Empowering Care Partners This March
March is a month of renewal and growth — and a meaningful time to invest in yourself. Join the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas (PAC) on March 21 in Charlotte for the 2026 Care Partner Summit, a free event designed especially for care partners. This half-day event will focus on enabling connections with others who share the same journey and recharging, so you can be your best self while caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s.
New this year: PAC is excited to be partnering with The Ivey, who will be offering a caring and engaging day for your loved one with Parkinson’s disease so you can attend the summit with peace of mind, knowing they are safe, supported, and enjoying a day of their own.
Through engaging and insightful sessions, you will learn practical tools for caregiving and strategies for self-care, along with the opportunity to connect with others in a warm and understanding environment during separate men’s and women’s discussion groups. There will also be time to explore resources from our trusted partners and lunch will be provided.
Click here to learn more and reserve your spot at the 2026 Care Partner Summit!
Thank You to our Newsletter Sponsor
Explore Stories from People Taking CREXONT
Discover stories from patients who use CREXONT as part of their treatment journey. These stories reveal more than symptom management; they capture the resilience of those who strive to stay connected, continue activities that bring them joy, and keep showing up for life’s everyday moments. Learn more.
Tools for Your Journey: Education & Support Programs
We invite you to join us for PAC’s March online programs designed to support, educate, and connect our community. All webinars, including the Virtual Support Group, the Wednesday Webinar, and Wellness Wednesday will take place at 12:00 PM Eastern Time. The YOPD Support Group will take place at 1:00 PM Eastern Time.
Virtual Support Group: Stronger Together: Finding Resilience in Life with PD
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Online via Zoom
This month’s Virtual Support Group explores meaningful strategies for coping with Parkinson’s disease, as PAC Program Director Gillian Schultz discusses topics including emotional well-being, physical health, resilience, connection, and hope. Participants will have space to reflect on the changes Parkinson’s brings — including the grief that can accompany those changes — while gaining practical tools, renewed encouragement, and the reminder that no one has to navigate this journey alone.
Wednesday Webinar: VYALEV Patient Education Program
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Online via Zoom
This month’s Wednesday Webinar takes a closer look at why levodopa medications may not provide the same symptom control over time and what that can mean for people living with Parkinson’s. Join Fahd Amjad, MD, MS, as he discusses VYALEV, a continuous levodopa-based therapy designed to help manage motor fluctuations. Dr. Amjad will explain how this treatment works, who may be a good candidate, and key considerations for individuals exploring new options for symptom management.
This webinar is sponsored by AbbVie Pharmaceuticals.
Wellness Wednesday: Practical Cooking Tips and Recipes for PD
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Online via Zoom
This month’s Wellness Wednesday explores practical, enjoyable ways to make everyday meals more Parkinson’s-friendly — focused on sharing simple recipe ideas, helpful substitutions, and realistic nutrition tips. Led by Jasmine Nixon-Davis, UNC Charlotte student and PAC Intern, this interactive program offers inspiration, time for questions, and space for participants to share favorite recipes — leaving with fresh ideas and renewed confidence that healthy eating can still include the foods you love.
Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) Support Group
Thursday, March 19, 2026 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Hybrid: PAC Office (2101 Sardis Road North, Suite 102, Charlotte, NC) OR Online via Zoom
New this Month! The Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) Support Group explores connection, shared understanding, and practical support for individuals living with YOPD. Designed to address the unique challenges of navigating Parkinson’s at a younger age — including career, family, and long-term planning considerations — this welcoming space offers meaningful conversation, encouragement, and the reminder that you don’t have to face this journey alone.
Recharge, Connect, and Learn: Care Partner Summit 2026
PAC invites you to our second annual Care Partner Summit, a FREE, in-person event taking place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in Charlotte, NC. This special day is designed entirely with care partners in mind, offering practical strategies to support your well-being while caring for your loved one with Parkinson’s disease.
