Every day, we provide the support, education, and research that will help everyone impacted by Parkinson’s disease live life to the fullest.
The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is the largest grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease (PD) and works tirelessly to help the approximately one million with PD in the United States live life to the fullest in the face of this chronic, neurological disorder. Founded in 1961, APDA has raised and invested more than $252 million to provide outstanding patient services and educational programs, elevate public awareness about the disease, and support research designed to unlock the mysteries of PD and ultimately put an end to this disease.
Every day the APDA Massachusetts Chapter works tirelessly to support and empower those in our community who are impacted by Parkinson’s disease (PD). We promote hope and optimism through innovative services, programs, education, and support, while also funding vital research. We are here to help you and your loved ones every step of the way.
Information & Referral Center: APDA Massachusetts connects with the community in many ways, including our resource center located at Boston University Medical Campus, where we are always available during business hours by phone and email. We provide callers with information, referrals, and resources, connect people with a support group or wellness class, and offer a listening ear. We provided newly diagnosed individuals – as well as hundreds more callers already familiar with APDA - with PD education resources, and referrals to support groups, exercise classes, doctors, and more. Our weekly Eblasts are filled with useful information and upcoming events, education opportunities, and wellness classes.
Research: APDA is committed to scientific research and has been a funding partner in many major PD scientific breakthroughs, investing nearly $55 million in research since 1961. Many APDA-funded researchers have successfully leveraged pilot data to secure multi-million dollar grants through the National Institutes of Health and other funding partners. In Massachusetts, APDA funds two Centers for Advanced Research located at Boston University School of Medicine and at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School. The funding supports various research studies including, but not limited to identifying potential PD biomarkers, exercise intervention, PD causing genetic mutations and drug discovery programs.
Support Groups: In person and online support groups are helping thousands of people in our PD community continue to see friends and maintain their support networks. APDA paid for many of these groups to be led by professional facilitators with expertise in social work, counseling, and the challenges brought on my PD, and supported volunteer leaders by providing information, assistance, and training. APDA educational support series – such as PRESS™ for newly diagnosed and Good Start - armed and empowered attendees with knowledge about PD as well as the opportunity to develop enriching relationships with their peers and the community.
Activity and Wellness Classes: APDA awards community grants to wellness and exercise programs throughout Massachusetts to provide online and in-person classes at little or no charge, and prioritizes variety so that there are offerings for everyone, no matter their fitness level or interests.
Education: In addition to numerous downloadable brochures and free publications, APDA holds numerous innovative education programs throughout the year and across our state to communicate the latest research, trends, and information. Parkinson’s Good Start series is designed for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in the last 3 years. APDA Virtual Education series is held monthly and features rotating topics of interest to people in all stages of their Parkinson’s disease, taught by experts. The New England Regional Conference is a two-day biennial program that provides education, resources, networking and support. APDA Support Group Facilitator Conferenence is an annual program that provides an opportunity for support facilitators from across the region to come together for education, group discussion and networking.
Financial Support Program: APDA awards annual financial assistance to help alleviate some of the economic burden created by PD, to help people pay for expenses such as programs, services, and activities designed to improve quality of life. Eligible participants must have a Parkinson’s diagnosis and live in Massachusetts.
Fundraising: APDA relies on individual donors and events like Magic of Hope to raise funds to support all of the above vital programs, services, and research. Donations come from individuals and corporations, grants, special events, third party fundraising, legacy gifts and much more. It is because of our generous donors that we are able to provide hope and optimism to thousands of people impacted by Parkinson’s disease.
