Pacing for Parkinson's
Join Pacing for Parkinson’s
Registration is now open for 2024! You can view existing teams, create an individual or team page, and donate to the cause by clicking the button below. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
Where does the money go?
All funds we raise go to support the research, education/outreach and clinical efforts of Johns Hopkins Medicine. There is no exact formula for allotting funds to each category – it all depends on the requests made of the PDMD Center from community partners as well as the promising research and patient care projects that emerge. The decisions are made by the PDMD Center care team as a group and are focused on projects that are sustainable and have the potential to improve the lives of those with PD and their care partners. In a typical year:
- 87% of funds are directed to these initiatives within the Johns Hopkins PDMD Center.
- 13% is earmarked to support broader patient care, education and discovery initiatives, like basic science research that is central to the advancement of knowledge in all disciplines of medicine, the training of the next generation of care providers and researchers, and ensuring facilities are comfortable for patients and their families.
Programs Funded in 2024
For 2024, we're pleased to share the following PDMD Center grant awardee highlights, supported by funds from Pacing for Parkinson's:
-
We are proud to announce the establishment of Steady Strides, the nation's first comprehensive medical fall prevention institute. Developed by Dr. Atanelov, M.D., this innovative program bridges modern medicine with the science of human biomechanics to create a cutting-edge gait and balance rehabilitation program. Our goal is to reduce the risk of falls and enhance the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's disease.
-
Our Let's Move program focuses on primarily seated exercises to ensure the safety of all participants. This initiative includes educational content, highlighting the benefits of exercise as evidenced in the literature. We also cover general rehab wellness topics such as safe mobility strategies, providing a holistic approach to Parkinson's care.
-
The Aquatics for Parkinson's class, developed by MAPS, utilizes research-based techniques for exercise in water. This program is designed to help with rigidity, stiffness and pain while increasing strength. The buoyancy of water allows for a gentle yet effective workout, making it an ideal option for those with Parkinson's.
-
Our Close Contact program offers participants the opportunity to learn balance, both seated and standing. This class encourages safe experimentation with movement in all directions, helping individuals feel secure as they shift their weight. It is an excellent way to build confidence and improve mobility in a supportive environment.
-
This year, we successfully held our annual symposium on Research in Parkinson's in Annapolis, featuring three of our Movement Disorder Specialists (MDS) as expert speakers. This event, partially supported by Pacing for Parkinson's, was a tremendous success and provided valuable insights into the latest advancements in Parkinson's research.
Additionally, we continue to offer nine monthly support groups, both in person and on Zoom, to serve different geographical areas and diagnoses. These support groups, along with our quarterly educational seminars, are provided free of charge to anyone in the community. These events are crucial in fostering a sense of belonging and providing essential resources to those in need.