American Parkinson Disease Association Kicks Off Awareness Month with Launch of New Public Service Announcement
“Do What You Love” campaign celebrates the resilience, strength, and joy of people with Parkinson’s and encourages them to keep doing the things they love, even if they have to do them differently
NEW YORK, NY, April 1, 2026 – The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is kicking off Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month with the launch of a new public service announcement (PSA) that celebrates the resilience, strength, and optimism of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and encourages them to keep doing the things they love, even if they have to do them differently.
Produced in both English and Spanish, APDA’s “Do What You Love” campaign aims to educate the public about PD – challenging outdated stereotypes about who it affects and what it looks like – and provide inspiration and hope to those living with the disease. Most importantly, APDA wants everyone impacted by PD to know that they are not alone and that the organization is here to support them every step of the way.
APDA’s new PSA features eight inspiring people with PD who, despite the varying symptoms and challenges they face, are determined to live life to the fullest. For some, that means finding new ways of doing the things they’ve enjoyed for years. For others, it means exploring new activities that bring them joy. It is not easy, and their challenges are real, but that doesn’t stop them – they pivot, adapt, and find ways to enjoy life.
The people featured in the PSA are:
- Carlos Velez, 49, of Chesapeake, Virginia, who was diagnosed in 2023. Though many days are marked by fatigue, stiffness, and physical limitations, Carlos remains a committed beekeeper who continues to show up to tend his hives.
- Elisa Mederos, 77, of Deerfield Beach, Florida, who was diagnosed in 2014. Elisa doesn’t let challenges like muscle pain and persistent insomnia stop her from filling her days with new hobbies, including painting and learning to play the piano.
- Joan Furman, 78, of Nashville, Tennessee, who was diagnosed in 2022. Joan struggles with proprioception – the brain’s sense of where the body is in space – which presents significant balance and stability challenges when ballroom dancing. But she’s made adjustments that allow her to keep moving gracefully across the floor.
- Joanne Murray, 67, of Covington, Georgia, who was diagnosed in 2019. Despite tremors and slowed movements, Joanne plays Bid Whist – a fast-paced card game she learned in high school – every week with a close group of friends.
- Joseph Ladnier, 68, of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, who was diagnosed in 1997. Balance issues mean that Joseph now fishes from riverbanks rather than wading in the water, and when he ventures onto a lake in a boat, he brings a companion. But he continues to find joy in every cast and has no plans to set down his rod and reel.
- Luis Torrez, 60, of Fullerton, California, who was diagnosed in 2018. While PD presents new challenges that require careful planning, patience, and attention to his medication schedule, lifelong traveler Luis remains determined to embrace every opportunity to explore new places and cultures.
- Mireya Pintor, 55, of Streamwood, IL, who was diagnosed in 2018. Though she faces the physical and emotional ups and downs of PD, Mireya has found joy and purpose in the kitchen, pouring love and care into the meals she prepares for her family.
- Regiane Gomes Campos De Oliveira, 51, of Boston, MA, who was diagnosed in 2019. Despite stiffness, fatigue, muscle cramps, and other symptoms that make running difficult most days – and impossible on others – Regiane participates in races throughout the year and dreams of completing the seven World Marathon Majors.
APDA’s new “Do What You Love” PSA was made possible through the work of many generous partners, led by Havas Lynx New York (creative direction) and Waymack and Crew (production). APDA previously partnered with Havas Lynx New York to create ParkinSex, their award-winning initiative designed to empower partners who want to reconnect and reignite intimacy that may have taken a backseat because of PD. “Havas Lynx New York is proud to have helped bring APDA’s new PSA to life. This is important work for us, and sharing the stories of eight extraordinary individuals living with Parkinson’s has been a true labor of love. It’s filled with emotion, resilience, and humanity. The idea resonates because it’s true: Parkinson’s can’t steal what you love. My hope is that it keeps the conversation going and brings more voices into it,” said Robbie Macaraeg, Art Supervisor, Havas Lynx New York. “This work is deeply personal for our team, reflecting both our partnership and the real impact Parkinson’s has had within our own community.”
To learn more about the PSA and inspiring cast members, visit www.apdaparkinson.org/PSA.
“APDA is so proud and excited to share this new PSA with the public. Not only do we hope to raise awareness of what life with Parkinson’s can look like, but we hope it encourages people with PD to find some joy in life and to know that APDA is here for them with the resources and support they need to make that possible,” says Leslie A. Chambers, President & CEO of APDA. “No one has to face Parkinson’s alone. From support groups and exercise classes to educational and creative programs, APDA is here to provide the support, education, research, and community that helps everyone impacted by PD live life to the fullest.”
In addition to launching the PSA, during PD Awareness Month – and always – APDA’s nationwide network of Chapters and Information & Referral (I&R) Centers have a variety of programs and events planned, with many ways for people to get involved. Along with many local in-person events, APDA offers extensive virtual programming and a robust resource library (with many resources available in Spanish and Mandarin/Simplified Chinese) to ensure all members of the PD community can access high-quality information, services, and a sense of community no matter where they live.
Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurodegenerative disease in the world. With a new diagnosis every six minutes, support from the public is critical, and PD Awareness Month is a meaningful time to raise awareness or make a donation to help APDA continue their critical work and to fund research that will lead to better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. Every effort makes a difference.
APDA is grateful to Champion Partners Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Lilly, Sunrise Senior Living, and Supernus Pharmaceuticals for supporting their efforts to help everyone impacted by PD, not just this April, but throughout the entire year. Their generosity and partnership help make APDA’s critical work possible.
To learn more about APDA, visit www.apdaparkinson.org, email apda@apdaparkinson.org or call 800-223-2732.
About the American Parkinson Disease Association
The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease (PD) by providing the support, education, research, and community that helps everyone impacted by PD live life to the fullest. Through a nationwide grassroots network of Chapters and Information & Referral (I&R) Centers, APDA works tirelessly to raise public awareness of this chronic neurologic movement disorder and deliver outstanding patient services, resources, and educational and wellness programs to the approximately one million people living with PD in the United States and their care partners and families. Envisioning a world without PD, APDA’s national research program and Centers for Advanced Research aim to provide better treatments and unlock the mysteries of the disease. APDA is also committed to advancing public policy solutions that improve lives and move us toward a cure. Founded in 1961, APDA has raised and invested more than $338 million in its efforts to support the PD community. Learn more at www.apdaparkinson.org.
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