Unlocking Strength Within: Advocacy, Purpose, and Connection
Advocacy can be a powerful way for people with Parkinson’s disease and their family members to find purpose, feel empowered, and take meaningful steps toward positive change. But where do you begin? Join APDA for an engaging panel discussion exploring the many ways to get involved in advocacy, including accessible opportunities for people living with Parkinson’s. Panelists will share their personal journeys, how they overcame challenges when getting started, and the benefits they’ve experienced along the way. Join us on November 4 to discover how using your voice, connecting with others, and taking action can support your emotional well-being and help create meaningful change for the Parkinson’s community. Our panelists will answer questions live, so please register today and bring your questions!
ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS
Sharlene Bagga-Taves
Sharlene Bagga-Taves is the Vice President of Federal Relations at APDA. Sharlene leads APDA’s federal public policy and advocacy efforts, developing and implementing initiatives that shape federal policies to improve the lives of people with PD. She is establishing APDA’s federal public policy agenda, driving advocacy campaigns, engaging policymakers and partners, and conducting policy-related research and analysis to ensure APDA’s voice is heard at the federal level. Sharlene has more than 20 years of experience navigating the federal policy landscape across healthcare, pharmaceutical access, and science and technology. She has a proven track record of securing multi-billion-dollar appropriations, shaping bipartisan legislation, and advancing federally funded research priorities for leading universities and public health institutions.
Sara Whittingham, MD
Dr. Sara Whittingham is a physician anesthesiologist, retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, author, and Parkinson’s advocate. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 46, she has since completed the Ironman World Championship in Kona and run the Boston Marathon.
Leonard Galinsky
Leonard Galinsky is a dedicated advocate, IT professional with over 40 years of experience, and holder of a BS in Business. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in August of 2018—and having also witnessed his father navigate a later-in-life diagnosis—Leonard brings a deeply personal, multi-generational perspective to the condition. Over the past eight years, he has successfully navigated the physical and emotional changes of Parkinson’s while maintaining a strong, positive focus on symptom management and mental wellness. Driven by his lived experience, Leonard feels deeply empowered to support, guide, and inspire others on their own Parkinson’s journey. He has been happily married for 31 years and is the proud father of a daughter pursuing a dual graduate degree.
Jenny Newman
Jenny Newman was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s disease in 2020. She is a committed advocate for the Parkinson’s community, working to raise awareness, support research, and improve resources for those living with the PD. She has led the Maryland delegation at the Parkinson’s Policy Forum in Washington, DC, for the past two years. Through her work with the Michael J. Fox Foundation, she has helped advocate for the National Parkinson’s Plan and recently spoke on Capitol Hill at a press conference supporting the Healthy Brains Act. Her passion of rock tumbling led her to create “Advocacy Rocks,” a personal initiative where she gives beautifully polished rocks to anyone and everyone she comes across during her advocacy efforts and beyond to help open up conversations about Parkinson’s and what our community needs as well as to lift the spirits of those dealing with PD in any capacity (patients, care partners, medical staff, therapists, etc.). Jenny is dedicated to ensuring others facing Parkinson’s feel seen, supported, and never alone. Jenny lives in Maryland with her husband and their schnauzer dog. They have twin daughters who picked fabulous spouses, expanding their family of 4 to 6 (or 7 if you include the schnauzer).