Rochester Parkinson Network

We’ve all heard at some point that attitude is everything. That is true no matter what we face in life, Parkinson disease included. On Saturday, May 16 at 11:00 AM at the Irondequoit library, we host an inspiring speaker who is the human embodiment of positive thinking, Dr. Sara Whittingham. Sara is a former US Air Force Flight Surgeon, anesthesiologist, Ironman triathlete, 2026 NYC Marathon finisher, author and since 2020, a person living with Parkinson disease.

Sara is the author of “Oh Crap! It’s Parkinson’s: A Rebel’s Guide to Taking back Your Life”. As Dr. Whittingham says, “The shock, fear, grief and uncertainty can feel overwhelming” following a Parkinson diagnosis. In this powerful and practical presentation, Sara shares how she moved through that emotional aftershock and began rebuilding her life with intention.

This event is free but registration is required. Visit Rocparknet.org/events to register. We look forward to seeing you there!

RPN is partnering with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and the Rochester City Ballet for an evening of music and dance on Friday, May 8th! A certified Parkinson’s Disease dance instructor will guide participants through gentle movement to support balance, flexibility, and confidence. This event is located at the Rochester City Ballet and is completely free! The program starts at 5:30 PM, but doors open at 5 PM. All are welcome!

🌎 Happy Earth Day! 🌎

Here are some Earth Day actions you can take today:

💚 Reduce pesticide exposure: Opt for organic food and limit your use of household and garden chemicals.

💚 Support regulation: Advocate for the banning of toxic chemicals, including TCE and paraquat, which is already banned in over 50 countries.

💚 Plant-forward diet: Adopt a diet focused on plants to support the environment and manage Parkinson’s symptoms.

💚 Water safety: Consider using water filters if industrial runoff is a concern.

How will you celebrate Earth Day?

Apathy, a lack of motivation or interest, affects nearly 40% of people living with Parkinson’s. Apathy can make everyday tasks harder and can impact effective PD management.

Be kind to yourself— apathy is not laziness. With support and self-love, it is possible to rediscover joy. RPN is here to support you every step of the way.

Don’t forget about the craft and vendor show tomorrow from 10am-4pm! We hope to see you there! 💚

Save the date! We are excited to promote a craft and vendor show to benefit RPN. The show is on April 18th from 10am-4pm at the Valley Oak Event Center/Quality Inn in Geneseo. The address is 4242 Lakeville Road, Geneseo NY 14454. This is an event featuring local crafters and vendors, with seasonal decor, treats, 50/50 raffles, raffle baskets, and more! This is a wonderful opportunity to support RPN. We hope to see you there!

Did you know that women with Parkinson’s may face unique challenges, including delayed diagnosis, different symptoms, and lower-quality healthcare?

While some progress has been made to better understand how PD impacts women, there is a need for increased research to provide women with the best possible care and support.

Women with PD can improve care and quality of life by seeking expert care, joining a research study to help bridge the gap in the PD field, reporting all symptoms and side effects, and finding a support system. Let’s work together to bridge the gap and provide care for everyone with Parkinson’s!

Nazareth University, in partnership with RPN, is hosting a Parkinson’s Symptom Screening and Health Fair on Friday May 1st from 1-4pm. This event is an opportunity to engage with students and faculty from PT, OT, Speech Pathology, Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Social Work, and Nursing to discuss and screen symptoms, try out activities, and receive educational materials related to Parkinson’s Disease.

While you do not have to register for the event, we appreciate you letting us know you plan to attend by signing up via the QR code or at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScqAB4jt0EU-c7ZU-sBaDduP9bxlY43iSGbgV7HTZaUbnOBOw/viewform?usp=header

The event will be located at Nazareth University in the Golisano Training Center. Please see the attached flyer for details! If you have any questions, contact Jessie Preston at [email protected]

We are looking forward to this amazing and educational event!