Meeting Podcast: Recent Episodes
Shakers Anonymous
Shakers Anonymous is a positive-based support group for those impacted by Parkinson's. We know that every PD journey is unique, but through the collective effort of teamwork, we can share our knowledge and support of one another. Our monthly meetings are free and take place at 7:00PM on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at the New Canaan YMCA, 565 South Ave., New Canaan, CT 06840
LRRK2 Pathway and Parkinson’s Disease
Motivated by the lack of a molecular understanding and atreatment that slows down the progression of Parkinson’s disease, our research focuses on the leucine-rich repeat kinase-2 (LRRK2) pathway, as mutations that increase the kinase activity of LRRK2, represent one of the most common inherited causes of Parkinson’s disease. The goal of our work is to undertake high quality rigorous research to develop a robust framework of knowledge of how the LRRK2 signaling pathways is regulated, to develop mproved methods to better diagnose and treat Parkinson’s disease.
Gemma Moya-Gale, Ph.D.Speech & Language ColumbiaTeachers College Assistant Professor Director, ommunication, Technology, and Language Diversity Lab
gm2446@tc.columbia.edu 212-678-3323
Dr. Claire Henchcliffe, Neurologist and Chair of the University of California Irvine (UCI) School of Medicine’s Department of Neurology and an international Parkinson’s disease expert.
She will be speaking about promising results a first-in-human clinical trial of stem cells engineered to replace dopamine-producing neurons destroyed byParkinson’s disease. Read more...
Rita Balice-Gordon, CEO Muna Therapeutics
Topic is “New Therapeutics for Parkinson’s- Challenges and Promise”
Veronica E. Santini MD, MA Clinical Chief, Division of Movement Disorders Director, Comprehensive Parkinson’sDisease Program Yale School of Medicine https://medicine.yale.edu/profile/veronica-santini/
ERIKA LONG, COMMUNITY MINDFULNESS PROJECT PRESENTATION TOPARKINSON’S BODY AND MIND
FEBRUARY 13, 2024
Mindfulness helps us re-regulate our nervous system, reduce unhealthy levels of stress, and navigate our emotions - all of which supports our ability to interact more effectively with the people in our lives. Join us to learn some cool facts about our brains, and simple, shortmindfulness practices Over time, these “small moments practiced many times” help us rewire our brains so we can live with greater ease and feel more resilient, even in the face of difficulty.
My Robot Workout Partner
Move over Judy Jetson! Karen McIntyre joined the board of Parkinson’s Body & Mind after a successful 25+ year career as an advertising creative director. Her short fiction has appeared in the Lascaux Prize Anthology and various literary magazines. She lives in NYC with her husband and daughter.
Dr. Mark Groves, a psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of those with PD including stress and anxiety. https://profiles.mountsinai.org/mark-groves
Veronique Enos Kaefer Vice President, Philanthropy The Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research
Topic: The Current State Of Parkinson’s Research
Dr. Machado is a neurology specialist with extensive experience in neurodegenerative disorders. He helped develop and expand the Chase Family Movement Disorders Center (CFMDC) at Hartford Healthcare and serves as their Director of Program Excellence and Recognition. In addition, he has experience in clinical trials for Parkinson’s and is involved in ongoing studies related to quality-of-life issues for people living with Parkinson’s. Dr. Machado is an integral part of the team responsible for creating the Spanish-language movement disorders clinic at CFMDC and has been a co-PI on a project to identify and address barriers to accessing care for the Spanish-speaking population in his community.
Learn about the exciting research being done using vibrating gloves for relief of PD symptoms. These specially designed gloves transmit an electrical sensation to the brain meant to interrupt abnormalities caused by shortfall in dopamine.
Hear from and ask questions of panel participants:
Dr Tim Vanbellingen , University of Berne, Switzerland, leading a Swiss team on development of vibrating gloves
Kanwar Bhuhanti and Douglas Bland, participants in the Stanford University trial conducted by Dr Peter Tass earlier this year.
Dr. Buckingham is a Movement Disorder Neurologist with Stamford Health Medical Group. She joined the practice in 2016 and sees patients in the Stamford and Wilton offices.
She was born and raised in Portland, Maine. She received a B.A. in genetics, cell and developmental Biology from Dartmouth College and earned her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia.
