BRADENTON – “The largest of its kind in the entire country,” Neuro Challenge Foundation CEO, Robyn Faucy- Washington, said.
It’s an event to educate, engage and empower people living with Parkinson’s disease. Neuro Challenge Foundation hosted their 3rd annual event at the Bradenton Area Convention center, Saturday. More than 1600 people registered for the Parkinson’s Expo.
“You don’t get a chance to get this many people together in one place,” diagnosed in 2004 with Parkinson’s, Linda Garner, said.
The event had the nation’s most renowned leaders and exhibitors lined up with resources for everyone.
Garner says she likes to get a sense of the trends
“You know, what’s the latest scoop on the medication and the recommendations,” Garner said.
Neurologist, Dr. Dean Sutherland, spoke at the expo. He says the best medicine is exercise; anything active will help somebody with Parkinson’s.
“Walking outside at a brisk pace helps, walking on a treadmill helps,” a Neurologist specialized in Parkinson’s disease, Dr. Dean Sutherland, said. “So, they’ve done good studies that show that all those things help.”
The expo offered ballet, yoga, and even boxing classes for people.
Garner says she stays active to help improve her disease.
“I do exercises at home, and I do some walking, and swimming,” Garner sad. “But, most of what I do is at ‘The Y.’”
But, it’s not easy.
“The hardest part is getting up out of bed every day and going and doing it,” Garner said.
Neuro Challenge Foundation CEO, Robyn Faucy- Washington says she’s passionate about serving people with Parkinson’s because she knows just how much energy they need to start their day.
“They’re just some of the most inspiring individuals that I’ve ever had the privilege to know,” Faucy- Washington said.
If you know someone with Parkinson’s disease, the Neuro Challenge offers programs and services at no charge. For more information, you can visit their website or call them at 941- 926-6413.
Saturday’s presentation is filmed and available online as well.