New this year: PAC is partnering with The Ivey to provide a safe and engaging program for your loved one during the Summit, including social activities and lunch, so you can enjoy peace of mind while you connect, learn, and recharge.
Registration is open through March 8, and space is limited. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain tools, support, and connection with others who share your journey
Did you miss one of PAC’s virtual programs? You can catch up anytime by visiting the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas YouTube Channel, where selected recordings are available to watch. Be sure to subscribe so you’ll be notified when new content is posted!
Need help registering for a program? Call us at 980-245-2786 or toll-free at 1-866-903-PARK (7275). Our team will be happy to assist you.
Find a Support Group
Living with Parkinson’s can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. PAC maintains a listing of support groups across the Carolinas for individuals with Parkinson’s and their care partners. These groups provide a safe and welcoming space to share experiences, learn from others, and build meaningful connections within the community. We’re excited to introduce a new Young Onset PD support group that will meet monthly in a hybrid format—both in-person in Charlotte and online via Zoom! To learn more about a support group near you, call us at 980-245-2786 or email gschultz@parkinsonassociation.org.
Free Resource Hotline
Need answers or support? PAC’s Free Resource Line is here to help. Staffed by a PAC team member Monday through Friday, 9:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M., this service provides reliable information, local resources, referrals, and details about our cost-free programs.
Give us a call at 1-866-903-PARK (7275) or email pac@parkinsonassociation.org to connect with the support you need.
Get Moving with PAC: Movement Therapy Programs
Exercise and movement are powerful tools for living well with Parkinson’s. Regular participation can improve balance, flexibility, strength, and overall quality of life. PAC is proud to sponsor a variety of exercise and movement therapy classes each month, designed to meet you where you are and keep you moving forward. To join in, please contact the individual instructors listed below for class details and registration.
You can also explore the full list of PAC-sponsored exercise classes on our website.
Looking for even more options? Additional exercise programs are available throughout the Carolinas. Find classes in North Carolina, South Carolina, and online or call 980-245-2786 or email gschultz@parkinsonassociation.org to learn more.
This month’s updates: Dance for Parkinson’s with Jennifer will meet weekly on Mondays at 11:00 AM, except for March 16.
Disclaimer: We ask that you practice caution when participating in all programs, particularly exercise programs. Talk to your doctor about what program would be best for you, stay hydrated, exercise in a safe environment, move at your own pace, and try to exercise with a partner or an accredited instructor.
Join the Moving with the PAC Challenge
Movement and exercise are essential activities to manage your Parkinson’s and slow the progression of your disease. We would love to be a part of your movement journey. Join the #MovingwiththePAC Challenge so we can help cheer you on and be a part of your progress!
It’s not too late to join! The movement challenge is designed help you:
- Build consistent movement habits
- Stay motivated
- Support others in the Parkinson’s community
Any way that you move counts! Getting started is easy! We have created tools and instructions so you can share your progress on social media and with those you love! Join to share progress, find encouragement, and celebrate milestones together.
Click here to learn more and get started today!
Make an Impact: Partnering with PAC
Step Up for Parkinson’s This Spring: Join Team PAC at one of our MoveIt! Walks!
Spring is a season for movement, community, and making an impact, and there’s no better way to do all three than by joining Team PAC for the 2026 MoveIt! Walks!
PAC is proud to host the 2026 Annual MoveIt! Walk Charlotte and the 2026 MoveIt! Walk Wilmington, bringing together individuals, families, and supporters from across the Carolinas to raise awareness and critical funds for those living with Parkinson’s disease. By walking, fundraising, volunteering, or cheering on others, every step you take helps support programs that improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners.
Whether you’re a longtime participant or joining us for the first time, being part of Team PAC is a powerful way to move our mission forward while connecting with a vibrant, supportive community. Questions? Contact Charlie Godfrey at 980-245-2786 or cgodfrey@parkinsonassociation.org.
