On Saturday, August 22, Parkinson’s Orange County welcomed 190 registrants to the Clifton C. Miller Community Center in Tustin for our Mid Stride Empowerment Workshop. Individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, care partners, families, and community members came together for a meaningful morning of education, movement, connection, and encouragement.

The workshop was designed to help attendees better understand the challenges that may arise during the mid-stage of Parkinson’s while connecting them with practical guidance, trusted experts, and supportive resources.

Expert Guidance for Navigating Parkinson’s

Movement disorder specialists Dr. Sandeep K. Thakkar and Dr. Ravi Rajmohan shared their expertise on both the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Dr. Thakkar’s presentation, “Mid Stride Symptoms and Solutions,” explored the movement-related changes that individuals may experience as Parkinson’s progresses. He offered practical information to help attendees better understand these symptoms and consider ways to address them with their healthcare teams.

Dr. Rajmohan presented “Non-Motor Symptoms and Clinical Trials,” drawing attention to the many aspects of Parkinson’s that may not always be visible. Non-motor symptoms can affect daily life in significant ways, making awareness, communication, and access to appropriate care especially important.

Together, their presentations encouraged individuals living with Parkinson’s and their care partners to take an active role in navigating their health and care. We sincerely thank Dr. Thakkar and Dr. Rajmohan for sharing their time, knowledge, and encouragement with our community.

Bringing Movement Into the Experience

The morning also included a 15-minute movement warm-up led by Erin Angelo. Participants explored foundational dance movements set to music while practicing rhythm, balance, coordination, and intentional motion.

“Movement to music wakes up the brain in ways that static exercise can’t,” Erin shared as she guided the room through the activity.

Attendees moved together from their seats, followed the rhythm, and experienced how movement can be engaging, social, and joyful. Smiles filled the room as participants celebrated what their bodies could do.

We are grateful to Rx Ballroom Dance for partnering with Parkinson’s Orange County to bring this energizing movement experience to the workshop.

Connecting With Local Resources

Education was only one part of the morning. Attendees also had opportunities to speak with community partners and resource exhibitors, gather helpful information, and connect with others who understand the Parkinson’s journey.

These conversations are an important part of Parkinson’s Orange County’s mission. By bringing individuals, care partners, healthcare professionals, and community organizations together, we can help ensure that people affected by Parkinson’s have access to information and support throughout every stage of their journey.

The strong turnout demonstrated how valuable these opportunities are to the Orange County Parkinson’s community. Each conversation, shared experience, and new connection helped make the workshop more than an educational event—it became a space for encouragement and empowerment.

Thank You to Our Community

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped make the Mid Stride Empowerment Workshop possible. Thank you to our presenters, community partners, resource exhibitors, volunteers, supporters, and all 190 registrants who joined us.

Your participation helps Parkinson’s Orange County continue building a more informed, connected, and empowered community. Together, we are working to ensure that no one in Orange County has to navigate Parkinson’s disease alone.

Videos of the workshop’s educational lectures will be available next week. Stay connected with Parkinson’s Orange County for the recordings and information about upcoming educational programs, supportive resources, and community events.