MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEPTEMBER 2025

September is here — and with it comes a renewed sense of momentum. Even in the desert, where summer lingers longer than most of us would like, this month has a way of re-energizing our calendars, our routines, and our goals. 

At Parkinson’s Resource Organization, that energy is alive and well. If you’re reading the print version of this newsletter, you may notice a fresh look to this very newsletter — all things change with time. As we salute the happy retirement of our former designer (Gary Lopez, profiled inside this very newsletter!), we continue to experiment with some redesigns to make your reading experience bright, clean, informative, and easy to navigate. We want every piece of communication from PRO to reflect the care and clarity we bring to all our work. “Newsletter 2.0” is an evolving project — so let us know what you like and don’t like! 

And speaking of newness: our fall calendar is full of it. We’re thrilled to launch our first ever in-person support group in the heart of Palm Springs — every first and third Thursday at the Mizell Center. Expect a community of kind, funny, smart, and honest people navigating the same challenges as you. Expect practical advice and education, emotional support, and a crash course in the resilience of the human spirit. As always, expect that our programs are rooted in empathetic support, research-backed education, and rigorous quality. 

Fall also invites us to return to the comforting rhythm of old favorites. The hedonism of summer gives way to the gentle discipline of autumn, and it’s a perfect time to re-engage with the familiar. Our Partner in Care virtual support group continues to be a vital space for caregivers to share, learn, and feel less alone. 

That group continues to blow me away — our facilitators Kelly Willenborg and Mary Lou Green and our meeting regulars bring vitality, warmth, and wisdom. And they always welcome new participants. 

Our virtual exercise classes — tailored for Parkinson’s bodies and brains — offer consistent movement, wherever you are. And our online calendar is packed with support groups and educational offerings that may be just what you need to feel connected again. Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to revisit what already works. 

Also coming this month — the return of Roger Moore and our ever-popular Mindfulness group on September 16th; “Magic at the Biltmore”, a night of illusion mastery at a historic hotel in Los Angeles on September 20th; PRO’s “Together in Parkinson’s” podcast returns with a fascinating episode on the importance of early diagnosis; and a special announcement about the return of our special collaboration with The Michael J. Fox Foundation. Did I give too much away? Stay tuned… 

We know that living with Parkinson’s — or caring for someone who is — can feel like a solitary journey. But it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re joining a support group, calling our office with questions, or simply reading this newsletter, know that PRO is here to walk alongside you. I’ll indulge in shameless wordplay: this autumn, fall into a supportive community of people ready to encourage and educate you. Our mission isn’t just a tagline. It’s a promise. 

So here’s to fall — to fresh starts, fuller calendars, and the continued work of building community, one conversation at a time. We're so glad you're here. 

Now read on for 8 HABITS TO TAME CAREGIVING PERFECTIONISM, VA TO EXTEND VETERAN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM THROUGH 2028, BE ALERT FOR CAREGIVER FINANCIAL ABUSE, DID YOU KNOW? PAIN & PARKINSON’S, KELLY’S PD TIDBITS; A CARE PARTNER’S MINI-GUIDE, PARKINSON'S DISEASE SOARS NEAR GOLF COURSES – BUT THERE'S A CATCH, PRO OUT AND ABOUT: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, and MEET THE PRO TEAM, 

With gratitude and excitement for the months ahead,

Eileen Lynch

Executive Director