March 25 – PD Wellness Session: Special Workshop: Surviving vs. Living with Parkinson’s – Call or email to register (scroll down for details), Fitchburg
April 5 – April 2025 APDA WI PD Conference, Madison, WI
April 12 – REGISTRATION IS OPEN Parkinson’s Half Marathon, 5K & More – Bakken Park, Cottage Grove, WI
April 30 – PD Wellness Session: Art Therapy, Lunch, Educational Presentation, & Movement – Call or email to register (scroll down for details), Sun Prairie
May 15 – PD Wellness Session: Special Workshop: Urban Poling – Call or email to register (scroll down for details), Madison
May 21 – PD Wellness Session: Art Therapy, Lunch, Educational Presentation, & Movement – Call or email to register (scroll down for details), Green Bay
Scroll down for details
March 25 – PD Wellness Session: Special Workshop: Surviving vs. Living with Parkinson’s, Fitchburg Senior Center, Fitchburg
Surviving vs. Living with Parkinson’s:
Improve Your Mental Health Outlook While Increasing Meaning and Purpose
Using current research, we will explore ways to rediscover joy, and meaning and purpose in your life, decrease suffering for you and your family, and articulate what’s most important to you and how this informs your current and future lifestyle and medical treatment decisions. During this workshop, we will affirm your past with a mini-life review highlighting what was most meaningful, look at what matters most to you right now, and how this can help plan for your future. No preparation necessary: Come as you are and expect to have fun while we look at ways to improve your quality of life and address unmet emotional/spiritual needs.
To Register for the March 25 Workshop, please get in touch with Megan Ramstack at mramstack@apdaparkinson.org or 608-345-7938. Spaces are limited for this session!
April 5 – April 2025 APDA WI PD Conference, Madison, WI
Join us for a day of ‘Wellness & Positivity’ at the Warner Park Community & Recreation Center on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 1625 Northport Dr, Madison, WI 53704. The doors to the exhibit hall open at 9:00 am, with the first presentation beginning at 10:00 am. The program will end at 2:15 pm.
This event features presentations by medical professionals, breakout sessions, an exhibit hall filled with resources, and a healthy lunch. Find valuable local resources and learn ways to improve your life so you can live it to the fullest.
This free event is open to everyone, but space is limited, so register today to secure your spot.
Your registration includes access to all symposium sessions, the exhibit hall, and a complimentary lunch. Together, we’ll explore valuable resources and tools to support people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones across Wisconsin.
Make a Difference!
While this program is free, you can help sustain these vital offerings by making a donation. Your generosity ensures we continue empowering the Parkinson’s community with education, resources, and hope.
Thank you for your support—it truly makes an impact!
Featured Speakers:
Dr. Jessica Baker, MD, is a neurologist at UW Health and an assistant professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
Dr. Gordon Herz, PhD, is a psychologist who went into independent practice specializing in Neuropsychology and working with individuals with brain-related conditions after retiring as Director of Neuropsychology Services at Meriter Hospital.
Mellissa Mattioda, PT, is a neurological physical therapist at UW Health, certified in LSVT BIG and the Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery (PWR!) programs.
Ingrid Gruett, MT-BC, WMTR, MMT, is a board-certified music therapist, a Wisconsin Music Therapist-Registered, a Certified Dementia Practitioner, and a Cognitive Stimulation Therapy practitioner.
Kate Harrell Jenkins, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, ACSM-CPT/GEI, is a registered and certified sports dietitian and teaches in the Kinesiology Department at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, certified in Rock Steady Boxing, PWR! Moves and Pedaling for Parkinson’s.
April 12 – Parkinson’s Half Marathon, 5K & More – Bakken Park, Cottage Grove, WI
Join us for the Parkinson’s Half Marathon, 5K, 1-Mile Walk, and Kid’s Run on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Phoebe Bakken Memorial Park in Cottage Grove, WI. This event is more than a race—it’s a chance to raise critical funds for APDA WI, supporting people with Parkinson’s and their families across Wisconsin.
Your fundraising makes a difference! Rally friends, family, and coworkers to donate beyond registration costs and help provide vital resources and hope. The area has a newly renovated shelter and paved paths for some of the courses. The half marathon event will continue down the Glacial Drumlin State Trail for an out-and-back course. All events have the same start and finish location making it great for spectators, camaraderie, kids and overall entertainment! Sign up and fundraise today!
We’re making exciting changes to our annual race event this year with a focus on sustainability and flexibility!
Going Green: Our event is now cupless! Water stations will still be available along the trail, so don’t forget to bring your own reusable bottle or hydration pack.
Updated Pricing: To keep costs down, we’ve removed the included breakfast. Instead, enjoy a variety of delicious options from food trucks at the park. Don’t worry, Wisconsinites—beer is still included!
Swag Options: This year, shirts, medals, and trophies won’t be automatically included, but you can purchase race swag during registration. Be sure to order by Monday, March 17, as availability will be limited at the event.
We’re excited to embrace these changes and can’t wait to see you on race day!
Get your own 2025 Parkinson’s Half Marathon Swag!
Pom Pom Beanie Knit Hat $25 – order during registration or call 608-345-7938
Backpack Cooler Chair $55 – order during registration or call 608-345-7938
By popular demand – order your Half Marathon shirt before March 17th!
Food Trucks (will continue to add vendors)
Eat At Joe’s, Guimo’s, Culinary Nirvana
April 30 – PD Wellness Session: Art Therapy, Lunch, Educational Presentation, & Movement
Join us for a PD Wellness Session
Wednesday, April 30 from 10:00 a, – 2:00 pm
at Tallamore Senior Living, located at 275 N City Station Dr, Sun Prairie, WI 53590
Session is free but please register ahead of time by calling or texting Megan Ramstack at 608-345-7938 or emailing mramstack@apdaparkinson.org
10:00 – 11:00 Art Therapy
11:00 – 12:00 Lunch
12:00 – 1:00 Presentation: Access to Independence
1:00 – 2:00 Movement led by Physical Therapist Assistant
Details:
10:00 – 11:00 Art Therapy
Martha Hutchinson, an Adults Art Specialist will lead us in a session of Connecting Through Art, APDA’s branded art therapy program. Art therapy can help improve physical, psychological and social functioning.
11:00 – 12:00 Lunch
A healthy lunch generously provided by Tallamore Senior Living.
12:00 – 1:00 Presentation: Access to Independence
Mary Rodwell, an Independent Living Specialist from Access to Independence, a nonprofit that provides resources, services and advocacy to anyone with a disability will give a presentation about their resources available. She calls her organization the best kept secret. She will be bringing adaptive tools for daily life that you can see and feel.
1:00 – 2:00 Movement led by Physical Therapist Assistant
Emily Graham, a PTA from PRN Home Health & Therapy will lead us in an hour of movement and education about Physical Therapy and its effects on people with PD and their care partners. Physical therapy can help address certain symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease such as dystonia, freezing and gait.
May 15 – PD Wellness Session: Special Workshop: Urban Poling, Warner Park Shelter, Madison
Join us for a special Urban Poling workshop designed for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners! On May 15 at 2:00 PM at the Warner Park Shelter located at 2930 N Sherman Ave, Madison, WI 53704Urban Poling, also known as Nordic Walking, offers numerous benefits backed by research:
- Provides a full-body workout
- Improves balance
- Increases calorie expenditure
Led by a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy*, this program is designed to help you break through barriers, regain hope, and thrive. Joy Explorations’ mission is to empower you in your life and community through these transformative techniques. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore Urban Poling with us! Register now and take a step towards better health and wellness.
This 1.5-hour workshop is free, but registration is required. Contact Megan Ramstack at mramstack@apdaparkinson.org or 608-345-7938 to reserve your spot.
May 21 – PD Wellness Session, Art Therapy, Movement, Education & Lunch
PD Wellness Session
Wednesday, May 21
at the Eastside YMCA, located at 1740 S Huron Rd, Green Bay, WI 54311
Session is free but please register ahead of time by calling or texting Megan Ramstack at
608-345-7938 or emailing mramstack@apdaparkinson.org
11:00 – 12:00 Art Therapy
Latosha Greenleaf, cofounder and Executive Director at the Urban Cultural Arts Center. This nonprofit’s mission is to provide a safe and entertaining space where art is not only affordable but accessible to the families in our community & where creativity has no financial, mental or physical barriers. Latosha will lead us in a session of Connecting Through Art, APDA’s branded art therapy program. Art therapy can help improve physical, psychological and social functioning.
1:00 – 2:00 Movement led by YMCA PD Specialists
Karen Szcepanski & Ana Ruf, PD exercise specialists at the Green Bay YMCA will lead us in an hour of movement and education about its effects on people with PD and their care partners. exercise plays a critical role in managing Parkinson’s disease (PD), offering numerous benefits that can significantly improve quality of life for those living with the condition.
12:00 – 2:00 Lunch & Presentation: You Belong
Amy Behrend Cofounder and Executive Director from You Belong, will be sharing insights into the impact and programs of You Belong. You Belong is a local nonprofit that provides services and programs for families with children, individuals living with disabilities, and their caregivers. You Belong is also home to The Adventure Zone, an accessible indoor learning and play center working to foster relationships and healthy development for children of all abilities.