2026 MoveIt! Walk Charlotte
Saturday, April 25, 2026 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM Symphony Park
4400 Sharon Road, Charlotte
New this year: Fundraising Incentives
- Participants fundraise $25 or more by March 22nd to earn a walk t-shirt
- Participants fundraise $150 or more by March 22nd to earn a PAC tumbler.
2026 Sponsors
2026 MoveIt! Walk Wilmington
Saturday, May 16, 2026 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Long Leaf Park
314 Pine Grove Drive, Wilmington
New this year: Fundraising Incentives
- Participants fundraise $25 or more by April 16th to earn a walk t-shirt.
- Participants fundraise $150 or more by April 16th to earn a PAC tumbler
2026 Sponsors
Be a Champion for Parkinson’s: Sponsor a MoveIt! Walk
Corporate and community sponsorships are essential to making the MoveIt! Walks a success and expanding access to vital programs for individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s disease. Sponsorship opportunities start at $500 and provide meaningful visibility for your organization while highlighting your commitment to community wellness and impact. Join us in making a difference—your support helps create stronger, healthier communities and directly benefits those living with Parkinson’s. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Charlie Godfrey at 980-245-2786 or cgodfrey@parkinsonassociation.org.
PAC's Mission in Motion
PAC on the Move: Bringing Parkinson’s Education to Communities Across the Carolinas
This month, PAC has been on the move across the Carolinas— meeting people where they are and sharing hope, education, and connection around Parkinson’s disease.
Joanna, Gillian, Jasmine, and Stephanie visited support groups at Sun City in Indian Land, SC, and in Clover, SC, with local support groups, listening to personal stories and sharing information about PAC’s grassroots support across North and South Carolina. For many in the room, it was a reminder that they are not walking this journey alone.
The team also connected with hundreds of seniors at the Union County Senior Health Expo in Monroe, NC, and the Davidson County Senior Resource Fair in Lexington, NC. More than 500 people stopped by to learn more, and for many, it was their first introduction to Parkinson’s resources and PAC’s programs.
Gillian continued the outreach by leading several PD101 sessions, offering a clear and encouraging overview of Parkinson’s disease along with practical strategies to help individuals and families live their best now. These sessions were shared with the Union County Council on Aging in Monroe, NC, as well as residents and families at Brighton Gardens of Charlotte and Sunrise on Providence in Charlotte, NC.
Each visit, presentation, and conversation reflects PAC’s commitment to education, empowerment, and local connection.
If you would like PAC to provide information to your support group, homecare agency, or assisted living community, please contact Gillian Schultz, PAC Program Director at gschultz@parkinsonassociation.org.
Energized for the Year Ahead: Highlights from PAC's Annual Board Retreat
This month, the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas Board of Directors gathered in person for our annual retreat — and what a meaningful time it was.
Together, we connected, reflected, and engaged in thoughtful strategic planning to strengthen our impact. Our focus remains clear: expanding resources, enhancing educational opportunities, growing movement therapy programs, and deepening our network of support for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their families.
We are incredibly grateful to our dedicated board members who generously share their time, expertise, and passion to help PAC continue to grow and thrive.
A special thank you to Maggie Clay Love Consulting for expertly facilitating our retreat and guiding productive, forward-focused conversations.
We’re energized and inspired for the year ahead!
Beyond the Carolinas: Community Education Corner
In addition to PAC’s local offerings, we’re pleased to highlight educational webinars and resources from respected regional and national organizations. These free virtual sessions provide valuable insights into living well with Parkinson’s and often cover topics relevant to overall wellness, caregiving, and brain health. Whether you’re curious about the latest research, looking for creative ways to stay active, or seeking tools for mindfulness and renewal, these sessions are designed to inform, inspire, and support both people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners.
Free Webinar: Sleep and Parkinson's: What’s Going On (and What Can Help)
📅 Thursday, March 19, 2025
🕑 12:00 PM | Online
This webinar explores sleep disturbances in Parkinson’s disease, including insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD)—a condition linked to Parkinson’s risk that can appear years before other symptoms—while our panel of experts shares the latest research, practical tips for managing sleep, and answers your questions live.
