Every patient with Parkinson’s disease does not experience the same problems. For example, some people have prominent tremors that interfere with daily activities, whereas others shake very little or not at all. One of the symptoms that might occur after many years after developing Parkinson’s disease is known as “freezing of gait”. What is “freezing […]
A Gift Like No Other
Having Parkinson ’s disease means being aware, indeed self-conscious, of one’s physical limitations and abnormalities. Some are subtle, some painfully obvious. If friends and relatives don’t realize something is amiss after their first encounter with you as a patient, they surely will in due course. Symptoms like overall slowness of motion, difficulty getting up from […]
Walk Off Parkinson’s Logo Created To Inspire
Since 2005, the tulip has been recognized worldwide as a symbol for Parkinson’s Disease. Many organizations involved with the Parkinson’s community use a variation on the tulip. PFNCA’s Walk Off Parkinson’s logo tells an important story. While there is no cure for Parkinson’s, those with it can take steps to live well with the disease. […]
The Important Meaning Behind Amp’s Attire — PFNCA’s Mascot Helps Raise Awareness
Did you know that lots of thought went into the creation of the uniform for PFNCA’s mascot Amp? Read on to learn more about the important meaning behind Amp’s attire. Front of Amp’s Jersey Since 2005, the tulip has been recognized worldwide as a symbol for Parkinson’s Disease. Many organizations involved with the Parkinson’s community […]
Meet PFNCA Yoga Instructor Carl Schuetz
Carl Schuetz has a long career in teaching. He changed his teaching focus to yoga following a diagnosis of PD when he found that his yoga practice brought an improvement to his attitude and outward appearance. The experience was so positive and encouraging that he started earning yoga certifications with an eye toward helping others. […]
Welcome to PFNCA’s New Website
Recently, PFNCA launched its new website. The new site has many improvements including Program listings feature options to search by city and state allowing you to easily find the programs that are closest to you. Registration and Schedule Updates sections are more easily accessible. A Get Help system has been added allowing you to chat […]
PFNCA Support Group Specialist Leon Paparella Shares His Thoughts on Health, Parents and Parkinson’s
In my nuclear Italian-American family, I am the youngest of two children and the only son, my sister being two-and-a-half years older. Throughout my childhood and early life I seemed to have been the focus of excessive concern and worry. Over-protective would be an apt description of my parents attention to my well-being. I resented […]
PFNCA Program Participant Russ Dawson Talks Walk Off Parkinson’s
Russ Dawson, who is relatively new to PFNCA, recently sat down and shared some information about himself and PFNCA. Tell us about yourself. I’m a fifth generation Washingtonian. I enjoyed a 40-year career in media communications, first as a journalist (ten years), public affairs director of a small professional organization (two years), press secretary and […]
Highlights from the 2017 PFNCA Defiance Luncheon
Fox Hill Residences hosted the 2017 PFNCA Defiance Luncheon on May 2nd. More than 70 people who attended for or more PFNCA program sessions were honored during the event. Special thanks to Fox Hill for their support of the PFNCA Defiance Luncheon.
PFNCA Support Group Specialist Leon Paparella Reflects on One Group Surpassing 800 Sessions
PFNCA Support Group Specialist Leon Paparella took a moment to reflect on the 800th session of a support group he has led in Arlington, Virginia… Since I wrote my first article on this subject (July 2004), much time and more than 800 sessions have passed, of this psychosocial therapy group for people with Parkinson’s. Many […]
Wanted: Words That Inspire.
Each year, PFNCA asks people to vote on words that inspire people with Parkinson’s. Words with the most votes are featured on the annual Walk Off Parkinson’s T-shirt. We need your help identifying words that inspire you. Click here to tell us what words inspire you. Voting will take place later this summer. Attend PFNCA’s […]
PFNCA Emeritus Board Member Susan Hamburger Reflects on Her Experiences with Parkinson’s and PFNCA
Recently, PFNCA Emeritus Board Member Susan Hamburger sat down and reflected on her experiences with Parkinson’s and PFNCA. Tell us about you and your husband’s experience facing Parkinson’s. My husband Stan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 45 and lived with it for 27 years. In the beginning we spent a lot […]
Meet Learie Phillip
Retired D.C. Public Schools Principal Learie Phillip has been fighting back against Parkinson’s since he was diagnosed more than ten years ago. He regularly a PFNCA Exercise for Parkinson’s program near his home. “The program focuses on the total body and mind. The intensity level of the instructor is remarkable,” he says. Phillip, who is […]
Speak Louder
PFNCA Volunteer Rick Vaughan recently visited several PFNCA Communications Club program sessions. He shares his observations below. PFNCA Communication Club meetings are open to all people with Parkinson’s free of charge, compliments of the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area (PFNCA). The sessions are held once a week at the same time […]
Selected for the 2014/15
Catalogue for Philanthropy.