Wrapping Up 2025 & Welcoming a New Year
As we step into 2026, we want to pause and reflect on the year behind us and begin the new year with gratitude, hope, and excitement for what’s ahead. 2025 was a year of connection, growth, and impact, made possible by the generosity and dedication of our incredible community. Because of you, our donors, sponsors, partners, volunteers, and supporters, PAC was able to continue delivering vital education programs, movement therapy opportunities, and meaningful resources for individuals and families living with Parkinson’s.
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to our End-of-Year Giving Campaign. Your generosity ensures that our programs remain accessible and impactful, helping people live better now with Parkinson’s. Every gift plays a critical role in advancing our mission.
We are also deeply grateful to our 2025 grantors for their continued support of PAC’s education and movement therapy programs:
✔ Atrium Health, CaroMont Health Foundation, Crosland Foundation
Their partnerships allow us to expand our reach and strengthen the quality of programs that support physical health, confidence, and overall well-being within our Parkinson’s community.
As we welcome the new year, the PAC team is already working behind the scenes to coordinate new and returning opportunities designed to support you. From educational events and wellness programming to movement-based therapies and community connections, there is something for everyone.
We are excited to continue serving you in 2026 and remain committed to providing resources, support, and hope to everyone impacted by Parkinson’s across the Carolinas. From all of us at PAC, thank you for standing with us. We look forward to another year of learning, movement, and meaningful moments together.
Happy New Year!
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New Parkinson’s-Focused Programs at The Ivey
At The Ivey, families find comprehensive solutions for memory and movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease. Beginning in 2008 — with state certification for those living with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and stroke — The Ivey has served the Charlotte community through engaging programs that enhance quality of life for individuals living with these disorders, while supporting their caregivers. We are excited to expand our programming with new services specifically tailored to the unique movement, cognitive, and social needs of those living with Parkinson’s. Stay tuned, click here!
Tools for Your Journey: Education & Support Programs
We invite you to join us for PAC’s January online programs designed to support, educate, and connect our community. Starting January 2026, all Wednesday Webinars, Virtual Support Group, Wellness Wednesday, and Educational Webinars, will take place at 12:00 PM Eastern Time.
Virtual Support Group: Managing Freezing of Gait
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Online via Zoom
Join PAC for an informative educational session focused on freezing of gait, a common Parkinson’s symptom that can impact mobility and confidence. Dr. Sophia Dalabakis, PT, DPT, and Jennifer Malutan, co-owners of Vitality PT, will help participants better understand freezing of gait and share practical, physical therapy based strategies to manage and treat it. With a specialized focus on Parkinson’s care, their compassionate, patient-centered approach emphasizes independence, function, and quality of life, offering valuable insights for people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners.
Wednesday Webinar: Falls Prevention
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Online via Zoom
Join PAC for an engaging educational presentation focused on falls prevention and the growing concerns surrounding falls among older adults, particularly as they relate to Parkinson’s disease. This session will explore fall risk factors, consequences, prevention strategies, and available community resources, while helping attendees identify their personal fall risks and take meaningful steps toward prevention. The presentation will be led by Kristin Srouji, MPH, Program Manager at the Centralina Area Agency on Aging, and Molly O’Day, MSW, Aging Program Coordinator and falls prevention expert, whose combined experience in health promotion, aging services, and community-based prevention programs offers valuable insights and practical takeaways for individuals, care partners, and families.
Wellness Wednesday: Estate Planning
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Online via Zoom
Join us for an upcoming Wellness Wednesday webinar focused on estate planning and supporting loved ones living with Parkinson’s disease. This informative session will be led by Evan Lohr of Carolina Estate Law Firm, who will share helpful insights and considerations for planning ahead with confidence and care.
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 more than 50 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 connections within the community. Visit PAC’s website to see if there’s a support group near you, and then contact PAC to learn more at 980-245-2786 or 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.
Please Note: Starting Monday, January 5, 2026, Dancing for Parkinson’s with Jennifer will meet weekly on Mondays at 11:00 AM via Zoom. During the month of January, the Saturday Yoga for Parkinson’s with Aminta at Southminster will meet on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11:00 AM and Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 11:00 AM.
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.
Have You Been Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD)? Do You Know or Care for Someone with PD?
NOW RECRUITING. For more information, please contact AskFirst@askbio.com or click this link.
Make an Impact: Partnering with PAC
Thank You for Being Part of the PAC Community
As we reflect on the close of another year, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to each and every donor who supported PAC through our End-of-Year Giving Campaign. Your generous gifts are more than donations. They are a powerful expression of care, compassion, and commitment to the Parkinson’s community across the Carolinas.
Because of you, PAC is able to provide essential education webinars, movement therapy and exercise classes, support programs, and community connections for individuals and families living with Parkinson’s disease. Your generosity directly supports programs that promote confidence, independence, and quality of life, while ensuring that resources remain accessible to those who need them most. Every class attended, every webinar hosted, and every moment of connection is made possible by donors like you.
Most importantly, your support helps us fulfill our promise that no one in the Carolinas faces their Parkinson’s journey alone. Whether someone is newly diagnosed or navigating later stages of Parkinson’s, your gift helps provide guidance, encouragement, and hope when it is needed most.
From all of us at PAC, thank you for standing with us, believing in our mission, and being an essential part of the PAC community. Together, we are making a meaningful difference, today and for years to come.
MoveIt! Walks Are Coming This Spring
Mark your calendars and get ready to move with the PAC! PAC is excited to invite you to our two upcoming MoveIt! Walks this spring. This is an opportunity to come together to raise awareness & funds for the Parkinson’s community.