Hosted by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
Free Event: Senior Lifestyle, Health & Home Expo
📅 Thursday, March 19, 2026
🕑 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM | DoubleTree by Hilton, 125 The Parkway, Greenville, SC 29615
Click here to learn more about the event.
📅 Wednesday, March 25, 2026
🕑 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM | Kerr Family YMCA, 2500 Wakefield Pines Dr, Raleigh, NC 27614
Click here to learn more about the event.
📅 Wednesday, April 1, 2026
🕑 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM | Nir Family YMCA, 2710 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28403
Click here to learn more about the event.
The Senior Lifestyle, Health & Home Expo is a free event for seniors. There is free parking. There will be food, prizes, and giveaways. There will be free onsite colon cancer screenings provided by Guardant Health as well as various other health screenings, free onsite immunizations, food, prizes, and giveaways.
Parkinson's Community News
Staying informed is key to living well with Parkinson’s. Explore the latest research breakthroughs, innovative therapies, helpful resources, and news that support every step of your Parkinson’s journey. You’ll also find opportunities to get involved in studies shaping the future of care. Click the headlines below to learn more and stay connected!
New imaging shows how exercise helps ‘normalize’ the Parkinson’s brain
A new study suggests that six months of regular aerobic exercise can partially “normalize” disrupted brain communication in people with Parkinson’s disease, particularly in networks involving dopamine and acetylcholine, which are critical for movement, balance, and memory. These findings highlight that structured exercise may help the brain reorganize circuits affected by Parkinson’s, providing a promising non-pharmacological strategy to support motor function and overall brain health. Read More
Smartphone app helps Parkinson’s patients map daily symptoms
A recent study found that the Parkinson’s Image Self (PIS) Report app is a reliable tool for patients to report day-to-day Parkinson’s symptoms, such as pain, tremor, off episodes, and emotions, helping improve communication with doctors. Researchers noted that integrating the app with wearables and telemedicine could further enhance patient-centered care and allow remote monitoring between medical visits. Read More
Breathing CO2 activates brain cleanup signals in new Parkinson’s study
A new study suggests that brief periods of breathing carbon dioxide (intermittent hypercapnia) may help activate the brain’s natural cleanup processes that remove toxic proteins linked to Parkinson’s disease. While more research is needed, these early findings lay the groundwork for future clinical trials exploring whether this non-invasive approach could support brain health and help manage disease progression. Read More
Parkinson’s muscle firing patterns different for women than for men
A recent study found that women with Parkinson’s disease exhibit more uneven and unstable muscle contractions than men, even when clinical symptoms are similar, due to differences in motor unit firing. Researchers suggest that understanding these sex-specific differences could help develop personalized diagnostic methods and treatment strategies to improve interventions and quality of life for people with Parkinson’s. Read More
Thank You to our Newsletter Sponsor
Update your PAC Communication Preferences
We’re updating our emails to match your preferences, so you only receive the updates that matter most. Quickly choose the types of emails you want, like the monthly newsletter, programs & events, donor updates, volunteer opportunities, or special communications, to stay informed and avoid messages that aren’t relevant to you. It only takes a few seconds and ensures you never miss important PAC updates.
Stay Connected with PAC Online
How can I engage with PAC on social media?
Follow PAC on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or X (formerly Twitter) for the latest updates on Parkinson’s disease and how PAC supports you. Click Follow or Like so PAC’s posts appear in your newsfeed. When you see a post, let us know you enjoyed it by tapping the thumbs-up (Facebook) or heart (Instagram) icons.
In addition to regular posts, PAC also shares Stories on Facebook and Instagram. These appear at the top of your feed. Look for PAC’s tulip icon, tap to view the story, and click the heart to show your support. You can also send us a message to share your thoughts—we’d love to hear from you!
