American Parkinson Disease Association, Rhode Island Chapter

📣Today we're feeling extra grateful for these incredible community partners who are sponsoring at the bronze level for the Optimism Walk and 5k Fun Run this Saturday! A big thank you to Home Instead CND Life Sciences, Navigant Credit Union, Tockwotton on the Waterfront, Encompass Health Rehab of Johnston, and Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island for supporting this cause. We're appreciative of all that you do for the community!

https://secure.qgiv.com/event/apda2024rioptimismwalk/

Wow! We have so many incredible fundraisers and lots of team spirit this 2024 season, and we can't wait to see you in just 4 days.

Here's your reminder that you can earn our great incentive prizes - Raise $100+ to Get an Optimism Walk Shirt; Raise $500+ to Get an Optimism Walk Hat; Raise $1,000+ and Become a Circle of Optimism Member where you will be recognized during the Ceremony and receive an Optimism Walk medal.

We've noticed a good number of our participants are just a small donation away from receiving their next incentive; so close to earning a shirt, hat or a medal! You can do it.

Not registered yet? It's not too late to join the fun and participate this Saturday!

https://secure.qgiv.com/event/apda2024rioptimismwalk/

📣Thank you, Acadia Pharmaceuticals, for partnering again this year as a Silver Sponsor of our Annual Optimism Walk and 5k Fun Run on September 28. We're thankful for your support so we can continue to provide the latest in education, resources, & support locally, while also funding vital PD research!

https://secure.qgiv.com/event/apda2024rioptimismwalk/

The Optimism Walk and 5k Fun Run here in RI is just a week away! We're looking forward to seeing you at Warwick City Park for the big event.

Not registered? Sign up now and aim high with your fundraising goals—you still have a week to help us reach our goal, plus the fundraising continues through the fall! Your contribution can create significant change for those affected by Parkinson's disease. With your help, we can enhance our programs, resources, and research efforts. Remember, every contribution makes a difference!

We hope you'll join us next weekend for the walk and family-friendly activities including lawn games, raffles, music, lunch, and much more. Last year, Bluey and Mario came out to play! This year some different popular characters are joining us! ...Who will it be...?

https://secure.qgiv.com/event/apda2024rioptimismwalk/

Join the APDA in honoring Maureen Murphy and Team Smurfs at this year's Annual Optimism Walk & 5k Fun Run! Team Smurfs have shown unwavering dedication to fundraising for the local Parkinson's Disease community and vital research for many years. We are excited to share a message from Maureen with you:

"I have Parkinson’s and so did my mom. I was determined that it wasn’t going to get me down, we all know that it is a progressive disease and at my age now it is starting to take its toll, but I like to tell newly diagnosed patients: listen to your doctor, have faith in your doctor and exercise. I still exercise and this is what has kept me going for so long; 14 years now.

We have to keep fighting to continue raising money for research, so that our children, great-grandchildren may be cured. So, please help us win the fight against Parkinson’s!"

Learn more about the event here:
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/apda2024rioptimismwalk/

📣Thank you Boston Scientific for partnering again this year as a Silver Sponsor of our Annual Optimism Walk and 5k Fun Run on September 28. We're thrilled for your continued support, and we can't wait to visit with you at your sponsor table in just 10 days!

https://secure.qgiv.com/event/apda2024rioptimismwalk/

🌍 Let's make a difference together! It's the Parkinson’s National Day of Action, and we need YOU! Sign the petition to ban paraquat—a chemical that raises Parkinson’s risk by 500% -- and urge Congress to support the HEALTHY BRAINS Act. Let’s and improve the lives of those living with Parkinson's.

https://michaeljfox.quorum.us/campaign/65254/

Bev Brindle is a dedicated member of the APDA RI Board of Directors, Walk Committee Co-Chair, boxer, fundraising and raffle extraordinaire, and a true friend to many! Each year, Bev receives a flood of encouraging messages from friends and family to support her walk efforts, and this year marks her 7th year participating in the Optimism Walk! APDA RI is incredibly grateful for Bev’s hard work in making the walk a success—from planning all year, to spreading the word, and ensuring a fun day for everyone. Thank you, Bev, for your unwavering service and participation. We can’t wait to walk alongside you & our many dedicated community supporters in just 12 days!

Here are a few examples of the motivating messages that have come in this year to Bev:

“Good luck Bev, you are a rockstar! So proud of you Bev as you embark on another walk. You are an inspiration to all of us.”

“Bevy you have shown me what it’s like to grow stronger with every challenge along with other natural aging that accompanies the passing years. You continue to inspire me. Just tonight I was telling a friend about how blown away I am by your efforts. She has been recently diagnosed with PD.”