We’ll be walking on April 25, 2026, in Charlotte, NC and May 16, 2026, in Wilmington, NC. Whether you’re living with Parkinson’s, supporting a loved one, or simply looking for a meaningful way to get involved, our MoveIt! Walks offer a fun and inclusive way to connect, move, and make an impact together.
More details will be announced in mid-January, so stay tuned for more details on how to support Team PAC.
PAC's Mission in Motion
Celebrating Our December Holiday Fundraisers
We are excited to share the success of our Holiday Fundraiser events hosted by Carepoint, Inc.! The two events, held at Middle James Brewing on December 4 and Model A Brewing on December 10, raised a total of $1,716 to support PAC programs and services for individuals and families living with Parkinson’s.
Charlie, Gillian and Joanna enjoyed connecting with supporters at the events and joining in on the friendly competition between the North Carolina and South Carolina gatherings. We are so grateful to Carepoint, Inc and all the sponsors who made these events possible, and to everyone who participated, cheered, and celebrated with us.
Visiting The Ivey Brain Health & Memory Wellness Center
We had the BEST time visiting our friends at The Ivey Brain Health & Memory Wellness Center on December 9! Joanna, Gillian, and Charlie met with Lynn Ivey and her amazing team to explore ways to collaborate in supporting people with Parkinson’s, their care partners, and their families.
The Ivey is a nonprofit making a meaningful impact by offering programs that promote brain health, memory wellness, and support for the whole family. We’re especially excited to see their plans to expand programming for Parkinson’s in the new year!
We are so grateful for partnerships like this, which help our communities learn, connect, and thrive together.
Supporting Movement in Asheville
PAC was thrilled to donate exercise balls to a local PWR!Moves class in Asheville, helping participants continue their movement and wellness routines with added support. We’ve been coordinating with Devi Sharp to ensure these tools enhance the experience and effectiveness of the program.
Supporting movement therapy is a core part of PAC’s mission, and we’re grateful for opportunities like this to provide resources that help people with Parkinson’s stay active, improve mobility, and live better now. Thank you to Devi and the Asheville community for welcoming us and making a difference together!
Visiting Rock Steady Boxing & JP2 Physical Therapy
On December 16, Joanna and Gillian had the pleasure of visiting Rock Steady Boxing at Just Fitness in Charlotte, connecting with participants and learning more about this dynamic program that helps people with Parkinson’s improve strength, balance, and confidence. They also had the opportunity to explore the physical therapy offerings for Parkinson’s disease at JP2 Physical Therapy, gaining insight into the specialized care and support available in the community.
We are grateful for these visits, which allow PAC to strengthen partnerships, learn from local experts, and continue supporting programs that help people with Parkinson’s stay active, engaged, and empowered.
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: The Difference Between Hospice and Palliative Care
Wednesday, January 4, 2026 10:00 AM to 11:30 AMOnline
This webinar is designed to help attendees learn about the key differences between palliative and hospice care, explore the range of support available for patients and families, and hear real stories of how these programs provide compassion, guidance, and comfort during challenging times.
Hosted by Centralina Area Agency on Aging
Free Webinar: Exploring the Link Between Parkinson's and Alzheimer's
Thursday, January 16, 2026 12:00 PM to 1:00 PMOnline
This webinar is designed to explore what Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s researchers can learn from one another, highlighting emerging research on overlapping brain changes and how these insights may shape the future of Parkinson’s care.
Hosted by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
Thursday, January 15, 2026 10:00 AM to 11:30 AMOnline
This webinar you’ll hear from world-renowned Parkinson’s researchers Dr. Jun Takahashi (CiRA, Kyoto, Japan) and Dr. Claire Henchcliffe (University of California, Irvine) as they explore the rapidly evolving science of cell-replacement therapies for PD, including stem cell types, their potential use, research obstacles, and the latest clinical trials.
Hosted by American Parkinson Disease Association
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!
MJFF grant funds new PET tracer to track Parkinson’s protein clumps
The Michael J. Fox Foundation has awarded Enigma Biomedical USA a $2 million grant to develop and test a PET tracer that targets harmful alpha-synuclein clumps, a key driver of Parkinson’s disease. This breakthrough imaging tool could transform Parkinson’s research by improving diagnosis, guiding clinical trials, and accelerating the development of disease-modifying therapies. Read More
Wrist-worn sensor offers clearer view of tremor in Parkinson’s
A recent study suggests that wrist-worn movement sensors may offer a more accurate and consistent way to track tremor in Parkinson’s disease than clinic visits or patient recall alone. The device continuously measures tremor strength, duration, and overall activity in daily life, providing detailed insights that could help improve diagnosis, monitor symptoms, and guide more timely treatment adjustments. Read More
Exercise intensity matters in early Parkinson’s: Mouse study
A recent study in mice suggests that aerobic exercise may help improve motor symptoms and reduce anxiety in early Parkinson’s disease, though higher-intensity workouts could have mixed effects on the brain’s immune system. The findings highlight the benefits of regular, moderate exercise for movement, mood, and gut health, while underscoring the need to monitor exercise intensity carefully in Parkinson’s care and research. Read More
Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program Reaches 100,000 Samples
The Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2) has reached a major milestone, with over 100,000 DNA samples from participants worldwide now genotyped and sequenced, creating one of the most comprehensive and globally representative datasets for Parkinson’s disease. This unprecedented resource is already driving discoveries, including more than 50 new genetic risk factors, and, with over one-third of participants from historically underrepresented populations, offers the statistical power and diversity needed to accelerate research, improve understanding of disease mechanisms, and guide the development of targeted therapies for Parkinson’s patients around the world. 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!
