Three years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease.  My doctor said it was the very early stages and my prognosis was 10-20 years.  At the time, I was 69 years ago, so the timeframe was not relevant to me.  What I cared about most was my next steps for fighting the disease.

Although there is no cure, my doctor told me exercise can slow the disease.  I joined a gym for Parkinson's patients that focuses on Agility, Balance, and Strength.  This gives me the chance to meet several times each week with people who have the same diagnosis; but at different stages.  The gym also provides my wife with a monthly care partner support group meeting, where she can discuss her concerns in a safe place.

The revenues from our fundraising events are essential to help ensure that no person with Parkinson’s in Michigan and their families are without quality care and support. The need for MPF’s respite care program has increased twenty-fold, providing $10,000 to families in 2018 to more than $283,000 and 13,885 hours to 176 families in 2024.  Over 13,500 individuals served through MPF exercise classes and 2,116 served through educational programs statewide. To date, we have been able to say “YES” to all that need our help with support from individuals like you.