June 2, 2025 | Providing you Motivation one Monday at a time.

“Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald

Courage, Humor, Advocacy:

Chris Thurner’s Parkinson’s Journey

We’re proud to announce that Chris Thurner has been selected as the 2025 Parkinson’s Hero for the Grand Rapids Hero Walk!

Chris was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2016, and ever since, he’s faced the journey head-on with grit, humor, and heart. As he says, “My buddy Parkinson’s and I go everywhere together, the good, the bad, and yes, the ugly.” And along the way, he’s built an incredible support network and made it his mission to support others, too.

Chris is a lifelong Michigander who brings honesty, warmth, and resilience to everything he does. He currently serves as the Indirect Procurement Manager at Meijer, where he’s co-led a workplace disability support group and helped create a more inclusive environment for others navigating health challenges.

We are especially grateful to Meijer for being a dedicated supporter of the Michigan Parkinson Foundation and our Hero Walks across the state. Their continued partnership helps make this event possible, and we look forward to growing together in the years to come. Meijer will be joining us again at this year’s walk in Grand Rapids. Be sure to stop by their table to say hello!

Chris’s story includes navigating tough personal milestones such as telling his family about his diagnosis, continuing in a full-time role, facilitating a Parkinson’s discussion group, helping organize the Grand Rapids Hero Walk, and caring for a family member with epilepsy. He’s made videos to promote understanding and learned to be just as comfortable speaking to a crowd as he is in a one-on-one conversation because connecting with others is at the heart of who he is.

Chris says, “I love to kick PD’s behind every day. I laugh as often as I can. And I advocate so that others feel strong enough to do the same.” He adds, “The opportunities MPF provides me to support people are special and done with pride. This recognition is one more instance to do so. I am so glad I connect with people just by being me.”

Please join us in celebrating Chris and his inspiring journey at the 2025 Grand Rapids Parkinson’s Hero Walk. Every step we take brings us closer to hope, strength, and community.

Help guide MPF’s programs and support for the Parkinson’s community. Please consider taking a short survey to help shape our mission and impact.

Upcoming Programs

Hope in Every Step: Community Forum, Kalamazoo: This engaging afternoon event in Kalamazoo is open to people with Parkinson’s, care partners, family members, and healthcare professionals. Attendees will explore the latest insights on gut health, nutrition, and movement in Parkinson’s, with opportunities to connect and ask questions throughout the day.

Join us on June 10th from 2 - 5:00 pm. There is no cost to attend! For more information and to RSVP, click here!

Clarkston Support Group Speaker: Dr. Jessica Hedeman from Mercy Hospital will be speaking at the Clarkston Support Group on June 11 at 1:30 pm at the Independence Twp. Senior Center in Clarkston.

Dr. Hedeman is a Movement Disorder Specialist and will bring a wealth of information to all attendees, especially in the area of “off times”. For more information, contact Patty Collins at 248-625-8231 or pcollins@indtwp.com.

PD 101 Orientation: Join us for a special one-time evening presentation on June 12th in Livonia!

Julia Wall will be holding PD 101 at the Livonia Area Support Group on June 12th at 6:30 pm at the Livonia Senior Citizen Center (15218 Farmington Rd. Livonia, MI 418154). To register for this or any other date in 2025, click here!

In-person exercise classes: We have several in-person exercise class options including Rock Steady Boxing, PWR! Moves, and Yoga! Take a look at our calendar here!

Free Virtual Exercise Classes: Join us on Zoom at 10 a.m. Monday - Saturday for Parkinson's Wellness Exercise (PWR!), dance, and yoga classes. Register here.

Local Parkinson's Support Groups: We offer over 70 support groups throughout the state of Michigan! Take a look at list of support groups, organized by county and find one that is right for you. MPF Support Groups.