Funding the Future

The Parkinson Council invested $291,500 in grants to local organizations in 2026.

• The Dan Aaron Stay Fit Exercise program at Arcadia University helps individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) or multiple sclerosis (MS) by providing safe exercise classes led by physical therapists and students. There are eight in-person classes each week, along with two virtual options.  Additionally, a virtual caregiver support group meets twice a month.

• The Barnes Foundation’s Create & Connect art-making program supports individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners. Funds will support a 6-month extension of the 18-month pilot that focuses on fostering connections through art and creative expression. New classes will start in April 2026. The Parkinson Council is grateful to Peggy and Ellis Wachs Family Foundation for their generous support.

• In-person Dance for PD classes in Bryn Mawr (Sharon Friedler and Jon Sherman), Wilmington, and Virtual classes (Marion Hammermesh and Amber Rance) for their weekly Dance for PD classes. The class serves people with Parkinson’s and their care partners. 

• Joe Hand Boxing Gym “Knock Out Parkinson’s” with all classes therapist-led and tailored for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.

• ParkinSingers Choir provides free music programming to improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s Disease and their carepartners through weekly rehearsals and community events.

• Jefferson – Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, where Dr. Lorraine Iacovitti and her research team are testing if GDF15 protects dopamine neurons in Parkinson’s by using a new mouse model and a special form of GDF15 (NGM395).

• Jefferson – Parkinson’s disease and Movement Disorders Program received funding to support more home nurse visits for advanced Parkinson’s patients in Philadelphia, offering medication help, home safety checks, and caregiver support for those unable to attend clinics.

• Penn’s Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center received funding for social work and counseling staff in 2026, supporting expanded clinics, outreach, and specialized support for people with Parkinson’s and care partners.

• Temple received funding for a social worker, who supports patients and carepartners, runs a Parkinson’s group, and focuses on outreach.

• The University of Delaware Nurse Primary Care Parkinson’s Telehealth Clinic serves Delaware patients and carepartners with a multidisciplinary team, focusing on access, mental health and outreach.