Did you know...

 The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) was founded in 1961 to “Ease the Burden and Find the Cure” for Parkinson’s Disease.  It 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’s goal of promoting a better quality of life for the Parkinson’s community is actualized through its network of Information & Referral Centers, which respond to the needs of  people affected by  Parkinson’s Disease.

The L.I. Chapter is the local fundraising branch of the APDA.  It is staffed by volunteers, who offer  their talents and energies to formulate fundraising activities and social events.  The APDA Long Island Chapter is affiliated with the APDA Information & Referral Centers at New York College of Osteopathic Medicine of NYIT  (Old  Westbury) and St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center (Smithtown).

By working together, we will ultimately achieve our goal to eradicate Parkinson's Disease.

9th Annual Paws for Parkinson's

On October 23, 2011, Long Islanders and their canine buddies returned to Marjorie Post Park in Massapequa for the annual "Howl-O-Ween Dog Walkathon".  They walked, socialized, played and also managed to raise  $17,962 in support of research to cure PD.  Check out the Photo Gallery to view some great pictures taken at the event. 

The top fundraiser was Rachel Corcoran.  She formed the Pony Skinny Team, and raised a total of $1,940. 

The next highest were Patches Levine, who raised $1,525 with the help of her human companion, Selena.  Cori Vita, assisted by Karen, managed to raise $1,486.

              Top dogs Patches Levine (left) & Cori Vita (right)

We are grateful to all participants, donors, sponsors and volunteers, for making this event a success.

Cookbook to Raise Money for Parkinson’s Research

Arline Shenker and Shelly O’Leary, of Ladies Workout Express (Massapequa Park) have always been supportive of charitable causes.  Arlene became especially motivated to raise money to cure Parkinson's  when her partner Shelly was diagnosed last year.  Their past projects included a very successful Macy’s “Shop for a Cause” event in 2010, which raised over $1,100.00 to benefit APDA and Parkinson’s research. 

Recently, Arline and Shelly undertook a Cookbook fundraising project.   Along with two of their friends, Judy Greco and Virginia Onorato, they collected recipes from friends and family members.  They then arranged for publication of a spiral-bound compilation of about 500 recipes, helpful cooking information and some inspirational poems.  Thanks to the generosity of these 4 individuals, all monies collected will benefit PD research.

“Helping to Find a Cure for Parkinson’s Disease (with Good Food by Family and Friends)” is being sold for $20 per book, and copies can be obtained at Ladies Workout Express, 5077 Merrick Road in Massapequa Park.  Checks should be made payable to “American Parkinson Disease Association”.  For additional information about the cookbooks, call the APDA Info & Referral Center at NYCOM/NYIT at 516-626-6114.



Shelly O'Leary and Arline Shenker display their Certificate of Appreciation from APDA at Ladies Workout Express, Massapequa Park, NY