2nd Annual APDA West Coast Parkinson’s Educational Forum Comes to Irvine on October 20-21
The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is hosting a very special weekend experience for people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners on Saturday, October 20 and Sunday, October 21 at the Irvine Marriott in Irvine, CA. The 2nd annual APDA West Coast Parkinson’s Educational Forum is a two-day comprehensive symposium that will provide a unique opportunity for people impacted by Parkinson’s disease (PD) to hear firsthand from leaders in PD treatment and research, as well as enjoy important opportunities to connect with other members of the PD community for support, inspiration and guidance. The program also incorporates much-needed moments of fun and relaxation including exercise demonstrations, mini spa treatments and an evening of dinner and dancing.
“APDA works tirelessly every day to provide the support, education and research to help everyone impacted by Parkinson’s disease live life to the fullest, and we’re so excited to bring this unique two-day educational forum back to Southern California,” states Leslie A. Chambers, President & CEO, APDA. “Our 2017 Forum was so well-received that it really clarified for us that there is an incredible need for events like this. People are eager for the latest information from trustworthy sources and to connect with others who understand what it’s really like to be in their shoes. We’ve put together a great program and we know all participants will head home with tons of information, useful tips and a healthy dose of optimism to help them live the best lives possible.”
The weekend program will feature presentations from some of the best in the field of PD research and treatment, including Rafael Zuzuárregui, MD, University of California, Fresno, CA; Melita T. Petrossian, MD, Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Santa Monica, CA; Salima Brillman, MD, Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center, Silicon Valley.
One of the most important aspects of the weekend program will be a mix of movement activities meant to educate attendees not only about the important benefits of exercise for people with PD, but also to expose them to some of the different types of movement they can do in a safe and supported atmosphere. Special classes specifically tailored for people with PD will be offered throughout the weekend to include the Dancing Through Parkinson’s program, tai chi, and chair yoga.
A highlight of the weekend will be Sunday’s panel discussion featuring cast members from APDA’s recently released public service announcement entitled Look Closer, who will share their personal stories in a lively discussion moderated by Leslie A. Chambers, President & CEO, APDA.
The panel will include:
- Christine Sanders, Tucson AZ; Diagnosed at age 49, just a year and a half ago, she is a mother of five, a rodeo rider, a Zumba instructor and is determined not to let PD slow her down.
- Pamela Quinn, New York, NY; Diagnosed at age 42, she was a professional dancer and has been living with PD for 23 years. She now teaches dance and movement regularly for the Manhattan JCC and her own class, PD Moves with Pam Quinn at the Mark Morris Dance Group in Brooklyn, NY.
Thanks in part to generous support from Presenting Sponsor, Adamas, the two-day program is free for all attendees, although registration is required. Participants can attend either one or both days. Participants will only need to pay the cost of lodging (if needed) and travel to/from the venue (limited scholarships are available to assist with lodging expenses.)
Learn more about the APDA West Coast Parkinson’s Educational Forum and see the full event agenda by visiting www.apdaparkinson.org/westcoastforum/. Questions about registration can be directed to [email protected] or 310-486-0153.
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