Parkinson Foundation Western Pennsylvania

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!

08/21/2026

Have you registered yet?!

Step Forward is Parkinson Foundation Western Pennsylvania’s (PFWPA) annual family-friendly fundraising event. On Saturday, September 26th at the RMU's UPMC Events Center in Moon Township we will be celebrating our strength and fellowship as a community. We will have a leisurely walk around the indoor arena that will get us moving and symbolize us Stepping Forward together as we live with and are connected to PD.

Step Forward with us and help us raise funds so we can continue to offer valuable programming, events, webinars, and resources for the local Parkinson’s community.

Learn more and register or donate here: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/stepforward2026/

Still not convinced? Here are 🖐️ reasons to join us at Step Forward:

1️⃣ Learn about valuable resources in the area by visiting our 20+ vendor tables.

2️⃣ We'll have raffle baskets, 50/50 raffle, and games!

3️⃣ Meet other amazing people who are navigating Parkinson's. Maybe you will make new connections with others. It's family friendly so bring your whole crew. All ages welcome!

4️⃣ Good music and possibly some line dancing!! Get ready to move and groove!

5️⃣ Money raised goes directly to the PD community through programs and resources. Have a good time and help a good cause!

08/14/2026

Join physical therapist Eric Horton, PT, for an informative webinar on fall risk management and specialty devices for Parkinson's disease next week! Learn about strategies to help reduce the risk of falls, improve safety and mobility, and explore specialized devices that may support greater independence and confidence in everyday life.

💻Register for this FREE webinar here: https://pfwpa.org/events/event/fall-risk-management-and-specialty-devices-for-parkinsons/?blm_aid=0

07/28/2026

Outspoken is a local organization that provides education around, and advocacy for, members of the special needs and disability community. In their monthly “Connecting Our Communities” speaker series host Christine Brookins engages in meaningful conversations with experts who provide invaluable services to the disability community. PFWPA was able to share about our offerings in the latest episode.

💻 Watch the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj34S_xBARE

➡️ Learn more about Outspoken here: https://www.outspoken.info/

What does it truly mean to build a more inclusive community?In th...

07/13/2026

Join this free webinar on Choosing the Right Care Facility for a Loved One hosted by Community and Family Builders

Thursday, July 30th at 2:00 PM Eastern Time

This educational session guides family caregivers through the process of selecting the right care facility for a loved one. It breaks down the major care levels of care and provides a step-by-step framework for making informed decisions.

Participants will learn how to use trusted national resources, evaluate facilities during tours, identify key quality indicators and red flags, and understand the financial realities of long-term care.

Designed to replace confusion and urgency with structure and confidence, this presentation equips caregivers with practical tools, checklists, and decision-making strategies to ensure safety, dignity, and sustainability in care planning.

Sign up here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/CI_6SVnbQ3CyFtJsIj0BmQ #/registration

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!

07/03/2026

Our office will be closed July 3rd-10th for summer holiday. We will get back to any questions or needs upon our return on Monday, July 13th. We wish you all a fun, safe, holiday! 🇺🇸☀️

Although we won't be here, you can still take advantage of our webinars on our YouTube channel! There are over 200 free videos with a wide range of Parkinson's-related content.

Check out the videos here: https://www.youtube.com//featured

06/23/2026

📣 Parkinson Foundation Western Pennsylvania is thrilled to see that the PA House Consumer Protection Committee has unanimously voted today to send HB 1135 to the full House. PFWPA has worked toward this goal for more than a year, and we want to thank our PFWPA Advocacy Council, Board of Directors, Medical Advisory Board and members of the Parkinson's community for supporting this effort.

PFWPA worked closely with the Environmental Working Group, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, and other organizations to ban the use of the highly toxic herbicide paraquat in Pennsylvania. Today’s action moves us one step closer to becoming law, and to ridding the state of a chemical linked to Parkinson’s disease and other harmful conditions. H.B. 1135 would amend the Pennsylvania Pesticide Control Act of 1973 to ban all uses of paraquat across the commonwealth, one year after enactment. It was introduced last year by state PA State Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny/Washington), and PA Senator Devlin Robinson(R-Allegheny has introduced a companion bill, SB 1158, in the PA Senate. The committee action today moves Pennsylvania significantly closer to becoming the second state in the nation, after Vermont, to enact a statewide ban on paraquat.

To get more information and join PFWPA’s advocacy efforts, please contact Diane Balcom, VP of Fund Resources and Government Relations, at [email protected].

06/11/2026

Attending the World Parkinson Congress a few weeks ago left a lasting impact on us. Parkinson's can be an isolating disease for the individual diagnosed and their families. Experiencing the closeness and connectivity of individuals from all over the world feeling seen, heard, and appreciated all in one place was very moving. We are all in this PD journey together: researchers, clinicians, non-profits, caregivers, People with PD.

Have you attended a WPC? Would you be interested in going to Quebec City in 2029? Tell us in the comments below ⬇️

📸 Check out more posts and photos from the WPC here:
https://bsky.app/profile/worldpdcongress.bsky.social