Topic: about a new medication (Buntanetap) which is in Phase 3. Dr. Maccecchini founded Annovis in May 2008 to develop better therapeutics for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Dr Shain is a practitioner of Traditional East Asian Medicine, also known as Traditional Chinese Medicine. After completing a Bachelor's degree at UCONN, he moved to China for 5 years to dive deeply into Chinese language, martial arts and culture as well as the study of Chinese medicine. Since then he has attained a Master's degree and Doctorate in Traditional Chinese Medicine as is currently engaged in undertaking an advanced diploma in TCM dermatology.
Ted M. Dawson, M.D., Ph.D.
Leonard and Madlyn Abramson Professor in Neurodegenerative Diseases Director, Institute for Cell Engineering Professor, Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology & Molecular Sciences Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His laboratory has made important discoveries on how neurons die in genetic and sporadic models of Parkinson's disease. https://www.thedawsonlab.org
PWP DBS Panel Discussion Moderator: Paul Wear, PBM Board Member
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, rigidity, and stiffness. It involves the implantation of electrodes into specific regions of the brain, which are connected to a battery-operated device that delivers electrical stimulation. The stimulation helps to regulate brain activity and improve symptoms.
A panel discussion involving 6 people with Parkinson's who have undergone DBS will provide valuable insights into their experiences and the impact that the procedure has had on their lives. These discussions will also help others with Parkinson's to better understand the potential benefits and risks of DBS and make informed decisions about their own treatment options.
Duarte Goncalves Machado, MD Co-Director Chase Family Movement Disorders Center Hartford Healthcare Ayer Neuroscience Institute
Topic: "Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation with Sensing Technology-Ushering in a New Wave of DBS."
Dr. Amir Masoud, is Medical Co-Director of the Hartford HealthCare Neurogastroenterology and Motility Center.
Topic: "What is not wrong in my life?"
James Duffy MD psychiatrist board certified in adult psychiatry, psychosomatic medicine, integrative medicine, and medical acupuncture.
Topic: Anxiety and Depression with Parkinson's Disease
Dr Paul M. Gallo, EdD, FACSM Director of Exercise Science and Wellness Exercise Science and Wellness Department Norwalk Community College www.norwalk.edu Topic: Walk, Run, Lift, Stretch and Cycle".
Sarah Mulukutla MD MPH is a board-certified neurologist with a passion for mind-body medicine. She has been a pioneer at the American Academy of Neurology promoting Integrative Health and is the founder of their Integrative Neurology Section.
Hacking the Parkinson’s Brain with Meditation
Meditation has many health benefits, but for people with Parkinson’s disease, learning to control one’s inner dialogue can have profound impact on motor symptoms. This talk will give an overview of current research looking at the impact of meditation on the brain networks involved in Parkinson’s disease and provide tips for adopting a meditation practice.
Facts vs the Myths of DBS
Patrick Badere Senatus, MD, PhD, FACS, FAANS
Dr. Senatus is a board-certified Neurosurgeon with extensive experience in minimally invasive and restorative spine surgery. He has lectured nationally on minimally invasive surgery and participates actively in the design of the next generation of minimally invasive surgery systems. Dr. Senatus is fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons. Read more...
Dr. Leon Meytin, Movement Disorders Neurologist, has joined the Chase Family Movement Disorders Center and will be seeing patients in Stamford, CT. His background includes a fellowship at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in New York and Neurology Residency at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He has experience with a multitude of common and unique conditions including Parkinson’s disease, Atypical Parkinsonism, Dystonia, Ataxia, Tics, Essential Tremor and more. He has been involved with several clinical trials and clinical research.
Phase 2 Drug Trial for Motor Symptoms
Joseph M. Palumbo, Chief Medical Officer BioVie.
In preclinical studies, NE3107 was found to lessen inflammation within the nervous system and ease insulin resistance, slowing neurodegeneration and improving nerve function. In a primate model of Parkinson's, NE3107 in combination with levodopa led to a greater improvement in motor control than either therapy alone.
www.bioviepharma.com jpalumbo@bioviepharma.com
Shakers Anonymous member Fiona Davis will be speaking to us about her journey and how PD has affected her. Her biography (below) is impressive. Join the meeting at 7pm on Tuesday, January 11th.
Fiona Davis began her career in New York City as an actress, where she worked on Broadway, off-Broadway, and in regional theater.
After getting a master's degree at Columbia Journalism School, she fell in love with writing, leapfrogging from editor to freelance journalist before finally settling down as an author of historical fiction. Fiona's books have been translated into more than a dozen languages.
She's a graduate of the College of William & Mary and is based in New York City.
Davis’ novels include The Magnolia Palace, The Lions of Fifth Avenue, The Chelsea Girls, The Address, The Dollhouse, Stories from Suffragette City.
Lori Quinn, PT, EdD, FAPTA Associate Professor of Movement Science and Kinesiology at the Teacher's College, Columbia University
Will be giving us an update about our exciting plans to work together with the Engage PD Program to provide a safe and effective community based exercise and wellness program with specially trained instructors.
Lori and her team are planning to launch a new assessment tool that will be implemented in the PDBM classes. In addition, there are plans for developing a certification course for instructors. Click here to see flyer.
Jennifer Reid PT PDT Ebb & Flow Physical TherapyJennifer Reid has nearly 10 years of clinical experience providing specialized physical therapy to individuals with a variety of neurologic disorders, balance issues and vertigo.
Upon receiving her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Rutgers University (formerly UMDNJ) in 2011, she went on to work at Helen Hayes Hospital and New York Presbyterian Hospital, completing numerous specialty rotations in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings.
She holds a Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) certification from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, Certification in Vestibular Rehabilitation through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and Duke University as well as LSVT BIG and PWR! Certifications for patients with Parkinson’s Disease. In addition to her clinical work, she is an adjunct faculty member at Columbia University’s DPT program. She brings a wide breadth of experience, a keen clinical eye and a warm, personal approach to her patient care.
11/30 Sarah Buckingham MD Movement Disorder "Ask the Doctor Discussion"
https://www.stamfordhealth.org/find-a-doctor/profile/sarah-buckingham/
Opportunity to Join Remote Research Study Led by UC San Francisco
Dr. Caroline Tanner, MD PhD is recruiting for a new clinical trial led by a team of Parkinson’s experts at UCSF in partnership with researchers from across the country. The goal of the study is to help people with Parkinson’s disease or parkinsonism maintain their independence by reducing the risk of hip fractures.
People with Parkinson’s disease or parkinsonism have a much higher risk of hip and other fractures. TOPAZ (Trial of Parkinson’s and Zoledronic Acid) will test if zoledronate, an FDA-approved medication for osteoporosis (thinning of the bone), can prevent fractures in people with Parkinson’s disease, whether or not they have osteoporosis.
You can safely participate in TOPAZ from the comfort of your home, as it is a completely remote study.
To be eligible, individuals must have Parkinson’s disease or another type of parkinsonism and be at least 60 years of age.
If you have any questions, please visit our study website TOPAZstudy.orgor email TOPAZ@ucsf.edu, or call us directly at (415) 317-5748
Topic: Levodopa/Carbidopa (ND0612) NeurodermInfusion Pump
Hartford Healthcare is actively recruiting for phase 3 trial
NeuroDerm’s flagship product ND0612 is currently in late stage development for Parkinson’s disease patients experiencing motor fluctuations.
Our system for self-administered continuous subcutaneous infusion of the gold standard levodopa/carbidopa, was designed specifically to be a user-friendly system for people with Parkinson's disease, to maintain steady therapeutic levodopa plasma concentrations for the purpose of improving fluctuations, that is, reducing patients’ "OFF" time without increasing troublesome dyskinesia.
Our tailored solution potentially offers sustained relief (compared to oral immediate-release levodopa/carbidopa treatments) and empowers patients and their families to regain control of their lives with greater daily-life predictability and independence.
Mandy Shintani, OT & Gerentologist; founder of Urban Poling.Join us to learn the researched benefits of Nordic walking for those with Parkinson’s for rehab and as a lifelong tool to stay active. Mandy Shintani an OT and Gerontologist from Canada will describe how specialized Nordic walking poles called ACTIVATOR Poles are prescribed in Canada and abroad to improve your walking ability and for the factors related to Fall Prevention. Learn about the proper technique to improve balance and how walking poles can also be used for seated and standing exercises to promote BIG movements.
July 13th. 2021 Dr. Meytin "What you need to know when you are in the hospital with PD".
Dr. Mischley has spent the past decade studying the association between lifestyle choices and PD progression. She’ll describe her findings- behaviors associated with rate of progression, including food, supplements, exercise, friends, and financial health. To get the most out of this presentation, attendees are encouraged to get their own PRO-PD scores at www.PROPD.org before meeting.
