended their inaugural pickleball lesson in March. After just five weeks, participants were playing games and even learning how to keep score. If you play pickleball, you know that mastering the scoring system can be a cognitive challenge for everyone!

This summer, players from both classes came together for friendly games, with John coaching strategy and, occasionally, helping everyone keep track of the score. Some participants have even begun organizing games within their own communities, extending the connections they made through the program.

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants offering high praise for both John and the program. This experience is a powerful reminder that when individuals, organizations, and community partners come together, something special happens. Connections are formed, confidence grows, and community thrives.

Ask An Expert: WPC Education Series Event

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:15:43 GMT

Bringing World Parkinson’s Congress Research Back to Our Community

Parkinson’s Orange County is excited to launch a special Ask An Expert: WPC Education Series Event , designed to bring some of the most valuable insights from the World Parkinson’s Congress directly back to our members, care partners, families, and community.

The World Parkinson’s Congress brings together people living with Parkinson’s, care partners, clinicians, researchers, advocates, and organizations from around the world to share the latest information in Parkinson’s care, research, treatment, wellness, and quality of life. With so much important information presented, our goal is to help translate key takeaways into practical, easy-to-understand tools that can support everyday life with Parkinson’s.

This special education series will take place as part of Parkinson’s Orange County’s ongoing Ask An Expert program, held every 4th Thursday at 12:00 PM via Zoom .

The first session will be held:

Thursday, June 25, 2026
12:00 PM
Via Zoom, https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5078977028

During this workshop, Parkinson’s Orange County will share highlights and meaningful updates from the World Parkinson’s Congress, focusing on the information most relevant to our members. Topics may include emerging research, exercise and wellness strategies, cognitive health, care partner support, new approaches to treatment, and practical conversations that can help people living with Parkinson’s feel more informed and empowered.

This series is designed for people living with Parkinson’s, care partners, family members, and community members who want to better understand current Parkinson’s research without feeling overwhelmed by technical language. Each session will focus on turning research into real-life ideas, tools, and conversations that support quality of life.

The workshop will also be recorded , so members who are unable to attend live will still can watch and learn from the session afterward.

Parkinson’s Orange County remains committed to making education accessible, practical, and hopeful. We look forward to sharing what we learned at the World Parkinson’s Congress and continuing to bring meaningful resources back to the Orange County Parkinson’s community.

Click here for the zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5078977028

Jump Start PD Workshop Brings Education, Resources, and Hope to Orange County’s Newly Diagnosed Parkinson’s Community

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:10:45 GMT

Parkinson’s Orange County was proud to welcome newly diagnosed individuals, care partners, local experts, exhibitors, and community supporters to our recent Jump Start PD Workshop on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Rogue Physical Therapy and Wellness in Fountain Valley.

Created specifically for individuals within the first five years of a Parkinson’s diagnosis, Jump Start is designed to help participants feel more informed, more connected, and less alone as they begin navigating life with Parkinson’s disease. A new diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but the morning served as a powerful reminder that support, education, and meaningful resources are available right here in Orange County.

Throughout the workshop, attendees had the opportunity to learn about the basics of Parkinson’s disease, ask questions, explore the role of exercise and healthy lifestyle choices, and hear directly from someone living well with Parkinson’s. The event brought together medical insight, practical tools, personal encouragement, and local connections in one welcoming space.

Featured speakers included Dr. Ann Ly, Neurologist and Movement Disorder Specialist; Claire McLean, PT, DPT, NCS, of Rogue Physical Therapy and Wellness; and Lauren Simmons, President of the Parkinson’s Orange County Board and a person living with Parkinson’s. Their presentations helped attendees better understand the disease, the importance of movement and wellness, and the many ways people can continue to live fully and meaningfully after diagnosis.

The morning also featured local exhibitors and community partners offering information on exercise programs, therapy services, treatment education, care partner support, clinical trials, wellness resources, and ongoing Parkinson’s programs. Attendees were able to connect directly with organizations and professionals who serve the Parkinson’s community throughout Orange County.

Parkinson’s Orange County is deeply grateful to our speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, and every attendee who helped make this event such a meaningful success. Your presence, questions, stories, and commitment to learning helped create a morning filled with connection, encouragement, and hope.

For those who attended, a follow-up contact and resource sheet has been provided with information from the workshop, including local providers, exercise programs, helpful books, websites, videos, clinical trial resources, and Parkinson’s support organizations.

Most importantly, Jump Start reminded us of one essential message: no one has to face Parkinson’s alone. Parkinson’s Orange County remains committed to helping individuals and families connect with the resources, support, and community they need to live well with Parkinson’s.

To learn more about Parkinson’s Orange County programs, resources, and upcoming events, visit www.parkinsonsoc.org .

To view video from the event including presentations and information, click here: https://youtu.be/gu6J5ADozgA?si=e32IRm8pw-NyYGLh

Parkinson’s Orange County to Host LGBTQ+ Support Group Launch Meeting During Pride Month

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:00:45 GMT

Parkinson’s Orange County is proud to announce an upcoming launch meeting to explore the creation of a new LGBTQ+ Support Group for people with Parkinson’s, care partners, and loved ones.

In honor of Pride Month, this meeting is designed to begin a meaningful conversation about how Parkinson’s Orange County can help create a safe, inclusive, and supportive space for LGBTQ+ members of the Parkinson’s community and those who love and care for them.

Living with Parkinson’s can bring unique challenges, and no one should have to navigate those challenges alone. For LGBTQ+ individuals and families, finding a space where people feel seen, respected, and understood can be especially important. This launch meeting will provide an opportunity for community members to share ideas, express interest, and help shape what future support could look like.

The meeting is open to people with Parkinson’s, care partners, loved ones, allies, and anyone who would like to help build a welcoming and affirming space within the Parkinson’s Orange County community.

LGBTQ+ Support Group Pride Month Launch Meeting
Date: Monday, June 22, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM PST
Location: Via Zoom, https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5078977028

This first gathering will be an open and welcoming conversation. Attendees are invited to share what kind of support, topics, resources, and community connections would be most meaningful as Parkinson’s Orange County considers future LGBTQ+ support group programming.

At Parkinson’s Orange County, we believe every person impacted by Parkinson’s deserves access to support, education, resources, and connection. This meeting is one more step toward building a Parkinson’s community where everyone feels valued, included, and supported.

All are welcome. Your voice matters.

To attend the launch meeting, please click here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5078977028 , or contact Parkinson’s Orange County for more information.