News

All are invited to attend the new choral group beginning April 30, 2011 at Beth Israel Deaconess in Needham. For more information, please click here.

 

In Loving Memory of a Parkinson Champion

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of founding APDA MA Chapter President Jim Maurer on November 28, 2010. Please select "Read More" below to learn about Jim's numerous contributions to the Parkinson's disease community and beyond.

 

The American Medical Association has updated their Older Driving Safety Guide. Click Here for the press release and visit our Driving Resources page for more information on driving safety and assessment.

 

 

To meet the growing needs of the Young Onset Parkinson’s community, we have expanded our Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease support group. We now offer three Young Onset Parkinson’s disease support groups: Baby Boomers, Caring Family & Friends, and Younger Young Onset.

For more information, please Click Here for view the brochure with group descriptions and contact information. Please feel free to contact the APDA Information & Referral Center at (800) 651-8466 or information@apdama.org to find out more.

The American Parkinson Disease Association Massachusetts Chapter honored one of their outstanding board members, Donna Leitao by presenting her the Volunteer of the Year Award at the 24th Annual APDA MA Chapter Parkinson’s Walkathon. Chapter President Volodymyr Lyczmanenko presented Donna with this well deserved award. Donna has been an outstanding volunteer for the past five years. She was a key member in creating the Annual DOPA Golf Tournament. She has introduced social networking to help increase awareness of Parkinson support in Massachusetts and has enlisted hundreds of volunteers to participate in APDA events.  Donna currently serves as an active member of the MA Chapter Board as a Member-at-Large.

David Iverson - PBS Frontline Correspondent

Video footage of this special presentation is now available online. CLICK HERE to watch the video at BUniverse.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Boston University College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College

On April 19, 2010 two individuals ran the 2010 Boston Marathon and took the opportunity to support the APDA Massachusetts Chapter. Early that morning, Patti Hall and Frank Killilea made their way to Hopkinton only to turn around and run the 26.2 mile course to Boston. They survived Heartbreak Hill and finished the race with smiles and support from their families. Through their dedication and phenomenal fundraising efforts, our runners raised $4,450 combined and the MA Chapter couldn’t be more grateful.

 

The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) MA Chapter has recently recognized Ken Bernstein for his long-term volunteer support and advocacy on behalf of the Parkinson Community. APDA Chapter President Volodymyr Lyczmanenko presented the Community Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of Ken’s important work at this year’s 24th Annual APDA MA Chapter Walkathon held at the Reebok International Headquarters in June.

 

 

Boston Law firm Melick, Porter and Shea LLP generously support the APDA Massachusetts Chapter.

Are you or someone you know trying to balance caregiving for a loved one with life's challenging demands? Are you trying to enjoy your time with your loved one but feel like you are hurrying to "get things done"?  The APDA  Massachusetts Chapter  is sponsoring a new type of support service for family caregivers of people with Parkinson's disease. 

Please Click Here for the group announcement.

On Monday, December 20th Dr. Samuel Frank, Neurologist at Boston University Medical Center and Principal Investigator in the PPMI (Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative) Trial, was interviewed by Mindy Todd on The Point, a radio show on WCAI (Cape and Islands NPR Station).

Dr. Frank spoke about the search for a biomarker for Parkinson's disease. A biomarker is a substance or characteristic in our bodies that is associated with the presence of the disease.

To listen to Dr. Frank's extensive interview, Click Here.

The American Parkinson Disease Association has established a Young Onset Center with a full-time director dedicated solely to supporting young individuals and their families. The Center is located at Glenbrook Hospital in Glenbrook, Illinois. Please feel free to contact the director Julie Sacks, LCSW at 877-223-3801 or e-mail apda@youngparkinsons.org  or visit the website www.youngparkinsons.org.

Each year in April, we recognize Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month. This year, several programs across Massachusetts were organized by a variety of volunteers.

Please click here to read about some of these great activities.

 

A very generous $9,000 donation was provided to APDA from a fundraiser organized by Lars Johnson. Learn more about this great evening by clicking here.

 

 

 

This issue addresses such topics as "How to Keep Your Job When You Become Ill", "The Emotional Impact of Leaving Work on Disability", "Planning Ahead", and "Benefits at Work".

To obtain a copy of the Young Onset Center Newsletter, visit the Young Onset Center website at www.youngparkinsons.org or call the APDA I & R Center at Boston University: (800) 651-8466.

Expanding on the award-winning book, Yoga for Movement Disorders, Massachusetts yoga teacher, Renee Le Verrier has released a new DVD!

This DVD can be used as a companion volume or as a stand-alone guide. 
Renee is a Registered Yoga Teacher who specializes in adapting traditional poses for people with movement disorders. A stroke survivor and person living with Parkinson's disease, she teaches and speaks on the benefits of yoga worldwide.

To read more and purchas the DVD, visit Amazon.com or Target.com .