Dr. Mischley teaches the online program Parkinson-School.com and is Director of PD Summer School @ Bastyr University. She has trained two dogs to identify the scent of PD in earwax, as a PD screening test. In clinic, Dr. Mischley specializes in the treatment and management of all forms of Parkinsonism. Her philosophy is to empower and to make people aware of their options, to treat the person, not the disease, to educate, and motivate. Her vision statement is definitely aspirational! "My goal is to make Parkinsonism reversible and preventable."
Nancy Lombard - Long Term Options Specialist, Southwestern CT Agency on Aging
1000 Lafayette Blvd, 9th floor
Bridgeport, CT 06604 (203) 814 3671
nlombard@swcaa.org www.swcaa.org
Learn about your options for Medicare, when you are eligible, or what your options are. Please join us for a discussion which will provide information for those who will be new and about to sign up and those who are already on Medicare. Learn the 'ins and outs' of Medicare enrollment and how to avoid mistakes that can be costly. And, most important, please bring questions that you may have.
Rachel Chasse's career began in Alzheimer's and dementia research, where she was shaped by the experiences of patients and families. From there, she has worked in a variety of medical research settings and is currently at MindMed investigating how technology can advance care. Rachel is also the Director of Innovation at the Digital Medicine Society (DiMe), a non-profit professional society dedicated to advancing the safe, effective, ethical, and equitable use of digital medicine to optimize human health.
**Jamileh Jemison
Head of Clinical Development, HealthMode** is a physician-scientist with specialty training in genetics and pediatrics, who has led clinical research in oncology, opioid use disorder, autism, and autoimmune disorders. JJ worked in clinical operations and development at Boston Biomedical Inc., Finch Therapeutics, HealthCore, and Pear Therapeutics before joining HealthMode in 2019. https://www.digbiomarkers.com/
Soania Mathur, MD, is a former writer for Verywell Health covering Parkinson's disease. Dr. Mathur was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's disease at the age of 27 at the start of her medical career. During her 12 years of family medicine before she had to take a medical leave from her practice, she cared for a number of patients with the same diagnosis.
Now she is a dedicated speaker, writer, educator, and Parkinson's advocate. She speaks passionately at the local and international level, about the challenges of adjusting physically and emotionally and the coping strategies available to patients.
Dr. Mathur is an active speaker with the Parkinson’s Society of Canada at patient-directed conferences and also serves as a resource for education projects. She works with The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and serves on their Patient Council. She is a member of The Brian Grant Foundation Advisory Board that helps to create educational programming.
Dr. Mathur has a special interest in helping educate the youngest affected by the stress of this chronic disease. To help facilitate dialogue between children and their loved ones, she has authored two books: "My Grandpa's Shaky Hands" and "Shaky Hands–A Kid’s Guide To Parkinson’s Disease." soaniamathur@unshakeablemd.com
Amy B Scher, is an energy therapist, expert in mind-body healing, and the bestselling author of "How to Heal Yourself When No One Else Can".
https://www.eomega.org/workshops/teachers/amy-b-scher
https://www.soundstrue.com/blogs/authors/amy-b-scher
Harini Sarva, MD completed a combined undergraduate-medical school eight year program at CUNY Brooklyn College and SUNY Downstate Medical Center. She completed her undergraduate degree in economics with a magna cum laude from Brooklyn College, during which team she made the Dean’s List every semester and won an award in excellence in economics. After completing her MD, she was recruited to complete her neurology residency from SUNY Downstate, where she was also a Chief Resident during her final year of training. She won the SUNY Downstate Alumni Association Outstanding… Read More
Larry has spent nearly 30 years on radio and is currently the National Director of AM Radio for Corus Entertainment in Canada.
In this position, he coaches on-air talent on Global BC and BC1 TV and oversees programming and operations for CKNW-AM and CHMJ-AM radio stations. He was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease in August 2017 at the age of 45. Larry is active with the Parkinson’s Society British Columbia and sits on the board of directors for the Pacific Parkinson’s Research Institute. He believes in the power of storytelling hosting, "When Life Gives You Parkinson’s," a podcast that documents his experience living and working with PD, which was a finalist for the Canadian Podcast Awards.
