By Chris Jamele

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is now the fastest growing chronic progressive neurological ailment. Its rate of diagnosis has risen nearly eight time faster than Alzheimer’s over the last two decades.

The Parkinson’s Foundation provides vital resources for patients and care partners, works to support and advance clinical research, programs, offering in-person and virtual educational programs.

This April, the Parkinson’s Foundation is raising awareness using the character Pam, an acronym for Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Pam will provide information for those who wish to know more about PD. As more people are affected by Parkinson’s, learning about the early signs, symptoms, therapies and treatments having more knowledgeable about the disease can help improve the quality of life those who are affected. To learn more about the information that Pam can provide, visit https://www.parkinson.org/parkinsons-awareness-month.

This year, the New York Chapter of the Parkinson’s Foundation is hosting its annual Chapter Educational Symposium on April 6 from 11 am to 3:30 pm at the SUNY Erie North Campus, and via Zoom. The symposium will feature medical professionals discussing the latest PD treatments, therapies, and resources, as well as exhibitors. To learn more and to register for this free event, visit https://www.parkinson.org/events/2025/NY.

We encourage people to contact our national helpline for answers and guidance at 1-800 473-4636. Please join us in learning more about PD and in helping to spread greater awareness. Every Parkinson’s journey is a challenge, but we are here to help make that journey easier. We are striving to raise more awareness about PD and to find the answers as soon as possible. Please join us in our efforts. You can contact Chris Jamele locally at 716 301-0423 and at cjamele@parkinson.org.

Chris Jamele is the Development Director of the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation.