Posted by Nancy Mazonson

2017 marks 200 years since Parkinson's disease was recognized as a health condition. For the first time, April 11 has been designated World Parkinson's Day in honor of James Parkinson's birthday.

At JF&CS, we embrace the idea of Parkinson's efforts being made on a worldwide scale. I have twice had the privilege of attending the World Parkinson's Congress (WPC). Last year, I proudly displayed a poster that told the story of our work in the Charlotte & Richard Okonow Parkinson's Family Support program.

In order to spread the same message on one day all over the world, the WPC, the European Parkinson's Disease Association, and Parkinson's UK are launching the #UniteForParkinsons campaign. How exciting to be part of an effort to help unite the global Parkinson's community and create such a broad focus on the condition!

These organizations are encouraging the community to use the hashtag #UniteForParkinsons on April 11 or any time during the month of April, which is Parkinson's Awareness Month.

Interested in getting involved in April to help raise awareness about Parkinson's in your community? Share this blog on social media with the hashtag #UniteForParkinsons!

The staff and participants of the Okonow Parkinson's Family Support program are proud to support World Parkinson's Day and to be part of this global awareness raising effort.

Nancy Mazonson, MS, OTR/L, has coordinated the Charlotte & Richard Okonow Parkinson's Family Support program of JF&CS since its inception in September 2006. The program is a leading resource in the Boston area with its unique programs, including Parkinson's Dance, Adult Child and Care Partner support groups, and Tremble Clefs choral singing group. Prior to her work at JF&CS, Nancy worked extensively as an occupational therapist in inpatient and community-based rehabilitation settings, specializing in helping people with degenerative neurological conditions.