Living with Parkinson’s and Ending Parkinson’s. Adelaide Lackner Professor and Chair of Neurology Executive Director, Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases University of Florida Health Author: Parkinson's Treatment: 10 Secrets to a Happier Life. https://neurology.ufl.edu/profile/okun-michael/
Torrance York Artist and educator with a MFA in photography from Rhode Island School of Design and a BA from Yale. (Shaker's Anonymous Member) will share and discuss her photography project, "Semaphore," that examines the shift in her perspective after being diagnosed with PD for five years ago. Her website is www.torranceyork.com to see the images as she talks through the project: https://www.torranceyork.com/semaphore-inprogress
Ginger Mills PhD is a clinical neuropsychologist who specializes in movement disorders. She sees patients at the Stamford and Cheshire offices of HHC Chase Movement Disorders Center.
Topic: To provide the group with an overview of what a neuropsychological evaluation is and overall cognitive strategies we typically recommend.
Dr. Brian Kopell is a Professor of Neurosurgery, Neurology, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience as well as Director of the Center for Neuromodulation at the Mount Sinai Health System. Dr. Kopell has pioneered the use of intraoperative imaging during Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) cases to supplement the microelectrode recording typically done to make a procedure that is safer and quicker for patients. He has performed over 1,000 DBS procedures.
Dr. Leon Meytin, Movement Disorders Neurologist, has joined the Chase Family Movement Disorders Center and will be seeing patients in Stamford, CT. His background includes a fellowship at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in New York and Neurology Residency at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He has experience with a multitude of common and unique conditions including Parkinson’s disease, Atypical Parkinsonism, Dystonia, Ataxia, Tics, Essential Tremor and more. He has been involved with several clinical trials and clinical research.
Dr. Sheila Silver is a board-certified clinical sexologist and maintains a private practice in Portland, Oregon.
She is a trained sex counselor, an experienced group facilitator, workshop leader, professional speaker and sex educator. She holds a Doctorate in Human Sexuality from The Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality, and a Masters degree in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy. She has experience teaching sex education at the high school level and has assisted with the Love, Intimacy, & Sexuality workshops for adults at the Human Awareness Institute since 2003. She has also worked as a rape victim advocate for the Sexual Assault Resource Center.
**David Bornstein, MD
"Medical Marijuana and Parkinson’s Disease”**
Dr. David Borenstein is New York’s leading integrative and functional medicine physician. Board certified by multiple medical associations, including American College for Advancement in Medicine and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, Dr. David Borenstein combines the best of traditional and holistic medicine.
David Borenstein, MD is the founder of Manhattan Integrative Medicine. He obtained his medical degree from the Technion Faculty of Medicine in Haifa, Israel and completed his internship at Staten Island University Hospital. During the course of his career, he has attended numerous specialized training courses in order to expand the scope of his medical expertise. He is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, certified in Medical Acupuncture, and is a member of numerous professional societies. David Bornstein, MD
"Medical Marijuana and Parkinson’s Disease”
Dr. David Borenstein is New York’s leading integrative and functional medicine physician. Board certified by multiple medical associations, including American College for Advancement in Medicine and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, Dr. David Borenstein combines the best of traditional and holistic medicine.
David Borenstein, MD is the founder of Manhattan Integrative Medicine. He obtained his medical degree from the Technion Faculty of Medicine in Haifa, Israel and completed his internship at Staten Island University Hospital. During the course of his career, he has attended numerous specialized training courses in order to expand the scope of his medical expertise. He is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, certified in Medical Acupuncture, and is a member of numerous professional societies.
Dr. Kim’s lab also investigates translational stem cell research and personalized cell therapy of PD and is optimizing reprogramming and differentiation methods. His lab has pioneered the generation of clinical grade induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells using non-viral reprogramming methods such as direct delivery of reprogrammed proteins and novel episomal methods and has recently identified novel mechanisms underlying metabolic reprogramming during human induced pluripotency.
Xiang-Dong Fu, PhD
Distinguished Professor Dept. of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
Single Treatment Creates New Neurons, Eliminates Parkinson’s in Mice, Study Shows With a single treatment, scientists were able to transform brain cells into functioning neurons that restored dopamine — the signaling molecule deficient in people with Parkinson’s disease — to normal levels, eliminating motor symptoms in a Parkinson’s mouse model. The results, “Reversing a model of Parkinson’s disease with in situ converted nigral neurons,” were published in the journal Nature.
Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the malfunction or death of dopamine-producing nerve cells (neurons) in a region of the brain called the substantia nigra, which is responsible for muscle movement and coordination.
