American Parkinson Disease Association/Northwest Chapter

We are a dedicated group of volunteers whose focus is to support the needs of Parkinson's patients in the Pacific Northwest. We do this through working cohesively with and supporting our regional APDA Information and Referral Center; through the raising of funds for research into the cause and cure of Parkinson's disease; and through our involvement in area support groups, and educational symposiums. Our local chapter was founded in 1984, and has been providing help for today and hope for tomorrow ever since. We rely on a strong corps of volunteers for our continued success. Our Board of Directors is made up of Movement Disorders Neurologists and other medical professionals with ties to Parkinson disease, industry professionals, and community members who have been impacted by Parkinson's disease. Throughout the history of APDA Northwest, we have been the main financial supporter of the Washington State Parkinson Disease Registry, a local research registry devoted to supporting and enhancing Parkinson's research. We have been an innovative creator of education programs and also patient programs and services, and our National office looks to us for best practices.

We are part of the nationwide network of American Parkinson Disease Association chapters. The APDA is a not-for-profit, voluntary health agency committed to serving the Parkinson community through a comprehensive program of research, patient education and support. APDA was founded in 1961 with the dual mission to "Ease the Burden and Find the Cure." It is the nation's largest grassroots organization for supporting Parkinson patients. APDA Northwest provides information and resources through our local resource center and hotline. We offer patient programs and services such as Ride Repay, a transportation program that provides reimbursement to those who can no longer drive due to the effects of Parkinson's disease. We offer much needed respite to caregiver's through our Caregiver's Day Off program. APDA Northwest leads education programs throughout the year, including Good Start for those who are newly diagnosed, and Take Control which is for those in the later stages of Parkinson's disease. Our Optimism Retreat is an annual movement and wellness education symposium that emphasizes the importance of exercise and wellness, and gives participants an opportunity to try something new in a non-intimidating setting. APDA Northwest provides professional facilitators to multiple Parkinson's support groups in the greater Seattle area, and also offers support and materials to the numerous support groups across the Pacific Northwest. In addition, APDA Northwest realizes the ultimate importance of finding a cure, and therefore supports local and national research.