60 YEARS OF PROGRESS — TOGETHER
One thing has been made perfectly clear in the American Parkinson Disease Association’s 60 years — APDA is delivering on our mission. It is the strength of our community and the loyalty of our supporters that allow us to continue to bring hope, optimism, and invaluable resources to people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their loved ones every day.
As the largest grassroots network dedicated to fighting PD, we know that the positive outlook for the future ― for the advancement of crucial research, life-changing support programs, as well as our efforts to ensure that underserved communities receive the PD care they need ― is all thanks to people like you.
Here are just a few of the achievements people like you have made possible:
- In the last year, 44,600 individuals were able to find a sense of community through support groups nationwide, while nearly 70,000 people participated in exercise classes designed to improve PD symptoms.
- Since 1961, APDA has also been involved in many major PD scientific breakthroughs, investing more than $51 million in research over the years. During the 2020-2021 funding year alone, your generosity made it possible for APDA to grant $1.4 million to the most promising clinicians and scientific projects.
- APDA has made great strides in better understanding the needs of underserved communities through the APDA Diversity in Parkinson’s Disease Research Conference and many African American and Hispanic focus groups. In addition, we also recently funded the first-of-its kind Diversity in Parkinson’s Disease Research grant. Many APDA resources are available in Spanish to keep the Latinx PD community engaged and informed.
As we commemorate our 60th anniversary, know that we are more determined than ever to continue this fight. We know there is still so much work to be done, but with the support of people like you, APDA will continue to work tirelessly to provide the support, education, and research that will let everyone with PD live with hope and optimism.