Fall Into Action: Learn, Move & Stay Connected with PAC
Fall is a great time to reconnect with your Parkinson’s community and make movement, education, and wellness a priority. One of PAC’s biggest events is the Caring for Parkinson’s – Caring for You Signature Symposium, taking place Saturday, September 19, at Providence United Methodist Church in Charlotte. This free, full-day event brings together people living with Parkinson’s, care partners, healthcare professionals, and community advocates for expert education, practical resources, and meaningful connection. Attendees will hear from a panel of experts about medications, surgeries, and other treatment perspectives, with additional sessions covering the benefits of physical therapy and movement with LSVT BIG and PWR!Moves, Parkinson’s advocacy, young-onset Parkinson’s disease, and support for care partners.
September is also Falls Prevention Awareness Month, making it an important time to think about how you can stay active while reducing your risk of falls. Parkinson’s can affect balance, walking, and posture, but regular exercise can help improve strength, mobility, gait, and balance. PAC offers a variety of movement therapy and exercise programs throughout the Carolinas to help people with Parkinson’s stay active and engaged. Simple steps such as keeping walkways clear, using mobility aids as recommended, taking your time when turning or standing, and talking with your healthcare team about balance concerns can also make a difference.
Welcome Samantha Eaton to PAC!
PAC is excited to welcome Samantha Eaton as our new part-time Program Coordinator! In this role, Samantha will provide program support that advances our mission to support individuals, families, care partners, and communities affected by Parkinson’s disease, with a primary focus in South Carolina.
Samantha brings more than 15 years of experience in marketing, communications, project management, and content creation. For the past 10 years, she has run her own business, working with hundreds of clients and developing educational and digital content across a variety of industries.
With a strong personal interest in health, wellness, and helping others, Samantha also has a meaningful connection to the Parkinson’s community. Her father has been living with Parkinson’s disease for two decades, giving Samantha a personal understanding of the impact the disease can have on individuals and families. She is excited to bring her professional experience to PAC while becoming more involved in a community that means so much to her personally.
Samantha lives in Charlotte with her husband, Shawn, and their French bulldog, Brady. Please join us in giving Samantha a warm welcome to PAC!
📅 Monday, November 16, 2026
🕑 10:00 AM Shotgun Start
📍 Raintree Country Club, Charlotte, NC
Mark your calendar for the PAC Golf Classic for Parkinson’s, where every swing helps make a difference for the Parkinson’s community across the Carolinas. This fundraiser helps PAC continue supporting the Carolinas where no one faces Parkinson’s alone.
Your participation will support the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas’ cost-free programs and services, providing hope, knowledge, and community for people living with Parkinson’s disease, their care partners, and their families.
Interested in becoming an event sponsor? Click here to visit our website or contact Charlie Godfrey at cgodfrey@parkinsonassociation.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Tools for Your Journey: Education & Support Programs
We invite you to join us for PAC’s September programs designed to support, educate, and connect the Parkinson’s community.
Virtual Support Group: Options for Long Term Care Planning
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Online via Zoom
This month’s Virtual Support Group will feature Hillary Kaylor, the Ombudsman Program Manager for Mecklenburg Nursing Homes at Centralina Area Agency on Aging, as she shares what to consider when deciding whether to move to long term care communities.
Wellness Wednesday: Living Parkinson’s: Seven Strategies for Taking Control and Living Your Best Life
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Online via Zoom
This month’s Wellness Wednesday will explore ways to strengthen your mindset, optimize exercise and wellness, build a strong support network, advocate for yourself and others, and contribute to research that is changing the future of Parkinson’s. Join Steve Yellen, author and Parkinson’s advocate, as he shares the practical framework that has guided his own journey since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019.
Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) Support Group
Thursday, September 17, 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.
There’s still time to register for PAC’s 2026 Caring for Parkinson’s — Caring for You Signature Symposium!
📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026
🕑 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Providence United Methodist Church, Charlotte, NC
This year’s Symposium keynote session will be a panel featuring perspectives from expert movement disorder specialists and a Parkinson’s nurse practitioner about medications, surgeries, and other Parkinson’s treatment options. The day will also feature breakout sessions including about:
- Movement: Understanding the role of physical therapy, including programs LSVT BIG and PWR! Moves
- Advocacy: Learn how your voice and story can make an impact
- Young Onset Parkinson’s: Connect and explore life beyond the diagnosis
- Care Partners: A dedicated session designed specifically for those supporting someone with Parkinson’s
Start your day with Wake Up Yoga & Stretching, enjoy lunch, visit with vendors, and spend the day connecting with a community that understands.
