Keep Moving Forward: From MoveIt! Walks to a Season of Activity
As we head into May and welcome warmer weather, we are looking forward to our MoveIt! Walk Wilmington on May 16. Not just a fundraiser, the MoveIt! Walk is a chance to come together, raise awareness, and remind everyone that no one is navigating Parkinson’s alone. We would love to see the Parkinson’s community in Wilmington join us. You still have plenty of time to register. Whether you’re walking, volunteering, or simply joining to connect, your presence matters!
We’re still feeling the energy and connection sparked at our MoveIt! Walk Charlotte. It was a meaningful kickoff to the season, bringing together individuals, families, care partners, and supporters for a day centered on movement, community, and encouragement. This year’s walk welcomed 387 attendees, 26 teams, and 420 donors who raised $63,281.
But staying active doesn’t stop at our walk events.
As we move into spring, we’re encouraging everyone to find ways to keep moving that work for their own pace and lifestyle. Our Moving with the PAC Challenge offers a flexible, encouraging way to stay active throughout the season, no matter where you are on your journey. Alongside that, our weekly exercise and movement therapy programs continue to provide consistent opportunities for strength, mobility, and community support—with even more to look forward to, as a new exercise class will be launching in Myrtle Beach this summer.
From Charlotte to Wilmington and into the warmer months ahead, this season is about more than individual events. It’s about building habits of movement, connection, and support that last all year long.
Tools for Your Journey: Education & Support Programs
We invite you to join us for PAC’s May programs designed to support, educate, and connect our community. As a reminder, the Virtual Support Group, 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: Boys of Summer Short Stop Documentary Screening
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM*
Online via Zoom
This month’s Virtual Support Group features a special screening of Boys of Summer: Short Stop, part of the documentary series by filmmaker Robert Cochrane. The film follows the journey of father and son Dan and Robert Cochrane after Dan’s young-onset Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2001, as they continue their mission to visit every Major League Baseball park. Short Stop (2020) highlights their ongoing journey, family bond, and resilience as Parkinson’s progresses. Following the 53-minute screening, filmmaker Robert Cochrane will join us for a live Q&A.
*Please note: This month’s support group will not be recorded and will meet until 1:30 PM.
Wednesday Webinar: Achieve More Continuous Good On Time
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Online via Zoom
This month’s Wednesday Webinar takes a closer look at managing OFF time in Parkinson’s disease and exploring new ways to achieve more continuous GOOD ON time each day. Join the PAC for an educational webinar sponsored by Supernus Pharmaceuticals, where we’ll discuss the connection between levodopa and OFF time, how OFF time can disrupt daily life, and how a new treatment approach may help improve GOOD ON time. This informative session will be presented by Dr. Sanjay S. Iyer, Medical Director of Memory & Movement Charlotte.
This webinar is sponsored by Supernus Pharmaceuticals.
Wellness Wednesday: Avoiding Frauds and Scams When Living with Parkinson’s
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Online via Zoom
This month’s Wellness Wednesday explores the growing threat of scams targeting seniors in today’s digital world. Natalia Parkers will present Scammers & Hackers, an informative session designed to help attendees recognize common scams, including those using AI-enhanced video footage and voice recordings. Learn how scammers have evolved their tactics and discover practical ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from fraud.
Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) Support Group
Thursday, May 21, 2026 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Hybrid: PAC Office (2101 Sardis Road North, Suite 102, Charlotte, NC) OR Online via Zoom
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.
The Parkinson Association of the Carolinas (PAC) invites you to our EmpowerED: Parkinson’s Education & Connection event. Bringing education to local communities across the Carolinas, so people with Parkinson’s and their care partners can live fully with Parkinson’s disease. This is a half-day event that includes an educational program, movement class, and a meal. Registration will open the first week in May.
PAC is proud to partner with Smart Patients, an online community for patients and care partners affected by Parkinson’s community.
The online peer-to-peer support of the Smart Patients Parkinson’s Disease Community complements PAC’s support and resources, to make a difference in the lives of people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones.
Join Smart Patients, ask questions for yourself, and support others who can learn from your experiences.
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 (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. Our 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 (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 not meet on May 25. Yoga for PD with Aminta in Fort Mill, SC will not meet on May 25.
