Parkinson Association of Alabama

09/03/2026

Did you know some YMCA’s have Parkinson’s disease-specific exercise classes?

Exercise is an important part of caring for yourself when you’re living with Parkinson’s. But finding the right program can be hard during ‘on’ periods and when taking medication.

PAA has partnered with several YMCA’s throughout the Birmingham area to offer Parkinson’s disease-specific exercise classes.

Through our partnership, PAA helps fund specialized Parkinson’s training for YMCA therapists and instructors. They’re now able to provide safe, evidence-based exercise programs for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.

Attend a class today!

Find your local YMCA ➡️ https://www.ymca.org/find-your-y

09/02/2026

Join us on September 24th for the 2026 Tulip Gala! 🌷

Creating community for those impacted by Parkinson’s disease and their care partners is a core part of our mission. We were touched to see how that community rallied in support at the 2025 Tulip Gala, and we’re grateful so many are committed to doing so again this year.

Last year’s event was incredible. Swipe through our memories from last year to see what you can expect this year.

We hope you’ll join us in support of Alabama families living with Parkinson’s disease!

Find more details on what the night will hold here → https://ow.ly/ofS350ZFqN9

09/01/2026

The next Living with Parkinson’s Disease Support Group is tomorrow!

If you’re living with Parkinson’s, this is a community space for you. Each month, we gather together to connect and share strategies for helping us live our highest quality of life with Parkinson’s.

Even when surrounded by loved ones and a strong care team, Parkinson’s can feel overwhelming. This support group is a judgment-free space to talk about what you’re going through with people who understand.

Community is powerful medicine, so we hope to see you there.

📅 September 2, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM
📍 Zoom

Register here ➡️ https://ow.ly/M4jf50ZFqKA

08/31/2026

Hearing the words “you have Parkinson’s” can feel overwhelming.

It brings questions you weren’t prepared to ask, worries you didn’t expect to feel, and decisions you’re not sure how to make.

We’re here to help you take your first steps with confidence. If you’re not sure where to turn next, start with these resources:

1️⃣ Care Navigation

The most powerful first step is to talk with someone who understands.

We offer one-on-one support with a trained professional who will listen, answer your questions, and help you chart a clear path forward.

Learn more ➡️ https://www.parkinsonalabama.com/care-navigation

2️⃣ Support Groups

We offer in-person and virtual support groups so you have a safe space to share, learn, and feel understood.

Find a support group ➡️ https://www.parkinsonalabama.com/paa-support-groups

3️⃣ Support Line

Our Support Line connects you directly with someone who can provide information, direction, and reassurance.

Reach us Monday-Friday at 1.833.473.5465.

You don’t have to figure this out alone. No matter where you are in your journey, we’re here to walk with you.

08/28/2026

Join us for a night in bloom at the 2026 Tulip Gala! 🌷

September 24th will be an unforgettable evening dedicated to supporting the thousands of Alabama families affected by Parkinson’s disease.

The night will include a cocktail reception, an elegant seated dinner, a w**e pull, and a raffle.

We’re honored to welcome Tim Tebow as the featured keynote speaker to bring a powerful message of perseverance, faith, and purpose. We’ll be celebrating Alabama philanthropist, entrepreneur, and advocate Jane Stephens Comer as the 2026 Tulip Gala Honoree.

We hope you’ll join us!

Find more details on what the night will hold here → https://ow.ly/14Yb50ZFqIY

08/27/2026

Big News for Parkinson's Research in Alabama!

The Parkinson Association of Alabama congratulates Dr. David Standaert on his appointment as UAB - The University of Alabama at Birmingham's new Vice President for Research!

Dr. Standaert has led UAB's Department of Neurology and directs the Alabama Udall Center of Excellence in Parkinson's Disease Research: work that PAA has proudly supported through funding partnerships over the years. As he now takes on university-wide leadership over research strategy and infrastructure, we're excited about what this means for the future of Parkinson's research right here in Birmingham.

Congratulations, David Standaert — we're proud to call you a partner in the fight against Parkinson's!

08/27/2026

Did you know August is Make-a-Will Month?

A Parkinson’s diagnosis comes with a lot of unexpected questions and worries.

As stressful as estate planning can be, knowing your healthcare and financial wishes are handled can relieve an enormous amount of anxiety for you and your loved ones.

Making a will demystifies your future so you can focus on your present.

If you’re incapacitated, it helps your care team know how to manage your property and financial obligations.

If you need to transfer property to offset medical costs, it clarifies how you want that done.

And when you’re planning for your loved ones, it helps you manage trust accounts, fund your grandchildren’s education, appoint guardians, and more.

Making a will is an important step in protecting yourself and your loved ones. Don’t neglect it.

Not sure where to start? Reach out to us.

We can help you build your Parkinson’s care team and help you find the resources you need to navigate your diagnosis.

Head here to get started ➡️ https://ow.ly/Pm9z50ZFqEe

08/26/2026

Thank you to Thomas (Thom) Gossom, Jr. for joining this month’s Southern Strength Support Group as our guest speaker!

He’s accumulated so many stories during his years as an actor, accomplished author, and trailblazing former Auburn University athlete. We’re grateful he joined our community discussion to share his perspective and talk about the importance of storytelling.

If you weren’t able to attend live, you can watch the full discussion with Thom on YouTube ➡️ https://ow.ly/65Vq50ZFqt4

08/25/2026

To mark the start of back-to-school season, PAA Advisory Board member Michael S. Fitts traveled to Alberta, AL to attend the Spirit of Luke Charitable Foundation’s back-to-school health fair.

The Spirit of Luke Charitable Foundation and A Promise to Help do incredible work providing free healthcare screenings in the Alabama Black Belt region.

Events like this are important steps to giving everyone access to the resources and support they need to navigate their health.

Michael S. Fitts did a wonderful job representing our community and sharing resources on Parkinson’s disease in Alabama!

08/22/2026

Executive Director & CEO Bibby King Bailey will be presenting on behalf of the Parkinson Association of Alabama on Monday afternoon about why Alabama's voice matters on a national scale. Stay tuned for more insights!

Join us for the second public meeting of the Advisory Council on Parkinson’s Research, Care, and Services (ACPRCS) on Monday, August 24!

The ACPRCS advises U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on research, care, and services for Parkinson’s disease and related disorders (PDRD), including progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, multiple system atrophy, and Lewy body dementias such as Parkinson’s disease dementia. Building on the work of its inaugural meeting, the council will continue strategic discussions on priorities for research, care, and services.

The agenda features:
• Insights from national and regional PDRD nonprofit organizations
• Update on the federal PDRD program inventory
• Subcommittee reports on research, care, and services
• A public comment period at 12:45 PM ET

Date: Monday, August 24, 2026 | Virtual via HHS Live Streaming | Watch live: https://bit.ly/3KyVTpt
Public comments are welcome. Email [email protected] with “public comment” in the subject line. Verbal comment slots are limited — indicate your interest in your email.

Full details: https://bit.ly/4c7Ktcz