The Optimism Awards honor individuals who embody APDA’s tagline, “Strength in optimism. Hope in progress.” by making a meaningful impact on the Parkinson’s community through support, education, wellness, and/or research. These awards celebrate extraordinary people who positively influence the lives of those impacted by Parkinson’s, demonstrating optimism through their contributions, while offering inspiration and hope for all that can be accomplished.
Every year, the American Parkinson Disease Association, Northwest Chapter honors and celebrates two distinct Optimism Award winners who help expand APDA’s mission of strength in optimism, hope in progress. The winners are honored at our Magic of Hope Gala and Auction for their dedication to making a difference for those impacted by Parkinson’s disease to live life to the fullest. This is an opportunity to honor both those directly impacted by a diagnosis of PD as well as the professionals dedicated to their care. You can nominate people in the following two categories:
- Community Member Award – recognizing individuals with Parkinson’s, caregivers, or other community members.
- Service Provider Award – honoring healthcare professionals such as neurologists, speech therapists, movement disorder specialists, home health specialists, physical therapists, and more.
Please help us to recognize those individuals who are making a difference throughout our service area (Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho).
NOMINATION GUIDELINES
We invite members of our Parkinson’s disease community to submit nominations for consideration to Heidi Murdock, Fundraising Events Manager by January 5th. The APDA Northwest Chapter staff and the Magic of Hope Committee will review all nominations and determine the award recipients.
Nominees will not be evaluated by the number of submissions received. For circumstances where multiple people would like to submit a nomination, we strongly encourage the nominators to collaborate on the application.
Winners will be contacted and invited to attend the Magic of Hope Gala and Auction where they will be awarded the 2025 Optimism Award.
Nomination Categories and Candidate Recommendations
Optimism Award – Community Member
Parkinson’s community members who go above and beyond, who may be care partners, patients, support group leaders (volunteer/unpaid), volunteers, media professionals, donors and philanthropists or individuals with passion for Parkinson’s disease who are making a difference in the lives of those living with PD.
Optimism Award – Service Provider
Healthcare professionals who are providing care to Parkinson’s patients and their families.
Physicians, neurologists, neurosurgeons, physiotherapists, speech and swallowing therapists, occupational therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, researchers, nurses, clinical research coordinators, educators, and other healthcare practitioners working in the fields related to Parkinson’s disease.
Individuals cannot nominate themselves. Previous award recipients are not eligible. Previous nominees can be nominated again. The list may be found at the bottom of this page.
NOMINATION PROCESS
Nominations may be submitted by sending the completed nominations form by email to hmurdock@apdaparkinson.org from November 1, 2024 to January 5, 2024.
Questions, please contact Heidi Murdock at (206)798-3205 or hmurdock@apdaparkinson.org
Optimism Award Nomination Form
PAST WINNERS
2024
Deb Ivancovich
Community Member Award Recipient
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Bill and Nadean Meyer
Service Provider Award Recipient
2023
Brian Harris
Community Member Award Recipient
2022
Kerry Howard
Community Member Award Recipient
2021
Jeanne Kieffer
Community Member Award Recipient