“I wish you a successful walk! I will be with you in spirit, my wonderful friend! Bless you for all you do for others!”

Are you registered? Join us & make a difference! https://secure.qgiv.com/event/apda2024rioptimismwalk/

The 2024 Optimism Walk and 5K Fun Run at Warwick City Park is around the corner... it's less than two weeks away!

We're excited to see you there. Don't miss out on the excitement we've lined up, including raffles, live music, partner booths, a delightful lunch, fabulous prizes, and the main event—the walk!

Sign up now and aim high with your fundraising goals—you still have 13 days left! Already on board? This week, why not invite five more people to join the walk or support the cause with a donation?

Your contribution can create significant change for those affected by Parkinson's disease. With your help, we can enhance our programs, resources, and research efforts. Remember, every contribution makes a difference!

https://secure.qgiv.com/event/apda2024rioptimismwalk/

Happy Friday! Today we're featuring Carlos Mejia, the new Director of Admissions at Evergreen House Health Center, who just completed installing the roadside signage for the Optimism Walk & 5k Fun Run! Thank you to Carlos and the whole team at Evergreen!

Evergreen House Health Center in East Providence is proud to be an official Parkinson’s support group host site. Support group meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month at 1 PM. For more information, call 401-438-3250 X1120.

The Optimism Walk & 5k Fun Run is a great way to support our programs and services across the state! Join us on Saturday, September 28, at Warwick City Park. More details here:
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/apda2024rioptimismwalk/

🗓️ Mark Your Calendar On September 17, the Parkinson’s National Day of Action, we're uniting with PD advocates nationwide to push for crucial changes in how environmental risk factors are addressed.

Stay tuned for how you can and make your voice heard!

Are you approaching Medicare eligibility and feeling overwhelmed by the enrollment process? APDA is here to help.

The Medicare Fall Open Enrollment is happening soon — October 15 until December 7 — and this is the time of year when you can sign up or change your Medicare coverage. Whether you’re enrolling for the first time or considering changes it can be confusing, so be sure to join us for a special session on October 2 that will provide the insights and resources you need to navigate Medicare with confidence. Register today to get expert advice, practical tips, and a Q&A to address your specific concerns.
Our special guest, Maxwell Arnaud, Coordinator of Volunteers & Outreach from the Medicare Rights Center, will provide a helpful overview of the Medicare process and answer your questions about enrollment live during the program. Knowing where to start can be challenging, but we are here to help!

http://apda.link/MedicareEnrollment

Join us Saturday, September 28 at Warwick City Park for the 26th Annual Optimism Walk & 5k Fun Run!

Register today and set your goal to fundraise, there's still 19 days to go! Already registered? Ask 5 more people this week to walk with you or donate to your page.

Help us make a big difference in the lives of those impacted by PD. Your impact allows us to expand the programs, resources, and research into Parkinson's disease. Every dollar counts!

Teams like Team Golomboski have been raising funds all year for to support the mission. They have an upcoming event this Thursday at Texas Roadhouse in East Greenwich, from 4pm-8pm, where 10% of food sales goes directly to their team goal.

More ways to fundraise: Send emails, letters, or texts to your network, tell your story on social media, or plan a fundraiser like a percent of sales event, have a yard sale, or deliver baked goods to donors!

Register or donate: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/apda2024rioptimismwalk/

📣Thank you Medtronic for partnering again this year as a Silver Sponsor for our Annual Optimism Walk and 5k Fun Run on September 28. We're grateful for the continued commitment to the community and the innovative medical treatment options they offer to patients with PD.

Are you registered yet for the Optimism Walk & 5k Fun Run? Join us: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/apda2024rioptimismwalk/

Looking for a new way to stay active this fall? We have a variety of partners offering safe and effective programs across the state, including yoga, boxing, PWR!Moves, dance, cycling, private training sessions and more! You can even meet many of these instructors and partners in person at our annual Optimism Walk on Saturday, September 28!

For exercise programs across RI: https://www.apdaparkinson.org/community/resources-support-ri/community-activity-exercise-groups/

The Optimism Walk: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/apda2024rioptimismwalk/

Note you can also find many ways to stay active at home with virtual programs like tai chi, dance, ChairFit, singing & more on this APDA Virtual Events Calendar!
https://www.apdaparkinson.org/upcoming-events/

Happy Labor Day

We hope you're enjoying your long weekend. This Labor Day, we remember those who, back in 1882, worked hard to advance labor rights and create safer conditions and better wages.

As we take a holiday break on Monday, we wish everyone in our Parkinson’s community a safe and relaxing day!

