Northwest Chapter Optimism Awards

The Optimism Awards honor individuals who embody APDA’s tagline, “Strength in optimism. Hope in progress.” by making a meaningful impact on the Parkinson’s community through support, education, wellness, and/or research. These awards celebrate extraordinary people who positively influence the lives of those impacted by Parkinson’s, demonstrating optimism through their contributions, while offering inspiration and hope for all that can be accomplished.

The American Parkinson Disease Association, Northwest Chapter will be honoring the 2025 Optimism Award honorees at the Magic of Hope Gala and Auction on Saturday, March 8 in Seattle at Bell Harbor International Conference Center. The honorees will be recognized and celebrated as two distinct Optimism Award winners who help expand APDA’s mission of strength in optimism, hope in progress through their dedication to making a difference for those impacted by Parkinson’s disease to live life to the fullest. This is an opportunity to honor both those directly impacted by a diagnosis of PD as well as the professionals dedicated to their care. The two award categories are Community Member Award (recognizing individuals with Parkinson’s, caregivers, or other community members) and Parkinson’s Service Provider Award (honoring healthcare professionals such as neurologists, speech therapists, movement disorder specialists, home health specialists, physical therapists, and more).

2025 Service Provider Optimism Award Honorees

Heidi Bowen & Cheryl Remington

Heidi and Cheryl are the heart of NeuroFit in Auburn, Washington. Designed for people with Parkinson’s, this thriving, growing program provides a well-rounded exercise and maintenance program. They specialize in helping PwPs address the unique challenges faced by individuals with Parkinson’s, including essential body movement, balance, strength, and cognitive tasks.

Participants love Heidi and Cheryl because they understand Parkinson’s and tailor their program to each individual’s needs. Their warmth and compassion provide the foundation for PWPs to learn and grow in their skills.
Heidi and Cheryl go beyond the textbook definition of strength in optimism and hope in progress. They both have a special way of showing their unwavering support and understanding of each person while being able to push and hold participants accountable at the same time. Their dedication and commitment to participants’ progress and well-being are exceptional and unmatched. Many PwPs in their class talk about their infectious optimism; “They cheer us on, so we cheer each other on.”

As one of their participants said, “Heidi and Cheryl have shown me that I can do things that I didn’t think I could do. They have supported me in my weaknesses and helped make them into strengths. They have restored my hope in myself and my health. Honestly, I don’t know where I would be today without them.”

On behalf of APDA Northwest, we’d like to thank Heidi and Cheryl for all they have done to help our Parkinson’s community stay active and optimistic. We are honored to recognize you both as this year’s Service Provider Optimism Award recipients.

2025 Community Member Optimism Award Honoree

Diane Hutchins

Living with Parkinson’s since 2005, Diane is passionate about raising awareness about PD. She has been a devoted community advocate for Parkinson’s, always willing to tell her story – speaking with legislators, the press, and others living with this disease. Diane has also dedicated herself to participating in research studies to support scientists in learning more about the mysteries of PD.
Diane has been instrumental in building and fostering the PD community in the greater Olympia, WA, area by bringing people together and making herself available to those seeking local resources and support. She is known for her sense of humor, genuinely optimistic outlook, and passion for helping others.
Diane has facilitated a local support group for many years, creating a warm and welcoming space with her positivity, gentle presence, and inspirational energy.
As one member of her support group recounts on his first time meeting Diane, “I didn’t know a person in the room until she approached and greeted me. She proudly wore a t-shirt with the statement, ‘I have Parkinson’s Disease. What’s YOUR excuse?’ across the front. I knew at that moment that this was the support group for me.”
Thank you, Diane, for your hope and optimism and your commitment to making a positive impact on our Parkinson’s community. APDA Northwest is honored to recognize you as this year’s Community Member Optimism Award recipient.

Questions, please contact Heidi Murdock at (206)798-3205 or hmurdock@apdaparkinson.org