While most therapeutic strategies aim to regulate dopamine levels, treat motor symptoms, or prevent the loss of neurons, a potential alternative is to replace the lost neurons.
Recently, researchers at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine reprogramed fibroblasts — a cell in connective tissue that produces collagen — into neurons by blocking the production of a protein called PTB.
PTB influences which genes are turned “on” or “off” and is naturally produced at low levels during the development of neurons. "This protein is present in a lot of cells,” study lead Xiang-Dong Fu, PhD, from UCSD, said Read More...
Dr. Leon Meytin, Movement Disorders Neurologist, has joined the Chase Family Movement Disorders Center and will be seeing patients in Stamford, CT. His background includes a fellowship at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in New York and Neurology Residency at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He has experience with a multitude of common and unique conditions including Parkinson’s disease, Atypical Parkinsonism, Dystonia, Ataxia, Tics, Essential Tremor and more. He has been involved with several clinical trials and clinical research.
Alicia Spiro Physical Therapist, MS, NDT, LSVT
Specializes in treating individuals with neurological disorders with associated balance and walking problems. She is affiliated with Norwalk Hospital (a member of Western Connecticut Health Network) and teaches at Sacred Heart University. She is part of the Norwalk Hospital outpatient rehabilitation team that assesses patients and establishes physical, speech and occupational therapies to help them achieve a higher level of function.
The Sacred Heart University physical therapy students are going to be giving an update about the Parkinson’s Exercise Program 2020 that they have been working on for our Shaker’s Anonymous Group.
Katrina Kahl - Executive Director of the Brian Grant Foundation
The Brian Grant Foundation provides proven tools to improve the well-being of people with Parkinson’s. BGF was established in 2010, following Brian’s diagnosis in 2008 at the age of 36. Though there is no cure for Parkinson’s, exercise, nutrition and a supportive community can help manage symptoms, maintain overall health and prevent other serious illnesses.
Jimmy Choi, serves as the Chief Technology Officer for Moravia. In 2003, Jimmy was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's disease at age 27.
At first, Jimmy went into denial and "did nothing" for several years to manage his symptoms. By 2010, he walked with a cane and he hit rock-bottom when he fell down a full flight of stairs while carrying his young son. While both were physically unharmed, the fall became a catalyst for Jimmy to take back control and engage with his treatment and the PD community.
Since then, Jimmy has participated in multiple clinical trials to further research for better treatments and hopefully a cure for PD. Physical therapy led him to running and other activities that help him physically and mentally. He joined Team Fox in 2012, and ran in his first marathon that year -- and he hasn't stopped since.
In July 2017, he took on a new challenge and competed on NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior” to show the world that Parkinson’s will not stop him. Jimmy maintains a very active lifestyle, having competed in over 100 half marathons, 15 full marathons, one ultra-marathon, six Grand Fondo rides, multiple Spartan Races and countless 5K and 10K runs. To date, he has raised more than $240,000 for Parkinson's research with Team Fox... and counting.
Jimmy lives with his wife Cheryl and two children, Karina and Mason. He describes himself as a “foodie” and “wannabe chef” who creates savory foods and delectable desserts. He looks forward to helping educate others about Parkinson’s and the role exercise and other lifestyle adjustments can play in treatment.
Marisha Tamakuwala Physical Therapist Coordinator Outpatient Rehab at Greenwich Hospital.
"Updates in Parkinson’s Disease Research"
Roy Alcalay MD,MS is the Alfred and Minnie Bressler Associate Professor of Neurology (in the Taub Institute) and a member of the Movement Disorders Division at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
He obtained his medical degree from Tel Aviv University, Israel, his neurology training from the Harvard University residency program at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and his movement disorders training at Columbia University. He earned a Master’s in biostatistics (Patient Oriented Research track) from Columbia University. His research focuses on biomarkers and genetics in Parkinson’s disease and cognitive functioning. He is a Brookdale Leadership in Aging fellow, and his research is supported by the NIH, the Parkinson’s Foundation and the Michael J. Fox Foundation
Dr. Ray Dorsey, speaks about his recently released book “Ending Parkinson’s, a Call to Action”. He co wrote this book with Dr. Mike Okin, Todd Scherer, and Dr. Bas Bloem. Dr. Dorsey will also speak on the impact of the Covid 19 Virus on the PWP community and research.