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.
May is here, bringing longer days, blooming flowers, and warmer weather. It’s the perfect time to step outside, take a deep breath, and think about what you want this season to look like.
What are your May goals? Maybe it’s getting outside for a short walk each day. Maybe it’s trying a new exercise class. Maybe it’s simply committing to move your body a little more than you did last month.
Whatever your goal, movement can make a powerful difference. Regular exercise can help improve balance, mobility, mood, and overall quality of life. In some cases, it may even help slow progression.
The best part? There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Movement can be as simple as stretching in the morning, dancing in your living room, walking through your neighborhood, or joining a group class. Every step counts.
That’s where the Moving with the PAC Challenge comes in. It’s all about building momentum, finding what works for you, and staying motivated together as a community.
Ready to take the first step? Join the challenge today.
Share your progress with us by posting your movement tracker or a picture on social media and tagging PAC or sending us an email.
Make an Impact: Partnering with PAC
2026 MoveIt! Walk Wilmington
Join us at the 2026 MoveIt! Walk Wilmington for a morning of community and connection as we raise funds & awareness for the Parkinson’s community!
Saturday, May 16, 2026 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Long Leaf Park
314 Pine Grove Drive, Wilmington
Whether you’re walking, donating, fundraising, or simply spreading the word, you are part of something bigger as we work together to achieve our goal of raising $45,000.
We’re also excited to celebrate our walkers and teams with special recognition throughout the event:
- Top Fundraising Individual: Dinner for two gift card at a local restaurant
- Top Fundraising Team: Domino’s gift card for a team pizza party
- Team with Most Members: PAC water bottle for each team member
All award winners will be announced and recognized at the walk as we celebrate the incredible support of our community.
We can’t wait to see Wilmington come together for a meaningful morning of movement, hope, and impact.
Can’t join us in person? You can still make a difference by making a donation and encouraging
friends and family to give.
Moving for a Cause: Celebrating 2026 MoveIt! Walk Charlotte
What an incredible day at Symphony Park! The 2026 MoveIt! Walk Charlotte brought together individuals living with Parkinson’s, care partners, families, friends, sponsors, and community members for a powerful morning of movement, fundraising, and connection. Together, we showed what it means to move for a cause and stand with our Parkinson’s community across the Carolinas.
- 387 people attended the event
- 26 teams participated
- 420 people made a donation
- Total funds raised so far $63,281
We are also excited to recognize this year’s award winners:
- Top fundraising individual: Aminta St Onge
- Top fundraising team: The Rooted Warriors
- Team with most members: The Rooted Warriors
Every dollar raised and every step taken directly supports programs, services, and resources for individuals and families impacted by Parkinson’s disease.
This event would not have been possible without the incredible generosity and commitment of our sponsors Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Baird Private Wealth Management, Boston Scientific, AbbVie Pharmaceuticals, Acadia Pharmaceuticals and community partners Harris Teeter of Rock Hill, Sam’s Club of Rock Hill, Harris Teeters’ Plantation Market and Austin Village in Matthews, Harris Teeter Morrocroft Village in Charlotte, and Food Lion Indian Trail.
Thank you to every participant, volunteer, donor, and supporter who made this day so meaningful. We are grateful for this community and already looking forward to our 2027 MoveIt! Walk Charlotte.
PAC's Mission in Motion
Spreading Knowledge and Support: Parkinson’s Education Outreach in Davidson County and Tega Cay
This April Gillian presented Parkinson’s Disease: Beyond the Diagnosis to a small group at the Davidson County Senior Resource Center. She shared general information about the programs and services offered by the PAC, and an overview of Parkinson’s disease, including symptoms and strategies to manage some symptoms. Attendees left knowing more about Parkinson’s and with information they could share with affected friends and family. Gillian also visited with the Parkinson’s group at Wellmore of Tega Cay. After sharing information about PAC, she answered questions and helped point participants towards resources that could support them.
Strengthening Partnerships in Columbia, SC
Joanna, Gillian, and Charlie recently had a great visit in Columbia, SC, where they met with the team at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Columbia. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to connect, share ideas, and explore meaningful ways to collaborate in support of the Parkinson’s community.
