Community for the Journey -- July 2026 | | |
PANC's Annual Education Conference
Registration Now OPEN!
Care Beyond the Diagnosis:
Voices, Tools, and Togetherness
Saturday, October 24 from 9am to 3pm
Cal Expo, Sacramento
Early-bird registration: In-person (w/lunch) $45/Zoom $25
Table of 8 -- $400
15 Expert Speakers and over 70 vendors
Volunteer opportunities
Sponsor/exhibitor opportunities
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PANC Conference Keynote Speaker
Is Parkinson's a Contact or Endurance Sport?
By D. Kevin Kwok, PharmD.
Board Member, Davis Phinney Fndn.
Michael J Fox Foundation Patient Council
ASAP CRN Environmental Team Member
God blessed me by making me an average athlete.
Rather than specialize in a single sport that I had natural affinity for, I grew up with the gift of trying out for multiple sports in search of one that I could excel in. I was good enough to make every team I tried out for but spent a lot of game time picking splinters out of my uniform. At the end of one season, I would try out for yet another sport. It was my introduction to “cross training.”
God, however, also blessed me by making me extremely competitive. I was fanatical about improving. I did everything I could to train for just a few minutes of play time. I was obsessed in training my weaknesses, be it a left-handed layup, hitting a topspin backhand, slicing my driver in golf, skiing a mogul field, water starting on a windsurfer.
I was diagnosed in 2009 with YOPD at age 48 and feel it is this combination of cross training through different sports and constantly working on improving my weaknesses that has given me an edge on handling this disease that I share with this community. Today, my weaknesses experienced with PD are quite different than the ones related to sports performance.
The title of this essay, “Is Parkinson’s a Contact or Endurance Sport?" is a trick question. It is both. Dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin are neurotransmitters that affect every body system we have. If we let it, like a contact sport, the piling up of symptoms will beat us down.
By treating Parkinson’s as an endurance sport, I have accepted that this is a neurodegenerative condition that I will have for the rest of my life. Through cross training, I incorporate skills and training techniques from across a wide range of sports that I have been exposed to. All this is helpful to me to handle the various symptoms as they emerge. I've learned that as people with PD, we can't merely just exercise, we need to train our weaknesses and wellness in a holistic way that works best for our individual bodies and experiences.
Successful endurance athletes incorporate strength training, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, dexterity, balance, mental fitness, medical care, recovery, nutrition, and sleep into their routines. They play the long game. Their score card for victory is not points but accomplishment of tasks of daily living.
The plight of those of us with PD is the same. Like athletes, we have much more living ahead. Victory points are available around every corner if we choose to recognize and celebrate them.
By the way, Parkinson’s has improved my skiing and I'm already looking forward to Winter. I hope to see you at the PANC conference in October and on the slopes soon after that!
Email Jan if you are interested in sharing a story to inspire Update readers.
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Sailing4Parkinsons Update
NorCal ICU Nurse with Parkinson's Making Historic Sailing Voyages for Research
The Sailing4Parkinsons event, which took place last April, not only provided PANC with $34,000 in donated revenue but has also sprouted another arm of progress which is a research study conducted by Dr. Matt Brown and his students from the department of Kinesiology at Sacramento State University. Dr. Brown, a former PANC Board member, is conducting a pioneer study to examine whether sailing can produce measurable positive effects on people living with Parkinson's.
The subject of the study is ICU nurse Darrel Wilkin from St. Helena who is a person with Parkinson's. Darrel is a longtime sailor and just completed an offshore sailing race from Ireland to France aboard the Neptune Ocean Yacht, the same vessel that Bertrand Delhom completed the Ocean Globe race as the first person to do so with Parkinson's. For Darrel, the initial voyage was in preparation for him to also sail in the Ocean Globe Race this coming year. It's one of the world's most difficult yachting competitions. Upon recent return from his Ireland to France journey, Darrel said that the adventure was absolutely life changing.
The study examines Darrel's balance, cognition, endurance, sleep, and resilience while participating in these races while on a boat. Dr. Brown is collecting evidence about what sailing does to the body and brain by comparing Darrel's pre- and post-race data to establish the therapeutic benefits of the activity and answer questions about living with PD and proof that a diagnosis does not define the limits of experiencing life with it.
