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UPCOMING EVENTS & PROGRAMS IN MASSACHUSETTS
APDA Early Care Partner Connection – Fall 2026
A FREE eight-week support program for care partners of people with earlier stages of Parkinson’s disease (PD), offering a space to connect, share, and learn.
Are you a care partner to a family member or friend who is in the earlier stages of PD (diagnosed within the past 5 years)? APDA MA Early Care Partner Connection offers the opportunity to connect with other care partners for emotional support and sharing. Facilitated by Sarah Singer, LICSW, this group also provides education about planning for the future and practical resources. The program was designed for care partners who are looking for a space to share their feelings and learn more about PD caregiving considerations. Click here to download the program flyer.
Date & Time: Mondays, Sep 28 – Nov 16, 2026 at 7:30 – 9:00PM EST
Location: Home Computer (on Zoom)
Facilitator: Sarah Singer, LICSW
Contact: Cathi Thomas MS, RN at the APDA Information & Referral Center at Boston University Medical Campus at 800-651-8466 or apdama@apdaparkinson.org
If you are interested in this program, please submit an Interest Form: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/apdmas/event/carepartnerconnection2026/
APDA Parkinson’s Good Start Program – Fall 2026
This program is open to any adult who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) within the last 3 years years and one care partner or family member. There is no cost for this program. The Good Start Program is a two-part series presented by a team of Parkinson’s disease specialists from Boston University and Boston University Medical Center. Participants will receive up-to-date information on diagnosis and treatment, as well as community resources to assist in PD management. There is no cost for this program, which is open to individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s three or fewer years ago, along with a care partner or family member. Click here to download the program flyer.
Date & Time: Tuesdays, October 20 and October 27 at 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Location: Boston University Sargent College (635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215)
Contact: Cathi Thomas MS, RN at the APDA Information & Referral Center at
Boston University Medical Campus at 800-651-8466 or apdama@apdaparkinson.org
If you are interested in this program, please register at: secure.qgiv.com/for/apdmas/event/apdamagoodstart-fall2026/
APDA PRESS Program – Fall 2026
Parkinson’s Roadmap for Education and Support Services (PRESS) is an 8 week support series with tailored content to address the psychosocial needs of those who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) within the last five year. PRESS provides an opportunity for people with PD and one care partner or family member to meet with others facing a similar experience and share coping strategies regarding day-to-day issues related to living with Parkinson’s. For many people with PD, the program is a gateway to education, support services, and community-based advocacy. PRESS is a place to share their experiences, feelings, and strategies for coping with the disease. This program is facilitated by a licensed social worker and includes guest speakers. Click here to download the program flyer.
Date & Time: Wednesdays, Sep 2 – Oct 21 at 3:00 – 4:30PM EST
Location: Home Computer (on Zoom)
Contact: Cathi Thomas MS, RN at the APDA Information & Referral Center at
Boston University Medical Campus at 800-651-8466 or apdama@apdaparkinson.org
If you are interested in this program, please submit an Interest Form: https://secure.qgiv.com/…/apdamapressinterest-fall2026/
New Support Groups on Cape Cod
These new support groups will meet in-person. Open to individuals with Parkinson’s and a family partner, the groups offer a welcoming space to connect, share experiences, ask questions, and support each other.
We are grateful to announce the creation of TWO new support groups for individuals with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s.
The new HYANNIS group will begin on Thursday, January 22 at the Barnstable Adult Community Center. Facilitated by Charlene Chadwick, RN, the group will meet on the 4th Thursday of the month4th Thursday of the month at 10:00-11:30AM.
The new YARMOUTH group will begin on Wednesday, February 11 at the Yarmouth Senior Center. Facilitated by Charlene Chadwick, RN, the group will meet on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 10:00-11:00AM.
For additional information, please contact the APDA Information and Referral Center at 617-638-8466 or email apdama@apdaparkinson.org.
New Support Group in Newton
This new support group will meet in-person. Open to individuals with Parkinson’s and a family partner, this group offers a welcoming space to connect, share experiences, ask questions, and support each other.
The new NEWTON group will begin on Tuesday, March 10 at The Cooper Center for Active Living. Facilitated by Shayla McDermott, MSW, MT-BC, the group will meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 2:00-3:30PM.
For additional information, please contact The Cooper Center for Active Living at 617-796-1660.
New Support Group in Woburn
This new support group will meet in-person. Open to individuals with Parkinson’s and a family partner, this group offers a welcoming space to connect, share experiences, ask questions, and support each other.
The new WORBURN group will begin on Tuesday, April 21 at the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of New England. The group will meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 2:00-3:30PM.
For additional information, please contact Ariana Tello, MS at 781-939-1989 or arianna.tello@encompasshealth.com.
Care Partner Programming
APDA Virtual Care Partners Group
2nd Thursday and 4th Wednesday of each month
Join Sarah Singer, LICSW, for this twice-monthly virtual support group for care partners of people with Parkinson’s. Receive useful information from guest speakers, and connect with other care partners who share some of the same experiences in caregiving.
*Please note, if you have already signed up for the care partners group, you do not need to re-register.
Optimism Walk for Parkinson’s
JOIN US for our 2026 Massachusetts and Cape Cod Optimism Walks!
Walkers will come together nationwide in 2026 to step towards supporting all people affected by Parkinson’s disease. Your fundraising dollars at the Optimism Walks will go directly toward the local community, expanding local program and services to help more people with Parkinson’s disease live life to the fullest, as well as fund cutting-edge research to help find better treatments and ultimately, a cure.
MASSACHUSETTS (Framingham): Sunday, May 17, 2026 — 40th Annual Event!
CAPE COD (Falmouth): Sunday, September 27, 2026
Magic of Hope Gala & Auction
Join us to help fund a cure for Parkinson’s
Friday, November 20 in Downtown Boston
The Magic of Hope Gala & Auction is one of the APDA Massachusetts Chapter’s largest fundraisers of the year. Join us for a fun-filled night of cocktails, dinner and more! This special event is a spirited gathering with many ways to support APDA’s mission to empower those in our community who are impacted by Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Please click here or email jvanderstad@apdaparkinson.org to become an event sponsor, reserve a table, or purchase individual tickets.