Step Into February with Heart—Join Team PAC!
February is a month for caring, community, and taking action. Join the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas (PAC) and Team PAC to be part of the movement.
We’re excited to share that registration is now open for the 2026 MoveIt! Walk Charlotte and the 2026 MoveIt! Walk Wilmington, and we’re inviting you to join Team PAC! These walks are more than events; they’re powerful opportunities to raise awareness, build connections, and support programs that help people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners thrive. Whether you walk, fundraise, volunteer, or cheer others on, every step you take helps move our mission forward.
Tools for Your Journey: Education & Support Programs
We invite you to join us for PAC’s February online programs designed to support, educate, and connect our community. All Wednesday Webinars, Virtual Support Group, Wellness Wednesday, and Educational Webinars, will take place at 12:00 PM Eastern Time.
Virtual Support Group: Sex, Intimacy and Parkinson’s
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Online via Zoom
This month’s Virtual Support Group: Sex, Intimacy, and Parkinson’s, explores how Parkinson’s disease affects sex and intimacy and highlights the occupational therapist’s role in supporting clients and partners through education, adaptive strategies, and meaningful participation in intimate occupations. Occupational therapist Melissa Werz, OTD, OTR/L, CDRS, will share strategies, education, and support for participants and their partners.
Wednesday Webinar: The Power of Neuroplasticity & Exercise to Improve Movement in Parkinson's
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Online via Zoom
This month’s Wednesday Webinar explores the powerful connection between neuroplasticity and exercise and how intentional movement can improve function for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Participants will learn how the brain adapts through targeted, evidence-based physical activity and why consistent exercise is a critical part of Parkinson’s care. Featuring Jenny Yopp, this session draws from neuroscience and corrective exercise principles to highlight how purposeful movement can support gait, balance, coordination, confidence, and long-term brain health.
Wellness Wednesday: Fight the Fight
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Online via Zoom
This month’s Wellness Wednesday focuses on the importance of exercise for people living with Parkinson’s disease and how movement can support mobility, strength, confidence, and quality of life. Michelle Hespeler, Founder of Beat PD Today, shares insights from her personal Parkinson’s journey and explains why staying active—at any stage—can make a meaningful difference.
The Parkinson Association of the Carolinas (PAC) is proud to invite you to our second annual Care Partner Summit, a FREE, in-person event created especially for those who care for a loved one living with Parkinson’s disease.
Join us on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in Charlotte, NC for a meaningful day focused on you—the care partner. This summit is designed to offer practical strategies to support your own well-being while continuing to provide the best possible care for your loved one.
Attendees will hear from expert speakers, enjoy lunch, have the opportunity to connect with others who understand the caregiving journey. Whether you are new to caregiving or have been supporting a loved one for years, this event offers education, encouragement, and community in a supportive environment.
Registration will open the first week of February. We encourage you to save the link below and check back soon to secure your spot:
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. New groups are now available in Charlotte and Sunset Beach! 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 programs updates: Therapeutic Yoga for Parkinson’s with Aminta on Wednesdays at 2:00 PM will no longer meet. Dance for Parkinson’s with Jennifer will meet weekly on Mondays at 11:00 AM, except for February 23. Yoga Tools for Caregivers with Aminta on Thursdays at 11:30 AM will be offered in person and virtually via Zoom.
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
Kick off the year with the Moving with the PAC Challenge, a year-long program to boost daily movement, support your health, and raise awareness for Parkinson’s disease. Whether you walk outside, attend a class, or move at home, every step counts!
How It Works:
- Set Your Monthly Goals: Choose what feels right—steps per day, days of movement, or weekly exercise—and adjust anytime.
- Track Your Progress: Use a pedometer, smartphone, smartwatch, or our downloadable Step Tracker or Movement Tracker to record your activity. There’s no “right” or “wrong”—just progress!
- Share & Celebrate: Connect with the #MovingwiththePAC community on Facebook or Instagram, tag PAC, and celebrate your milestones with our downloadable achievement graphics.
Click here to learn more and get started today!
Make an Impact: Partnering with PAC
Registration for PAC's 2026 MoveIt! Walks Are Now Open
The Parkinson Association of the Carolinas (PAC) is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 MoveIt! Walk Charlotte and the 2026 MoveIt! Walk Wilmington. These annual community events bring together individuals, families, and supporters from across the Carolinas to raise awareness and critical funds for those living with Parkinson’s disease. 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
Sponsor the 2026 MoveIt! Walks
Corporate and community sponsorships play a vital role in making the MoveIt! Walks possible and in expanding access to vital programs for individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s disease. Sponsorship opportunities are available starting at $500, offering meaningful visibility while demonstrating your organization’s commitment to community wellness and impact.
For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Charlie Godfrey at 980-245-2786 or cgodfrey@parkinsonassociation.org.
PAC's Mission in Motion
Building Connections Across the Coast: PAC Expands In-Person Support in Southeastern NC & Myrtle Beach
Gillian, PAC’s Program Director, spent the last week of January building our in-person support in southeastern NC and Myrtle Beach, SC. On January 28, Gillian shared PAC’s resources and information at a new Parkinson’s Support Group that just started in Sunset Beach, NC. She also stopped into Cape Fear Fitness in Southport, NC, and got a tour from Emma, Cape Fear Fitness’ Operations Manager. On January 29, Gillian met with Carey Swanson, CEO, Lisa Crowell, PT, and Neal Hendrick, Business Development Director at Tidelands Health Rehabilitation Hospital at Little River, an affiliate of Encompass Health to talk about ways that we can partner in the future. Gillian also had lunch with John and Joy, the leaders of the Grand Strand Parkinson’s Support Group, to brainstorm on how PAC can provide in-person exercise and educational opportunities in Myrtle Beach.
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: In This Together: Care Partnership and Parkinson's
📅 Thursday, February 19, 2025
🕑 12:00 PM | Online
This webinar is designed to help attendees understand how Parkinson’s affects care partnerships by offering expert insights, real-life perspectives from a person living with PD and care partners, practical strategies for decision-making and resilience, a live Q&A, and early access to our new guide on care partnership and Parkinson’s.
Hosted by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
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!
Parkinson’s advocates urge implementation of new federal plan
Advocates are urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to implement the National Parkinson’s Project, a federal plan designed to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care through coordinated action across agencies and the establishment of an advisory council. Call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121, ask to be connected directly to your members of Congress, and ask them to press HHS to immediately seat the National Parkinson’s Project Advisory Council so that the Council can begin its critical work. Read More
Taking time for self-care is crucial as a caregiver
Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s is demanding, and this article reminds caregivers of an essential truth: you must take care of yourself first. Using the familiar “oxygen mask” metaphor, the author shares her personal caregiving journey and offers thoughtful reminders about self-care, support groups, and small daily practices that help caregivers stay healthy, resilient, and present. Read More
How to minimize stress while traveling with Parkinson’s disease
Traveling can be stressful for anyone, but this article highlights the unique challenges people with Parkinson’s face when navigating air travel. Through a personal interview, it shares practical tips for managing energy, stress, medications, and timing, encouraging individuals with Parkinson’s to plan thoughtfully while continuing to enjoy the experience of travel. Read More
Webcams, AI track Parkinson’s progression using eye movement
A new study suggests that eye-tracking technology using a standard webcam may offer a more sensitive way to track Parkinson’s disease progression than traditional clinical assessments. Researchers found that this machine learning–based approach detected subtle changes over time, pointing to a promising, more objective tool for monitoring Parkinson’s in both clinical care and research. Read More
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!