It is well documented that exercise is one of the most powerful tools for living well with Parkinson's, but sailing is yet relatively unexplored by researchers. Darrel believes that the ocean changes people physically and neurologically and hopes the findings are positive, so others are also encouraged to find joy, purpose, and symptom relief from sailing too.
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Rural Parkinson's Alliance
Efforts Continue in Central Valley
The PANC Founded Rural Parkinson's Alliance (RPA) continues to make strides to provide Parkinson's education and resources to individuals, specifically agricultural workers, in rural communities (Fresno-region currently). The Central Valley of California, commonly known as "Parkinson's Alley," because of the unusually high rates of Parkinson's disease reported, reflects concerns that environmental exposures, especially certain agricultural chemicals such as paraquat, contribute to an increased risk of developing PD.
Recently, PANC Occupational Therapy Doctoral student from the University of the Pacific, Fabiola Berajas Velasco (pictured), and movement disorder neurologist Dr. Nima Beheshti from Salinas Valley Health, led trainings in Spanish for the UC Davis Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety geared for agricultural crew leaders to educate them about Parkinson's, so they can understand it and educate others.
Fabiola also spent several days in the region distributing packets of information about PD to non-neurology general practitioner offices and clinics so those individuals can better identify potential Parkinson's diagnoses and make proper referrals to neurologists so individuals can be diagnosed and begin treatment and seek symptom mitigation options. Many in these communities are not aware of the disease so diagnosis' are not being made.
Watch for additional projects pertaining to this important project.
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Stepping into the Sunshine:
A Simple Way to Support Living Well with Parkinson's
Spending time outdoors in the sunshine can be one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways for people living with Parkinson's disease to support their overall health and well-being.
Exposure to natural sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, which plays an important role in maintaining healthy bones, supporting muscle function, and strengthening the immune system. Since people with Parkinson's are at greater risk for falls and fractures, maintaining healthy vitamin D levels is especially important. Sunlight also helps regulate the body's internal clock, promoting better sleep—an area that many people with Parkinson's find challenging.
Beyond the physical benefits, sunshine and time in nature can have a powerful impact on emotional health. Even a short walk through a neighborhood, a visit to a local park, or simply sitting outside on a patio can help reduce stress, lift mood, and ease feelings of anxiety or depression. Being outdoors also encourages movement, whether it's walking, stretching, gardening, or participating in a group activity. Regular physical activity remains one of the most effective ways to help maintain mobility, balance, flexibility, and overall quality of life for people living with Parkinson's disease.
As the days grow longer, consider making sunshine part of your daily routine. Aim for 10 to 20 minutes of safe sun exposure several days a week, while protecting your skin with sunscreen and avoiding excessive heat during the warmest part of the day.
Invite a friend, family member, or care partner to join you for a walk or simply enjoy a quiet moment outdoors together. Sometimes the simplest habits such as fresh air, sunshine, movement, and connection can make a meaningful difference in helping people with Parkinson's live healthier, more active, and more joyful lives.
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PANC Events to Support
A Night of Comedy & Hope
Thursday, August 27 in Vacaville
Click Here Information/Registration
Come for an evening of laughs and a lifetime of impact at the Journey Theater in Vacaville. Enjoy an evening of comedy and joy featuring six comedians including retired Fairfield police captain Frank Mihelich and Placer County real estate broker" JoeyC," both who have found humor as a relief to their own Parkinson's journeys. General admission is just $25 with additional opportunities for sponsorship and/or prime seating selections. Enjoy the show, drinks, and snacks! All proceeds benefit PANC.
Take A Shot at Parkinson's to Win $250,000
September 21 -23 at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, Sacramento
Click Here Information/Registration
The spirited community opportunity includes closest to the pin, and hole-in-one challenges. Individuals who land a shot on the green during qualifying rounds (September 21 & 22) advance to the finals on Wednesday, September 23. The top 10 closest to the pin in the final round shoot for the $250,000 Hole-In-One Challenge. All proceeds benefit PANC. Thank you to the Take A Shot at Parkinson's Foundation for hosting this event on our behalf.