Together, the teams discussed opportunities to enhance care, expand resources, and strengthen support for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their families across the region. The conversation highlighted a shared commitment to improving quality of life and ensuring access to the best possible support services.
We are excited about the possibilities ahead and look forward to building on this connection to better serve the Parkinson’s community together.
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 and events provide valuable insights into living well with Parkinson’s and often cover topics relevant to overall wellness, caregiving, and brain health.
Free Event: Hearts United A Day of Connection
📅 Monday, May 4, 2026
🕑 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM | The Lourie Center, 1650 Park Circle, Columbia, SC 29201
Hearts United: A Day of Connection, hosted by Social Aging, is a community event designed to reduce social isolation and foster meaningful connections across all ages through food, games, conversations, and resources, with speakers from the Office of the Governor, AARP, Senior Resources, and the South Carolina Department on Aging.
Free Event: 2026 Senior Living Expo
📅 Thursday, May 14, 2026
🕑 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM | Shaver Complex, 698 W. South 4th Street Seneca, SC 29678
Make your plans to attend the annual Senior Living Expo at the Shaver Complex in Seneca, where visitors can connect with hundreds of seniors and explore resources from industry leaders in healthcare, finance, home remodeling, insurance, interior design, outdoor living, and more across the Upstate of South Carolina.
Free Webinar: Breaking Down Ageism: Strategies for Awareness and Action
📅 Tuesday, May 19, 2026
🕑 10:00 AM | Online
This webinar explores ageism—its stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination based on age, how it shows up in everyday life and policy, and practical steps we can take to raise awareness and help combat it. Participants will gain insight into how ageism impacts people of all generations and learn ways to foster more inclusive communities.
Hosted by Centralina Area Agency on Aging
Free Webinar: Parkinson's and Constipation: A Candid Conversation
📅 Thursday, May 21, 2025
🕑 12:00 PM | Online
This webinar explores constipation as a common but often overlooked symptom of Parkinson’s disease, which can begin years before diagnosis, affect medication absorption, and significantly impact daily life, while an expert panel discusses what emerging research reveals about the gut-brain connection.
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!
New AI companion tool helps track Parkinson’s symptoms, guide care
Rune Labs has launched StrivePD Guardian, a new AI-powered companion tool designed to help people with Parkinson’s disease better track symptoms and receive real-time, personalized support using data from the StrivePD app and Apple Watch. By combining wearable technology with clinical data and FDA-cleared algorithms, the system offers tailored guidance on symptoms, medications, and daily management while helping users and care teams better understand symptom patterns over time. Read More
Lab-made small molecule may help slow brain disease progression
A new study published in Science Translational Medicine found that a lab-designed molecule called SK-129 can block the formation and spread of toxic alpha-synuclein clumps, a key driver of Parkinson’s disease and related disorders. By crossing the blood-brain barrier and targeting these harmful protein aggregates in multiple lab and animal models, SK-129 shows promise as a potential disease-modifying approach rather than one focused only on symptom management. Read More
Parkinson’s medications may interact through gut bacteria, new study finds
A new study published in Nature Microbiology suggests that a common class of Parkinson’s medications, catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors (COMT-Is), may unexpectedly reduce the effectiveness of levodopa by altering gut bacteria that can break the drug down before it reaches the brain. These findings highlight a previously unrecognized interaction between Parkinson’s treatments and the gut microbiome, underscoring the importance of considering microbial influences when evaluating how medications work together. Read More
In Memoriam: Honoring Our Parkinson’s Community
We recognize that the Parkinson’s journey touches not only those living with the disease, but also the families, friends, and loved ones who walk alongside them. In this space, we honor and remember members of our Parkinson’s community who have passed away.
This In Memoriam section is a way to celebrate their lives, share their stories, and acknowledge the lasting impact they’ve had on those around them. We invite families and loved ones to submit a tribute to recognize someone special who has been part of our community.
If you would like to learn more about including a loved one in this section, please contact:
Charlie Godfrey
Development Director
📧 cgodfrey@parkinsonassociation.org
📞 (980) 245-2786
We are honored to help preserve and share the memories of those who will always remain part of the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas community.
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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!