📣Thank you Spaulding Rehabilitation of Kent Hospital for partnering again this year as a Silver Sponsor for our Annual Optimism Walk and 5k Fun Run on September 28.

We're grateful for your continued commitment to the community, plus your incredible team of volunteers that show up each year!

Register for the Walk:
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/apda2024rioptimismwalk/

More info on Spaulding Rehab: https://www.kentri.org/services/spaulding-rehab/outpatient-rehabilitation

Whoa! The big day is just around the corner!

Join us in 30 days at Warwick City Park on Saturday, September 28 for the largest Parkinson's community event & fundraiser in Rhode Island, the Optimism Walk & 5k Fun Run.

Create or join a team & make a difference. You can choose to walk or run... or come out to enjoy the lunch, music, and raffles.

Register today!
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/apda2024rioptimismwalk/

Any questions about registering, we're eager to help - please call the office at 401-439-8435 or email [email protected]

A reminder for PRESS starting this September 10:

The Virtual APDA Parkinson’s Roadmap for Education and Support Services (PRESS) ™ is an 8-week program is for people who have been living with PD for the past 5 years.

Date: Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

This unique program, melds education about different aspects of living well with PD with psychosocial support and sharing.
Care-partners and adult family members of the person with PD are encouraged to attend the PRESS sessions as well. Attendance at all sessions is recommended to reap the maximum benefits of the program. There is no cost to attend the PRESS program, but pre-registration is required. This is a virtual program held via Zoom.
The group is open to any adult who has been living with Parkinson’s disease for the past 1-5 years, their care partner, and adult family members. The group will be facilitated by Laurie Ann Oliveira, MSW, LICSW.

To register or for additional information please contact Laurie Ann Oliveira at [email protected] or visit our website.

https://www.apdaparkinson.org/community/events-ri-2/

Seven participants had a great time this summer at our Connecting Through Art program. We’re excited to showcase their beautiful creations! A big thank you to everyone who joined us and connected through art. Stay tuned for more Connecting Through Art programs in the future and check out what we already have planned for this fall by visiting our Upcoming Events page:

www.apdaparkinson.org/community/events-ri-2/

📣Thank you Supernus Pharmaceuticals for partnering again this year as our Gold Sponsor for our Annual Optimism Walk and 5k Fun Run on September 28. We're thrilled for your support as we share the common goal to best serve those impacted by PD.

https://secure.qgiv.com/event/apda2024rioptimismwalk/

Join the APDA in honoring Maureen Murphy and Team Smurfs at this year's Annual Optimism Walk & 5k Fun Run! Team Smurfs have shown unwavering dedication to fundraising for the local Parkinson's Disease community and vital research for many years. We are excited to share a message from Maureen with you:

"I really got started after I got involved with a Parkinson’s Group and wanted to do more than just go to meetings. I heard about these walks and how they were raising money to help with research to help people with Parkinson’s. I did some homework and that is how I even got my family involved.

I have Parkinson’s and so did my mom. I was determined that it wasn’t going to get me down, we all know that it is a progressive disease and at my age now it is starting to take its toll, but I like to tell newly diagnosed patients: listen to your doctor, have faith in your doctor and exercise. I still exercise and this is what has kept me going for so long; 14 years now.

We have to keep fighting to continue raising money for research, so that our children, great-grandchildren may be cured. So, please help us win the fight against Parkinson’s!"

Learn more about the event here: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/apda2024rioptimismwalk/

PD can slow down food movement through the stomach, causing discomfort, nausea, and bloating, and affecting appetite and medication absorption. This condition, known as gastroparesis, will require dietary changes to manage properly.

There is no set diet for people with Parkinson’s, as everyone’s nutritional needs are different. However, some diets are commonly discussed favorably, such as the Mediterranean and MIND diets.

Read more on our website:
http://apda.link/Diet

We are proud to offer this special 8-week program for people who have been living with PD for the past 1-5 years: The Virtual APDA Parkinson’s Roadmap for Education and Support Services (PRESS) ™

Date: Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

This unique program, melds education about different aspects of living well with PD with psychosocial support and sharing.

Care-partners and adult family members of the person with PD are encouraged to attend the PRESS sessions as well. Attendance at all sessions is recommended to reap the maximum benefits of the program. There is no cost to attend the PRESS program, but pre-registration is required. This is a virtual program held via Zoom.

The group is open to any adult who has been living with Parkinson’s disease for the past 1-5 years, their care partner, and adult family members. The group will be facilitated by Laurie Ann Oliveira, MSW, LICSW.

To register or for additional information please contact Laurie Ann Oliveira at [email protected] or visit our website.