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PANC Volunteer Opportunities
Conference and Golf Event -- Click Here
It's that time again! The Take A Shot at Parkinson's event and PANC Conference are coming up quickly. Both events are all hands-on deck to be successful -- we need your help! If you're available and interested, please click the link above for sign-up options.
Task Force Participation
With a small yet mighty staff, a working Board, and big dreams of new and improved services, PANC is growing their committee and task force opportunities to help build the organization. More and more families in the Parkinson's community are being diagnosed and are looking for connection and opportunities to learn...there is much to do to help.
If you are interested in participating on the PD Services and Fundraising Task Force (new programs and fundraising opportunities) or the Parkinson's Advocacy Task Force (state and federal policy issues/decisions), or Rural Parkinson's Alliance, we'd love to welcome you to the group. Contact Jan by email here to learn more. These groups meet via Zoom once a month or so.
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Advocacy Updates
Bipartisan Bill Introduced in
House to Ban Paraquat
The U.S. House recently introduced the Paraquat Prevention Act that would federally ban the use of the herbicide in U.S. agriculture. Introduced by Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Anna Paulina Luna (R-Florida), the bill would “direct the Environmental Protection Agency to cancel all existing paraquat registrations, revoke any tolerances permitting paraquat residue in food, and ban the sale and use of existing stocks upon enactment,” Luna said.
While the European Union and more than 70 countries have banned paraquat, the United States remains one of the few developed nations that still permits the herbicide’s use. Research has linked the exposure of paraquat to several health impacts of including increased risks of Parkinson’s disease. Studies from the National Institutes of Health have found that individuals exposed to paraquat face a significantly elevated risk of developing the disease, with laboratory research demonstrating that the chemical directly damages the dopaminergic neurons whose destruction causes the disease.
EPA to Hold RoundTable on Documented Safety Challenges of Paraquat
US regulators will hold a forum soon to explore safety concerns surrounding paraquat. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said last week that it will host a roundtable to hear from scientists, farmworkers, community advocates, and others to discuss the “documented safety challenges associated with the chemical,” and explore “potential solutions and alternatives.” The agency did not specify a date, location, or if it will be open to the public, but said details would be announced soon.
Federal Bill Introduced to Support Veterans
Battling Parkinson’s with Boxing Therapy
In early June, Representatives Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Darin LaHood (IL-16) introduced the Boxing Therapy for Parkinson’s Access Act to expand access to evidence-based boxing programs for veterans and individuals living with Parkinson’s. Specifically, the bill will reduce financial barriers and ensure greater access to these programs for our nation’s veterans living with Parkinson’s and movement disorders.
“Our veterans sacrificed so much for our country, and we owe it to them to make sure they get the care and support they need following their service,” said Rep. Budzinski. “For some with Parkinson’s and movement disorders that looks like access to boxing-based exercise classes that can be critical for improving mobility, as well as supporting mental health. I’m proud to help lead this bill with Congressman LaHood that will help more veterans access these services freely without having to worry about the financial burden.
Full text of the legislation can be found here. PANC will keep you informed of progress on this Bill.
Interested in Parkinson's Advocacy?
Join the MJFF Parkinson’s Policy Network
Advocacy is a critical piece to solving the Parkinson’s puzzle. By sharing your story, you can help policymakers understand what matters to people with Parkinson’s and shape policies and programs that affect the entire community.
Join the Michael J. Fox Foundation's policy network to make a difference in the search for better treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s. Fill out the form on this page and their advocacy team will be in touch with you soon.
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Thank You Waterbar Restaurant
A HUGE thank you to the Waterbar restaurant in San Francisco. PANC was their non-profit designee for the second quarter of the year. They collected $.05 on each oyster consumed over that period and are making a donation of $4,912 for selling almost 100,000 oysters on our behalf during that time.
Please visit and thank the Waterbar management the next time you are in San Francisco. We are so grateful for the generous donors that help sustain the organization and our services.
