Parkinson Foundation Western Pennsylvania

10/14/2026

Looking for a fun way to get inspired and connect with others? Sign up for one of three upcoming interactive film experiences we are hosting with Dr. Robert Cochrane in October! ⚾️

We will watch Robert's film, Boys of Summer: Third Base, which premiered before a standing-room-only audience at the 2026 World Parkinson Congress. Rather than simply watching a documentary, attendees become part of a larger conversation—one that reinforces a simple but powerful idea: Connection is Medicine. 🫂

Join us for one of these special 🌟FREE🌟 sessions! Learn more and sign up today! See the Boys of Summer: Third Base trailer below:

🎥 Oct. 26th Session 1 (8:30am-12pm) at Ridgecrest of McCandless Senior Living and Memory Care: https://pfwpa.org/events/event/2026-boys-of-summer-ridgecrest-session-1-830am-12pm/

🎥 Oct. 26th Session 2 (12:30pm-3:15pm) at Ridgecrest of McCandless Senior Living and Memory Care: https://pfwpa.org/events/event/2026-boys-of-summer-ridgecrest-session-2-1230pm-315pm/

🎥 Oct. 27th (9:30am-1pm) at Friendship Village of South Hills: https://pfwpa.org/events/event/boys-of-summer-film-experience-friendship-village-tuesday-october-27th/



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xGqbosfYHg&t=3s

Boys of Summer: Third Base is the fourth film in the award-winning ...

10/13/2026

Last week PFWPA attended Senator Jay Costa and Representative Joe McAndrew's Health and Senior Fair in Oakmont. A lot of great vendors and attendees were there! The beautiful weather wasn’t bad either! 🌞 We always appreciate opportunities to connect with different communities, share our resources, and learn how we can work together to better support the individuals and families we serve. 👥

10/12/2026

Join us for a special hybrid event focused on Parkinson’s-related hallucinations and delusions. Hear from a healthcare specialist who will share valuable insights, practical resources, and strategies to better understand and manage these symptoms. You’ll also hear firsthand experiences from someone living with Parkinson’s or a care partner.

We hope you’ll join us for this FREE event made possible by our Sponsor of the Year, Acadia Pharmaceuticals.

📅 Wednesday, November 11th from 2:00PM - 3:00PM EST join in-person OR virtual via Zoom

Location to join in-person:
Westminster Presbyterian Church
2040 Washington Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15241

Learn more and register here: https://pfwpa.org/events/event/2026-journey-ambassador-program-on-parkinsons-related-hallucinations-and-delusions/

10/01/2026

Last weekend, we celebrated the Parkinson’s community at our annual Step Forward event!

There was line dancing, exercise demos, raffle baskets, food, music, helpful resources from our vendors, and most importantly, a wonderful sense of community and connection.

A special thank you to our generous sponsors whose support helped make Step Forward possible! We are incredibly grateful for your commitment to PFWPA and the local Parkinson’s community. We also want to thank everyone who fundraised, donated, volunteered, and supported this year’s event.

The funds raised through Step Forward will help PFWPA maintain and expand crucial programs and resources throughout our area, including exercise classes, support groups, educational programs, and other services that help people with Parkinson’s and their families live their best lives.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day so special. Step Forward is about more than just one event. It’s about coming together, supporting one another, and reminding everyone impacted by Parkinson’s that they are not alone.

Thank you for stepping forward with us! 💙

We will be announcing our top fundraising winners soon! Stay tuned. In the meantime enjoy this lovely poem written by Art Smith, a PD community member about Step Forward:

A seminar looks easy when it’s all said and done,

But hosting one takes work from everyone.

It is not lost on me … so I say,

Thank you for all the work you did that day.



PFWPA from Donnie, Linda and me.

Thanks for the invitation and the opportunity.

The seminar was great, friendly and bright'

Presentations and information were just right.



Lunch was truly the Best,

A touch that stood above the rest.

We enjoyed the day… glad we did attend,

A perfect day … a perfect end!

09/23/2026

🎶 Find Your Voice with SteelCity ParkinSingers! 🎶

Join SteelCity ParkinSingers, a FREE 12-week therapeutic group singing program designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s disease!

Led by board-certified music therapist Alysha Suley, MM, MT-BC, participants will practice important speaking and vocal skills through musical warm-ups and familiar songs, all in a fun, relaxed and supportive environment. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to connect with others in the Parkinson’s community!

📅 Tuesdays beginning October 6
⏰ 2:30–3:30 PM
📍 ToLife! Therapy & Wellness, 826 Hazelwood Ave., Pittsburgh
💙 FREE thanks to philanthropic funding

To get the greatest benefit, participants are encouraged to commit to the full 12-week program. Space is limited, so sign up today!

Learn more and sign up here:
https://pfwpa.org/events/event/steelcity-parkinsingers-music-therapy-program/

09/22/2026

Join us this Saturday!

09/22/2026

👟 STEP FORWARD WITH US THIS SATURDAY! 👟

Join Parkinson Foundation Western Pennsylvania for Step Forward, our annual family-friendly celebration bringing the Parkinson’s community together for a day of movement, connection and fun!

📅 Saturday, September 26
📍 UPMC Events Center at Robert Morris University
🎟️ $35 for ages 12+ | Kids 11 & under are FREE!

This year, Step Forward is indoors with more room to walk, socialize and enjoy the day together. Take a leisurely walk around the arena, check out exercise demonstrations along the route, enjoy live entertainment and activities, and spend time with the incredible people who make our Parkinson’s community so special.

Most importantly, every step helps support PFWPA’s exercise classes, support groups, educational programs, events and resources for people with Parkinson’s and their families right here in Western Pennsylvania.

💙 Whether you’re living with Parkinson’s, caring for someone you love, walking in honor or memory of someone, or simply want to support the PD community, we’d love to have you Step Forward with us!

There’s still time to join us. Register today and we’ll see you Saturday!

LEARN MORE HERE: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/stepforward2026/

08/21/2026

Young Onset Parkinson's (YOPD) Virtual Support Group

1st Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM via Zoom

Our Virtual Young Onset Parkinson’s Support Group is a place to connect with others who understand the unique challenges of living with Parkinson’s at a younger age. While the group provides an opportunity to share experiences, ask questions, and discuss the realities of Parkinson’s, it’s about more than the diagnosis. Members can also connect over shared hobbies, interests, family life, and everyday experiences - building friendships and a sense of community along the way.

Next meeting is Wednesday, September 2nd at 6:30 PM

For more information, contact Doug: 412-853-8498

gonsetparkinsons

08/21/2026

Register for Step Forward today!

07/03/2026

Save the date for our annual community fundraising event, Step Forward!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH

RMU UPMC Events Center
6001 University Blvd
Moon Township, PA 15108

(Same building as this year's Living Well Conference)

Step Forward is a day for the local Parkinson’s community to come together and raise awareness and funds so everyone who is impacted by this disease feels heard and supported. This event is family-friendly and open to anyone who wishes to spread hope and joy to the Parkinson’s community! There will be live music, exercise demos, a Step Forward walk, food, beverages, a vendor village, 50/50 raffle and more!

What's different this year?

➡️ NEW LOCATION: RMU's UPMC Events Center in Moon Township.

➡️ INDOORS: We won't have to worry about weather!

➡️ COST: Kids 12 and under are FREE! 12 and up is $35/person.

➡️ PARKING: We will have more handicap parking available.

➡️ RESTROOMS: There are more restrooms available than during the conference.

➡️ ENTERTAINMENT: We will have great entertainment, raffles,
exercise demos and more!


Registration coming this month! Save the date and stay tuned!