#Parkinson'sAwareness – Inova Parkinson's and Movement Disorders Center

WPC 2026 Opening Ceremony

WPC Choir performs “You are Not Alone”

A special highlight of the Opening Ceremony of the 7th World Parkinson Congress in Phoenix, Arizona in May was the uplifting performance of “You Are Not Alone”.

This song was the winner of the WPC 2026 Song Competition, submitted by Colleen Bridges and Bridges for Parkinson’s (Rich Gootee/Greg Anderson, arranged by Shayla Blake).

It was performed by the WPC Global Choir, led by Judi Spencer, and featured guest contributions from Peter Frampton and other Grammy Award-winning artists. The choir is open to all congress attendees and no experience is required. They rehearsed for several months on Zoom, then in-person when they gathered in Phoenix prior to their performance at the opening ceremony.

For other videos from this year’s World Parkinson Congress, please visit youtube.com/@worldpdcongress.

The next congress will be in 2029 in Quebec City, Canada. Will we see you there?
worldpdcoalition.org

World Parkinson’s Congress 2026

7th World Parkinson Congress, May 24 – 27, in Phoenix, AZ

Towards the end of May, a group of IPMDC friends and program partners attended the 7th World Parkinson Congress in Phoenix, Arizona.

This unique conference brings together people with Parkinson’s and their families, as well as clinical researchers working towards a cure, neuroscientists, clinicians, rehabilitation specialists, nutritionists, and many more.

Below are photos featuring our IPMDC friends.

Some of the highlights . . .

Lucy and Steve with Dance for PD in the Mid-Atlantic rode in on their tandem bike from Santa Fe, New Mexico.
UpENDing Parkinson’s climbers gathered with climbers from around the world to climb in nearby Gilbert, AZ., and Molly was there to cheer them on.
Sonia, Josefa, and John attended the WPC Leadership Forum where we discussed forming a Global PD Ready Coalition. IPMDC (represented by Sonia) is a WPC Organizational Partner, as is Parkinson’s Europe (represented by Josefa).
Rock Faced It All, a documentary about Teresa Bennett and directed by her daughter Clare, was presented at the congress just a few days after it was featured at the 2026 Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride, CO. Here’s a link to the trailer vimeo.com/1102311868.
Josefa, John, and Sonia presented their poster on Adapting exercise routines after a health setback in Parkinsons.
Theresa H. (drumming) and Lucy (dancing) were spotted on the stage during the closing ceremony.

This is a wonderful article by Parkinson’s Europe Director General, Hélène Nicora, describing her experience as a first-time attendee. parkinsonseurope.org/parkinsonslife/world-parkinson-congress-2026-my-journey/

The video below beautifully captures the spirit of the WPC 2026.
The cover photo features northern Virginia WPC Ambassador, Margie Zimmerman, presenting a special recognition to WPC Executive Director Elizabeth “Eli” Pollard with a special tribute—a star named in her honor.

See you in Quebec City!

IPMDC 2026 World Parkinson’s Day Community Gathering – wrap up (part 2)

Thank you Lydia with Safe and Secure Transition Home Care for creating this wonderful reminder of our special day!

You’ll find more updates about IPMDC’s World Parkinson’s Day Community Gathering at ipmdc.org/2026conference

2026 Directory of IPMDC Programs and Resources
Click here for online version!

While there is no cost for you to attend, your support is always appreciated. Your gift will directly benefit people living with Parkinson’s and their families through programs like this conference.

You can donate by credit card by visiting join.inova.org/parkinsonfund, and you’ll find additional options at ipmdc.org/donate.

Thank you for your encouragement and support!

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month!

Every year in April, organizations around the world join together to raise awareness and understanding about Parkinson’s.

This year, our Parkinson community of people living with Parkinson’s, their families, and friends, will gather on April 11, World Parkinson’s Day for our annual conference. Details at ipmdc.org/2026conference.

We’re also launching a new program every Friday called Maintain Your Brain with John Dean, MA CCC-SLP. Details at ipmdc.org/maintainbrain

We recently added Parkinson-friendly hiking outdoors thanks to our program partners, Michelle and Chris Viggiano at AIM Human Performance who are partnering with Pass to Pass.

Until there’s a cure, IPMDC will continue to provide you with up to date information through our programs. We invite you to explore ipmdc.org where you’ll find online libraries on a variety of topics, as well as information about our online and in-person exercise classes. With over 125 regular programs each month, online and in-person, educational, exercise, social and supportive . . . we’re sure there’s something for everyone to stay active and engaged!

Transform the lives of people with Parkinson's

To help support our programs so we can continue to offer them at no cost to our community, please visit ipmdc.org/donate.

Thank you so much for your generosity to transform the lives of people living with Parkinson’s!

Inova Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center (IPMDC)
A comprehensive Parkinson’s Center
for the highest level of clinical care, and for every day in between.