EDISON— Patients and caregivers in the Parkinson’s community will have one of the country’s largest events right in their backyard on Saturday when a Partners in Parkinson’s event comes to the New Jersey Convention and Expo Center on Dec. 5.
Partners in Parkinson’s events started more than a year ago between the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFFPR) and pharmaceutical company AbbVie as free, day-long regional programs. According to the foundation, Harris Poll surveys on the patient and caregiver community have identified gaps in where to turn for information and support, and these events aim to address those gaps.
Edison met the organization’s criteria for holding a large regional event, according to Allyse Falce, research communications officer for MJFFPR.
“Edison was chosen for a number of reasons, the first being location: it’s centrally located between north and south Jersey and is still accessible to people from New York City,” she said. “We also knew that the New Jersey Convention and Expo Center, where the event is being held, can hold over 1,000 people and we anticipate a high attendance rate.”
Parkinson’s is a chronic, neurodegenerative disease with highly variable symptoms and progression. Falce said about 1 million people in the United States have Parkinson’s, and more than 5 million worldwide.
Saturday’s event, which is free, will feature panel discussions on topics such as the variability of Parkinson’s, research updates, and how to make the most of an appointment with a movement disorder specialist (a neurologist with specialized training in Parkinson’s disease). The event will also have breakout sessions and opportunities for attendees to ask questions of the experts in attendance. Physicians from Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Columbia University School of Medicine are scheduled to attend, Falce said.
Also at the event, patients and caregivers can connect with local support and exercise groups, health care providers and advocacy organizations, such as Dance and Parkinson’s at Mason Gross School of the Arts and The Parkinson’s Alliance.
Debi Brooks, co-founder and executive vice chairman of The Michael J. Fox Foundation, said the events have fostered new connections within Parkinson’s communities.
“We’re excited to be connecting with patients and caregivers around the country – many of whom are new to us and have never had a chance to be at an event like this,” Brooks said. “Once folks come out, they’re amazed at the information and support that’s available to help them live well at every stage of Parkinson’s.”
Saturday’s event runs from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To register to attend, visit www.partnersinparkinsons.org and click on “Attend an Event.”