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A Day in the Life -- The Cadman's
Enjoy this short video produced by California Caregiver Resource Center about Tom and Lynda Cadman. Lynda is a person with Parkinson's and Tom is her care partner. This is a lovely representation of how some individuals experience the disease and can support one another through the journey.
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SF Giants Baseball Tickets Discount
To honor NorCal's Parkinson's heroes, the San Francisco Giants franchise is sharing their special partner discount code with us! The discount code allows PANC constituents access to specially priced tickets starting as low as $10 for select Giants home games for the rest of the season.
The discount code is CMKD5T
To redeem, visit this page and enter CMKD5T to see available games. Each discount code is limited to 6 tickets per game, per MLB Ballpark account. So, if you would like to purchase more than 6 tickets for a game, you would need to use the unique discount code with multiple accounts/emails.
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July Free Webinars
PANC webinars are beginning in September!
Watch for the schedule of topics next month
Wednesday, July 15 at 8:30am
Speak Steady: The Parkinson’s Voice Reset Program with Neuro Challenge
Learn about Speak Steady, a self-paced, home video program which combines clinical speech therapy principles with gentle movements to support voice strength, loudness, and intelligibility.
Info and Register
Wednesday, July 15 at 10am
DBS, Focused Ultrasound & Stereotactic Radiotherapy for PD with the American Parkinson's Disease Association
Learn about deep brain stimulation (DBS), focused ultrasound (FUS) and stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) are, how they work, which symptoms of PD they do and don’t treat, if you should consider these procedures for yourself, and if so, which one(s).
Info and Register
Wednesday, July 15 at 6pm
Navigating End-of-Life for Those Living with Parkinson’s with the Parkinson's Resources of Oregon
How to approach death with clarity and compassion, delve into the role of death cafes and death doulas, and offer practical strategies for ensuring that personal wishes are communicated and respected. Participants will gain insight into the unique considerations for those with PD, including managing communication challenges.
Info and Register
Thursday, July 16 at 9am
Parkinson's or Something Else? Understanding Parkinsonism with the Michael J. Fox Foundation
Learn how experts distinguish Parkinson’s from vascular or atypical parkinsonisms like dementia with Lewy bodies or multiple system atrophy. Speakers will also discuss how care for these conditions varies.
Info and Register
Thursday, July 16 at noon
Intro to Service Dogs for Parkinson’s & Movement Disorders with PMD Alliance
Learn about the kinds of tasks dogs can be trained to do to support people with a movement disorder and their care partners.
Info and Register
Saturday, July 18 from 1-3pm
3rd Annual Mini Research Symposium with the Parkinson Support Center of Northern Nevada
Hear from leading researchers and clinicians about the latest discoveries in Parkinson's care and treatment, including the latest on stem cell therapy, psilocybin and ketamine for PD depression and anxiety, and how gentle head and neck massage can safely support the brain's natural detoxification process in a noninvasive way.
Info and Register
Tuesday, July 21 at 10am
Moving through Parkinson's: Does Intensity and Dose Matter? with the Parkinson's Foundation
Learn about new exercise research focusing on high vs moderate intensity, domains of exercise, and implementation strategies for people with Parkinson's.
Info and Register
Wednesday, July 22 at 3pm
The Space Between: Navigating Uncertainty Between At-Risk and Diagnosed with PMD Alliance
Audience: Undiagnosed
There are many reasons why you may feel at risk for a Parkinson’s disorder, including family history, environmental exposure, a positive diagnostic test, or symptoms of an associated prodromal condition such as REM Sleep Behavior Disorder. Learn the latest science and ask questions in a safe, private environment, and find actionable steps on how you might be able to manage the uncertainty and protect your brain health.
Info and Register
Wednesday, July 29 at 10am
Why Falls Happen in Parkinson's: Changes in Balance and Movement with the Parkinson's Foundation
Experts will share practical strategies and safety precautions to improve safety and minimize fall risk to support balance and mobility in everyday life.
Info and Register
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* Contact Jan Whitney here if you are interested in placing a
sponsor article or research opportunity in this publication
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