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Parkinson's Foundation Launches 'Find Real Answers' Campaign this April

The Parkinson's Foundation has announced its latest initiative titled 'Find Real Answers,' coinciding with Parkinson’s Awareness Month this April. The campaign is designed to connect individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease to reliable, scientifically-backed information while amplifying the voices of millions affected by this progressive neurological disorder.

Purpose of the Campaign

“Every year, about 90,000 individuals in the United States receive a Parkinson’s diagnosis, often overwhelmed by complex questions that arise thereafter,” explains John L. Lehr, the president and CEO of the Parkinson's Foundation. The mission of this campaign is to serve as a trusted resource that empowers individuals with the information they need to better understand their condition and improve their quality of life.

The Foundation encourages people to explore various methods of obtaining information throughout April, including utilizing their newly introduced AI-driven chat tool, 'Ask PAM' (Parkinson's Assistance Messenger). This tool provides trustworthy answers sourced from the Foundation's comprehensive website, Parkinson.org. For personalized support, individuals can also reach out to the Foundation's Help Line at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636), option 3 for Spanish, where specialists can offer assistance in both English and Spanish.

Public Service Announcement

In tandem with this campaign, a new public service announcement (PSA) has been launched, available in both English and Spanish. The PSA features real individuals from the Parkinson's community who have turned to the Foundation for guidance and support. Their poignant stories illustrate the importance of connection, advocacy, and the support found within the community. These inspiring narratives can be viewed on Parkinson.org/PSA.

Robert Baittie, a long-time advocate for the Parkinson’s community, shares, “After my diagnosis, it was challenging to process my situation, and I initially felt isolated. However, the Parkinson’s Foundation helped me find the precise community and support I needed at that moment. By sharing practical insights and emphasizing the importance of perspective and mindfulness, I now find hope in connecting with newly diagnosed individuals.”

Interactive Quiz

As part of this year’s campaign, an interactive quiz has been created to engage participants in learning about Parkinson’s disease. Found at Parkinson.org/Concientizacion, the quiz tests knowledge about the disease and guides players toward reliable resources after each answer, promoting informed discussions about Parkinson’s.

To discover more about the 'Find Real Answers' campaign and to access resources for assistance, visit Parkinson.org/Concientizacion or call the Help Line for support.

About the Parkinson's Foundation

The Parkinson’s Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of people living with Parkinson’s disease by developing improved care methods and advancing research to find a cure. Since its establishment in 1957, the Foundation has allocated over $513 million towards Parkinson’s research and clinical care. The effort is anchored in the energy, experience, and passion of its expansive global community.

Stay connected with the Parkinson’s Foundation via their website Parkinson.org/Espanol, and follow them on social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For immediate assistance, dial 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636), option 3 for Spanish.

Understanding Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease significantly impacts more than one million Americans and is recognized as the fastest-growing neurological disorder globally. It involves a gradual decline in motor control, characterized by symptoms such as resting tremors and diminished facial expression, alongside non-motor symptoms like sleep disturbances, loss of smell, and depression. Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s, and nearly 90,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in the United States.