June 2026

From the Board

In April, several members of PD Active attended the Day of Action in Sacramento to educate legislators about Parkinson’s disease and advocate for increased funding for Parkinson’s research, and banning the pesticide Paraquat. At our community meeting in March, Advocacy was one of the areas that PD Active members wanted to see more of. 

In this newsletter we begin an advocacy section. We will occasionally share updates on legislation, initiatives and news. If you are interested in getting more involved with PD Active advocacy, please contact Evangeline at operations@pdactive.org.

Programs and Events

World Parkinson’s Congress — Report Back

Date: Tuesday, June 23

Time: 5:00pm-6:00pm

Location: on Zoom

Register here.

More information here.

The World Parkinson’s Congress (WPC) took place in Phoenix, May 24-27. PD Active members Hari Subramanian, Joanne Ruby and Chris Flores attended and will share their experiences of the conference. 

The WPC brings together neuroscientists, clinical researchers, clinicians, rehabilitation specialists, nutritionists, people with Parkinson’s, care partners and others. More information about the WPC here.

SAVE THE DATE

Zen Caregiving and Parkinson's

Building Resilience & Compassion for Caregivers and Loved Ones

with Roy Remer & Mary Duane, of the Zen Caregiving Project

Date: Saturday, August 15

Time: 10:30am

Location: Berkeley Methodist United Church

1710 Carleton St, Berkeley, CA 94703

Roy Remer is executive director of Zen Caregiving Project in San Francisco and lead creator of the Mindful Caregiving Education curriculum. Mary Duane is Supervising Instructor of Education Programs at the Zen Caregiving Project. In this talk they will discuss the emotional burden many caregivers experience and cover practical tools for expanding compassion, avoiding burnout, finding comfort and processing grief and loss. 

More information here.

Register here. 

AROUND PD ACTIVE

PD Active’s Support Group for Adult Children of People with Parkinson’s

This unique group meets monthly on Zoom to provide support and community for adult children of family members with PD. The group formed in 2020 after requests by some younger members.

The group is led by skilled facilitator Dr. Rachel Goldstone who notes, "It can be very challenging to have a parent with PD and it is so helpful to find a community of people who understand, and who can find creative ways to face the challenges. The highlights of the group are the deep moments of connection and the ability to laugh and find the joy and love amidst the pain."

"The Adult Children of People with Parkinson's Group has been essential in helping me process the complicated feelings around my mom's PD. I leave each meeting with a sense of gratitude for the community it provides to us."

— Jeanine M.

PD Active depends on donations to bring programs like these to our members. We remain grateful for your contributions.

Community

Free Physical Therapy Classes

This summer, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students from Samuel Merritt University will offer four free Parkinson's exercise classes at their Oakland campus as part of a pro bono community experience.

Location: 525 12th Street
Oakland, CA 94607

Dates: Thursdays: July 16, July 23, July 30 and August 6.

Classes

Parkinson's Seated/Supported Level: Thursdays, 1:30pm – 2:30pm

Parkinson's Standing/High Level: Thursdays, 3:00pm – 4:00pm

Please sign up here.

Email Evangeline for more information: operations@pdactive.org

Advocacy

May 13, 2026 

Vermont became the first state in the nation to ban paraquat, a highly toxic herbicide linked to increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. 

This bipartisan legislation, H. 739, will end the sale and use of paraquat in late 2026, with a phased transition for certain crops until a full statewide ban takes effect in December 2030. The legislation also provides a transition period to give farmers time to consider and adopt safer, effective and economically viable alternatives to paraquat, ensuring that agricultural communities can move forward without disruption. 

“The evidence linking paraquat exposure to increased Parkinson’s risk is strong and has been building for decades,” said Dan Feehan, MJFF’s chief policy and government affairs officer. “Vermont’s leadership sends a clear message: We do not have to wait to act.”

Find out more about paraquat here.

Thank You to our Recent Donors

New Recurring Donor

Cameron Woo

Donors

Lance Batten

Marilyn Becker

Christine and Steven Carr

Becky Dowdakin and Flora McMartin

Jeanine and Doug Jensen

John Lund

Georgia and Rod Maslowski

Barbara Ruona

Livia Stein

Beth Uno

Jeanette and David Wagner

Tyler Wenck

Donations in Memory Of

Daniel Jarmel – in memory of Lee Shapiro

Judi Sui – in memory of Bruce Bernhard