Special thanks to Fred Moseley for allowing us to share his story, and to Taylor Finseth, MD for his support!
Special thanks to Jim Cantrell & Judith Laimon-Smith for allowing us to share their stories.
Thanks to participants in the Boxing for Parkinson’s Class at the Wisconsin Athletic Club-Brookfield, led by Kathy Delker,
as well as support group participants in the Brookfield Support Group for being a part of this video.
Our Mission
Providing hope, community, support, and resources for people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones.
Our Vision
A Parkinson’s community inspired to live life with – and beyond – Parkinson disease.
Our History
Wisconsin Parkinson Association was founded in 1984 as an avenue to provide support for patients who received the diagnosis of Parkinson disease. As a community resource, WPA has grown as the needs of the Parkinson community have grown. As a 501c3 organization, WPA is an independent nonprofit that is not affiliated with a national organization, so the money donated to WPA stays local to support the people who need help.
Success stories
We very much appreciate the online exercise class that WPA is offering during this time. Doing the exercise class at home has become an essential part of our routine for both my husband and me, as his care partner. Thank you so much for all who have been involved in making the Movement & Music exercise class possible. We are grateful in being able to take part.
K. G.We are so pleased that WPA is holding live exercise classes online right now! It can be hard to get my husband motivated to keep moving. Some days are so difficult, it’s much easier to sit. Now he has something to look forward to every day! It makes me smile when I hear him talking back to the video doing the things you have taught him! Not only using his muscles but using his voice!You have created a powerful community feeling with all of your students. It’s not only exercising, it’s a social activity! Their worlds tend to get small, and you have expanded my husband’s world!
L. C.I cannot begin to express how appreciative I am that WPA is conducting the online exercise classes for Parkinson's. It is so very important that we keep moving and with everything closed because of COID-19, what a blessing this is. I can honestly say that without this, I don't know what I would have done.It is a comfort to know that other individuals with Parkinson's are right there with you and support one another while working out. In times of tribulation, as in the current time, it is wonderful to be able to experience and join in with these videos.
B. K.Thank you for helping us access live online exercises classes during the COVID-19 outbreak! Of the several different classes we participate in weekly, WPA's are the only ones that we are still able to "attend", and thus remain reasonably mobile. We appreciate all that WPA has done and continues to do on behalf of PD patients, care providers, and families!
R. S.Thank you for creating this exercise program to help people with Parkinson's. I was amazed that my husband agreed to attend; the disease has caused him to become more introverted. But, he actually looked forward to attending, as the weeks progressed. I think he realized that he's not alone, and that he can work on trying to stay one step ahead of this difficult disease. And, by you showing him and all of us different movement options, with fun and encouragement, perhaps it is a way of staying "a step ahead".We are continually grateful that WPA exists.
K.C.Wonderful caring staff and organization providing a wealth of information, services, education, support, love, and so much more with Parkinson patients, care givers, and their families. This is a ready and able organization to assist patients and families in understanding and finding resources to help cope with this life changing disease.
R.P.Our father battled Parkinson's for nearly 20 years and benefited from the conferences and seminars presented by your organization. Thank you for your continued efforts to combat this disease and support those affected.
G.K.Please accept these donations on behalf of our mother. She passed away after 30 years of living with Parkinson's and asked that all memorial donations be sent to WPA. Thank you for the support you gave her over all the years she really needed it!
M.D.We appreciate the work of the WPA and hope that our donation makes a difference for other Parkinson's patients and families. Thank you for all you to help others.
J.E.We very much appreciated that this presentation was locally provided!
R. R.Thank YOU for all the wonderful educational and supportive events and resources you provide for all of us dealing with having PD or caregivers for those who are!
C.D.This was the most informative, best organized, and enjoyable Symposium I have attended. Hats off to WPA for a job well done. Overall a great experience - see you next year!
M.R.The whole Symposium was excellent from beginning to end, including the meals and the informational booths. It was one of the best programs I have attended. I love the breakout sessions you offered.
P.D.The session you presented on cognitive changes in Parkinson's was extremely important for me as a caregiver, and also for my own knowledge.
Y.T.Thank you for an exceptional program - this has been the most significant program that we have ever attended. Many thanks to those who sponsored this program and made it possible for us to attend.
C.K.We gleaned good information from the Symposium. Thank you for the opportunity for fellowship, a very nice atmosphere, good food, and generosity.
K.S.I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate WPA offering a Parkinson's Dance Class in Fond du Lac. I really enjoy the opportunity to participate and reconnect with people with PD who I knew from our support group. I'm so grateful for the instructor, Kate, and her energy and time!
J.T.Thank you for the program yesterday in Oconomowoc. I learned more from Dr. Swanson’s presentation than I think I have learned at any other presentation; however, all three speakers were beneficial.
It is so great you are having these in outlying areas, making them so much more accessible for those who can’t get into Milwaukee.
P.B.I wanted to thank you for The Network magazine. I think it is attractive, interesting, nicely put together and a clear addition to the improved communication. I was so pleased that our support group was included. You are making a difference for all of us who are anxious to benefit our support group members. We are proud of you and all of the leadership that contributes to the growth of the Wisconsin Parkinson Association.
R.W.You helped me when my husband was very ill and I didn't know where to turn. Now I'm happy to return the favor.
B.A.For a significant period of time we were privileged to attend a support group in Wisconsin. It was an encouraging experience. We came away with realistic information, genuine understanding of our situation, friends and always a dwelling on the positive. To those of you who serve to make this origination possible, thank you.
C.J.My husband was a member of the exercise program in Green Bay - a very worthwhile exercise program. Thank you.
E.H.- Everyone else has been a black hole or a dead end. WPA is the only organization that has assisted me and my father and given us useful information. He found his new doctor thanks to your referral, and she has been a life-saver. Now you have given us a resource to help him stay mobile and manage his symptoms. Thank you.J.F.
WPA Education
I'm in the early stages of PD, so I depend on WPA for subject matter at this time. Thank you!H.S.Living Well Program
I thought I knew about Parkinson's, but I learned so much today. Thank you!V.C.Speaker on PD Medications at "Living Well" program
Her passion for what she does and her depth of knowledge is so valuable! I appreciated her sensitivity to listening to her patients, and asking the right questions to get them to explain symptoms that she wouldn't be able to see in a 30 minute appointment.A.D."Living Well" program in Appleton
Thank you for this program. This was our first time and it was very interesting. Please keep having these seminars!R.H.WPA's support over the years
Wisconsin Parkinson Association was so helpful to our mom over the past 20 years. So caring, knowledgeable, patient, and most of all, allowing her to live with Parkinson's to make her life as comfortable as possible.Thank you for all WPA does to help people with this disease.C.W.Recent Living Well Program
The presentation was very good and helped me understand some of the terms I wasn't familiar with. Thank you!J.J.WPA Educational Programs
As my mom's caregiver, there are so many things she doesn't know I can help her with... We appreciate you opening up the conversation for us!L.F.
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THOSE WITH PARKINSONS