Inova Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center (IPMDC)
is a World Parkinson Coalition Organizational Partner.
On this page we are featuring updates about:
- the 2026 World Parkinson’s Congress held in Phoenix, Arizona in May 2026,
- the 2029 World Parkinson’s Congress to be held in Quebec City, Canada in June 2029
- some of the many programs offered by the WPC in between congresses!
For more information about the World Parkinson Coalition please visit worldpdcoalition.org.
2026 WPC Care Partner Webinar Series
For family members, care partners, friends, and loved ones of people living with Parkinson’s disease.
Dates: November 16–20, 2026
Location: Online
Cost: FREE
Please click here for more details and to register.
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.
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/
This video 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!
