April Is Parkinson's Awareness Month

PRO Staff

Did you know April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month? Parkinson’s Awareness Month (PAM) is a global opportunity to increase awareness about the conditions and its symptoms as well as to educate communities about the resources available to them, with World Parkinson’s Day celebrated every April 11th – the birthdate of Dr. James Parkinson, who first discovered the condition about 200 years ago. 

For the first time since COVID-19, we at PRO are putting together a full slate of PAM activities to bring our amazing community—you!—together, to raise money to support our free programs for people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers, and to make sure our friends and neighbors know they don’t have to do this alone. Read on for a full—and growing!—list of scheduled activities and ways you can participate, no matter where you are!

DRAG BINGO FOR PRO – April 1st
Join us at The Barracks Bar in Cathedral City, CA on Saturday, April 1st, from 3:00 pm–5:00 pm for a raunchy good time playing bingo, hosted by a local legend, the drag queen Burna Cross! The event is free to attend, but bring some cash to buy yourself a few bingo cards ($5 for one card or three for $10). Raffles, prizes, drinks, laughter, and community await. All proceeds go to Parkinson’s Resource Organization to support our free programs for people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers.

THE ABCs OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE – April 14th
Hosted by California Retired Teachers Division 62, join PRO founder Jo Rosen at the Joshua Tree Community Center in Joshua Tree, CA on Friday, April 14th at 1:00 pm. Open to the public, it is an exploration of the five stages of Parkinson’s, available treatments, life plans, and potential cures in an hour long educational lecture. Learn from the expert... Jo has been working with the Parkinson’s community for over 33 years! 

PRO ON THE MOVE ‘WALK, RIDE, AND ROLL’ – April 22nd
We talk a lot about the importance of movement in combating symptoms of Parkinson’s. That’s why we’re excited to announce the Second Annual PRO on the Move ‘Walk, Ride, and Roll’ event! Teams across the country will compete to fundraise while designing their own method of movement. Last year we had walkers, golfers, and window shoppers. Creating your own team is as easy as 1, 2, 3… and would be so appreciated by PRO and the Parkinson’s world. You just need to gather a few friends, register your team, and spread the word! Learn more about how to build your team at ParkinsonsResource.org/PROontheMove.

CHOCOLATE & CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL MIXER – April 26th
We can’t think of a better pairing than Chocolate & Champagne! Join us Wednesday, April 26th from 6:00 pm–8:00 pm at the Renaissance Esmeralda in Indian Wells, CA, to close out the month with an intimate cocktail mixer featuring chocolate desserts from local artisans, a variety of champagnes, musical entertainment, a silent auction, and more. Sponsorship opportunities available. More information at ParkinsonsResource.org/chocolateandchampagne.

As you can see, there’s something for everyone…so no one is isolated because of Parkinson’s. If you can’t join us in person in The Desert, start a walk team for PRO on the Move! Starting a team might seem scary, but we’re right here to walk you through the process. Give us a call at (877) 775-4111 or email info@parkinsonsresource.org for more. 

Most importantly, Parkinson’s Awareness Month is a chance for us to celebrate you…our amazing, resilient, powerful community. How will you celebrate yourself next month?