April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month and the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) Information & Referral Center of Suffolk County is hard at work to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and to celebrate the important connections that help foster a supportive community for people impacted by PD. Through a nationwide network of Chapters and Information & Referral Centers, APDA works tirelessly to provide the support, education and research that helps people impacted by PD live life to the fullest. Often the first line of defense after a diagnosis, APDA connects people to the information they need to feel more in control; to the medical experts who can help them manage their disease; and to the support and services that can help them feel less alone throughout their PD journey.
During the month of April, the APDA Information & Referral Center at St. Catherine of Siena and St. Charles Hospital in Suffolk County has a full roster of activities planned for the month (and beyond) and many ways for people to get involved, including a Live Your Best Life with Parkinson’s Disease seminar on April 24 at St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson (to RSVP call 631-474-6797), and also many Parkinson’s support groups, programs such as the Loud & Lyrical vocal group (to register call 631-862-3560), and more.
Throughout April, APDA will also be sharing messages of inspiration and information on all APDA social media channels using #APDAconnects.
In New York alone, more than 65,000 people over the age of 60 are diagnosed and living with PD. Now more than ever, it is critical to support, engage and inform the PD community and raise awareness about this disease, and Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month is a great time to shine a spotlight on this issue.
AMERICAN PARKINSON DISEASE ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY & CONNECTION DURING PARKINSON’S DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH
“Every six minutes there is a new diagnosis of PD, which means that in April alone nearly 7,200 people in this country will learn they have PD. These people need to know that they are not alone, and that APDA is here for them” states Julie Garofalo, RN, Coordinator of APDA’s Suffolk County Information & Referral Center. “Here in on Long Island we are the boots on the ground – from support groups and exercise classes to educational seminars and financial support programs – APDA can help connect you to so many people and resources that can make your PD experience more positive” Garofalo continues.
Beyond New York, APDA offers extensive virtual programming to make sure that no matter where you live, you have access to high-quality PD information and programs and feel connected to the PD community even from afar. From the popular Dr. Gilbert Hosts webinar series and the ongoing Spanish-language Café con la doctora program, to the robust calendar of virtual exercise and movement classes – there is something for everyone.
The support of the general public is crucial, and April is the perfect time to take action and help the more than one million people in the United States coping with this chronic neurological movement disorder. Whether you help by raising awareness of PD or by making a donation that enables APDA to continue their critical work and fund research that will lead us to better treatments and ultimately, a cure; every effort makes a difference.
For more information about APDA programs, services, and support on Long Island, contact the APDA Suffolk County Information & Referral Center at 631-862-3560 or Julie.garofalo@chsli.org.
About the American Parkinson Disease Association:
The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is the largest grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease (PD) and works tirelessly to help the more than one million people in the U.S. with PD live life to the fullest in the face of this chronic, neurological disorder. Founded in 1961, APDA has raised and invested more than $226 million to provide outstanding patient services and educational programs, elevate public awareness about the disease, and support research designed to unlock the mysteries of PD and ultimately put an end to this disease. To join us in the fight against Parkinson’s disease and to learn more about the support APDA provides nationally through our network of Chapters and Information & Referral (I&R) Centers, as well as our national Research Program and Centers for Advanced Research, please visit us at www.apdaparkinson.org.
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