Coming from outside Charlotte? A limited number of hotel rooms are available at the Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte/Southpark for $149 while supply lasts.
Registration closes Wednesday, September 9. Don’t miss your opportunity to join us!
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. 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 AM – 4:00 PM, 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.
Notable and New This Month:
A new Yoga for Parkinson’s Class in Raleigh will begin on Thursday, September 3 at 10:00 AM at Hayes Barton Baptist Church.
Aminta’s virtual Therapeutic Yoga for Parkinson’s class will resume on Tuesday, September 1. Classes will meet weekly on Tuesdays at 12:00 PM online 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.
📅 Thursdays starting September 3
🕑 10:00 AM
📍 Hayes Barton Baptist Church, Raleigh, NC
PAC is excited to offer a new weekly Yoga class starting September 3 in Raleigh, NC! Sign up by clicking here, emailing PAC at gschultz@parkinsonassociation.org or calling (980) 245-2786 to sign up.
September is National Yoga Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to incorporate yoga into your movement routine. As part of the Moving with the PAC Challenge, we encourage you to explore how yoga can help support flexibility, balance, strength, mobility, and mindfulness. PAC offers Yoga for Parkinson’s programs throughout the Carolinas, online and in-person in Belmont, NC, Charlotte, NC, Fort Mill, SC, Mooresville, NC, Myrtle Beach, SC, Raleigh, NC, and Rock Hill, SC. These classes are thoughtfully designed for people with Parkinson’s disease and no prior yoga experience is required.
Already participate in a PAC yoga class? Use this month’s challenge as an opportunity to try a new class, introduce a friend to yoga, or add a few minutes of yoga or stretching to your routine at home. Whether you’re practicing yoga, walking, dancing, pedaling, boxing, or participating in another movement program, every minute of movement counts toward your journey.
Keep tracking your progress throughout September and see how movement can help you feel your best!
Ready to get moving? Find a movement or exercise class near you at parkinsonassociation.org/exercise and learn more about the Moving with the PAC Challenge at parkinsonassociation.org/2026-moving-with-the-pac-challenge/.
Share your progress with us by posting your movement tracker or a picture on social media and tagging PAC or sending us an email.
September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month, making it a great time to focus on staying active and building habits that can help support strength, balance, and confidence. The NC State Falls Coalition is celebrating with STEPtember, a month-long walking challenge designed to encourage older adults to get moving while working toward a personal goal. Whether you enjoy a solo stroll, walking with friends, joining a local walking group, or simply adding more steps to your daily routine, every step counts!
Walking and regular physical activity can play an important role in helping older adults stay strong, active, and independent. STEPtember is designed to be flexible and fit your pace—whether you’re taking a leisurely walk around the neighborhood or getting your steps in while running errands.
Ready to take the next step? Learn more about STEPtember, find a local walking group, discover a Walk with a Doc event, or submit your steps. Visit standingstrongnc.org/steptember to learn more and join the challenge!
Make an Impact: Partnering with PAC
Thank you for putting for a purpose! PAC is grateful to everyone who joined us for the Putt Putt for Parkinson’s fundraiser and helped make the evening such a success. A special thank-you to SYNERGY HomeCare of Charlotte & Lake Norman for organizing this fun and meaningful event, and to the participants, volunteers, and sponsors who came together to support individuals and families living with Parkinson’s disease throughout the Carolinas.
Your generosity helps PAC continue providing education, resources, support, and programs to our Parkinson’s community. We are so thankful to everyone who helped turn a fun night of mini golf into meaningful support for those affected by Parkinson’s.
The Parkinson Association of the Carolinas (PAC) is incredibly grateful to Crane Charitable Funds for its generous $3,400 donation to PAC! This meaningful gift will help support individuals and families living with Parkinson’s disease throughout the Carolinas through education, resources, support programs, and opportunities to stay active and connected.
We are honored to be among the organizations selected to receive this donation and deeply appreciate Crane Charitable Funds for recognizing the importance of supporting the Parkinson’s community. Their generosity helps PAC continue our mission of empowering individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s and ensuring our community has access to the resources and support they need. Thank you, Crane Charitable Funds, for investing in the Parkinson’s community!
PAC's Mission in Motion
We’re Hiring: Development Director
The Parkinson Association of the Carolinas (PAC) is seeking an experienced Development Director to lead and grow fundraising efforts across the Carolinas.
This role will focus on individual and major gifts, corporate partnerships and sponsorships, grants, fundraising events, donor engagement, and strategic fundraising planning.
We’re looking for a strategic, relationship-focused fundraising professional with 5+ years of nonprofit development experience who is passionate about making a meaningful impact for individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s.
Position Details:
Location: Charlotte, NC
Salary: $78,000–$80,000
Schedule: Hybrid
Applications reviewed beginning: September 14
Interested in joining PAC? Learn more about the Development Director position.
To apply, send your resume, cover letter, and 3–5 professional references to ParkinsonDD@CapabilityCompany.com.
Stronger Together: PAC Visits North Carolina Support Group
Gillian visited the Davie County Support Group on August 4 to learn more about the needs of the local Parkinson’s community and share how PAC can help support them. Attendees discussed local needs and barriers, explored PAC programs and services, and shared ways PAC can support the community. New connections were made, and existing connections were strengthened, helping build a community where no one has to face Parkinson’s alone.
Are you interested in having PAC visit your support support group? Contact Gillian Schultz, PAC’s Program Director at gschultz@parkinsonassociation.org or (980) 245-2786.
New Rock Steady Boxing Program Launches in Charlotte
PAC Executive Director Joanna Chantemerle recently attended the open house for RockBox Fitness in Charlotte, which is now home to Rock Steady Boxing of the Carolinas. The new program offers boxing-based exercise for people with Parkinson’s disease and welcomes participants of all abilities and stages of Parkinson’s.
Classes are held Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:00–11:30 a.m. at RockBox Fitness, located at 230 E. W.T. Harris Blvd., Suite C1, Charlotte, NC 28262 (Across from the Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center).
Learn more about Rock Steady Boxing of the Carolinas: https://rsb-carolinas.com/home
Beyond PAC: 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 Webinar: Techniques to Manage Parkinson’s Gait Changes
Thursday, September 17, 2026
12:00 PM | Online via Zoom
This webinar explores changes in walking, mobility, and balance that can occur with Parkinson’s disease. Our panel of experts will discuss why gait changes happen and share treatment options and practical strategies to help people with Parkinson’s move with greater confidence and maintain mobility.
Hosted by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
Free Webinar: Money and Your Future: Planning Ahead for Healthy Aging
📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026
🕑 2:00 PM | Online via Zoom OR Richland Library North Main, Columbia, SC
This webinar explores advance care planning and how to have meaningful conversations about future healthcare decisions. Learn the difference between advance care planning and advance directives while gaining practical communication strategies and resources to help individuals express their values, goals, and preferences for care.
Hosted by the University of South Carolina College of Social Work
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!
California Moves to Phase Out Paraquat
The Parkinson’s community continues to advocate for bans on Paraquat, with California now taking steps to end paraquat use. The California Department of Pesticide Regulation announced in August that they will begin to phase out paraquat use in the state. Paraquat has been associated with a two times higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. More than 70 countries worldwide have banned paraquat including the European Union and China due to links to Parkinson’s disease and other health issues. Read More
FDA fast-tracks experimental vaccine aiming to slow early Parkinson’s
An experimental vaccine designed to target toxic alpha-synuclein protein clumps in early Parkinson’s disease has received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with clearance to expand clinical testing to U.S. sites. Developed by AC Immune, ACI-7104 is being studied in the Phase 2 VacSYn trial, where early results suggest the vaccine was generally safe and well tolerated and produced an immune response in all treated participants. Researchers are investigating whether the treatment could help slow or prevent disease progression, with full results from the first part of the trial expected in the second half of 2026. While the findings are encouraging, ACI-7104 remains an experimental treatment and additional research is needed to determine its safety and effectiveness. Read More
Tai Chi may ease Parkinson’s motor symptoms, improve physical function
A small clinical trial suggests that practicing Tai Chi four times a week may help improve motor symptoms, physical function, and quality of life for people with early- to mid-stage Parkinson’s disease. Researchers compared a 14-week Tai Chi program with combined resistance and stretching exercises and found that both approaches improved motor symptoms, while each offered different benefits. Tai Chi appeared to provide greater improvements in balance, motor control, and muscular endurance, while resistance and stretching exercises showed stronger benefits for strength, mobility, and functional performance. The researchers noted that these findings highlight the potential value of tailoring exercise programs to individual needs, although larger and longer-term studies are needed. 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.
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!
