More than 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Around 1 million of them are here in the United States, and at least 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. The chronic neurological disorder only worsens over time, making research into prevention, treatment and a cure even more crucial. Since it was founded in 1961, the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) has been dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s, raising public awareness and providing support for patients and their families. The local chapter serves as a vital resource for approximately 12,000 people annually.
The nonprofit offers resources and the latest information on current research to patients, care partners, students and others interested in the disease. Its programs include medical and support system referrals, exercise and educational classes, support groups, newsletters and more. The APDA Greater St. Louis Chapter also is an important resource for local medical professionals working on groundbreaking research. It provides funding for the APDA Center for Advanced Parkinson Disease Research at Washington University School of Medicine. Directed by the nonprofit’s medical director, Dr. Joel S. Perlmutter, the center’s research program includes research trainees, fellowship programs, early stage discovery programs and later stage clinical translation.
The APDA’s ultimate goal is to put an end to Parkinson’s. A major part of that is educating and engaging the public so they join the fight against the disease. “Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for all people affected by PD and to provide funding for ongoing research,” says Cathy Krane, the local chapter’s executive director. “It is more important than ever to raise essential funds and awareness. Each and every donation makes a difference for those living with the disease today and helps push for answers that will ultimately make it a thing of the past.”
The APDA’s initiatives depend on support. To make its mission possible, the nonprofit is hosting its 23rd annual APDA Golf Classic June 21 at Algonquin Golf Club. The event provides guests the opportunity to enjoy a fun day of golf while helping raise funds for critical research into Parkinson’s. For this year’s honorary chairs, Lindsey and Ryan Carlie, it also is an opportunity to invest in hope for the future and an end to the disease. “We support the APDA not only for the extensive programs and services they provide, but also for the research they support,” they say. “We want to make sure this disease doesn’t carry on.”
The APDA Golf Classic helps raise awareness about the disease and offers hope to the thousands of people impacted by it across Missouri and in central and southern Illinois. “Year after year, the event brings together friends and family who are all in the fight against Parkinson’s,” Krane says. “The APDA is the largest grassroots network serving people with PD and their families. The more funds we raise at this year’s event, the more people we can help every day.”
The American Parkinson Disease Association Greater St. Louis Chapter serves people impacted by the disease and provides funding for important research. Its annual APDA Golf Classic is June 21 at Algonquin Golf Club. Pictured on the cover: APDA medical director Dr. Joel S. Perlmutter, event chairs Ryan and Lindsey Carlie. For more information or to register, call 636.778.3377 or contact Melissa Skrivan at mskrivan@apdaparkinson.org.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Bill Barrett
Pictured at top: Event chairs Ryan and Lindsey Carlie, APDA medical director Dr. Joel S. Perlmutter
Photo: Bill Barrett