Parkinson Association of Northern California
Board President's message 
​ Sean Tracy 

​Thank you for your interest in the Parkinson's Association of Northern California (PANC). 

As the 2019-2020 President of the Board of Directors for PANC, I hope you will take a few minutes to review our website and learn more about the amazing programs and services we provide in support of the Parkinson's community, including: 

38 different Support Groups throughout Northern California 

Respite Caregiver Grants 

ParkinsonWise program for exercise professionals 

Medical Advisory Panel involving the major medical plans in Northern California 

Education and Outreach through our Quarterly Journal and other resources 

​Annual Conference scheduled for October 26, 2019, in Sacramento, CA 

As a Person with Parkinson's (PWP), a caregiver, family member, friend, an interested student or individual who wants to learn more about how PANC is "Building Community for the Journey," please reach out to us. 

On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, thank you for your interest and support of the Parkinson Association of Northern California and all those who are on their Parkinson's disease journey. 

Sean Tracy, Board President 2019-2020

​Who We Are

The Parkinson Association of Northern California (PANC) is an organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with Parkinson's, their families and carepartners  throughout our region. We live our motto, "Building Community for the Journey."

​What is Parkinson's disease?

​Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive, neurological disease that destroys the cells in the mid brain which produce "dopamine," one of the chemicals that transmits movement control signals. When approximately 80% of these cells no longer produce dopamine, one or more of PD's primary movement symptoms begin to appear: resting tremor; slowness of movement; stiffness; and/or gait or balance problems. Other symptoms such as small cramped handwriting, lack of arm swing, and decreased facial expression may appear.

From A Carepartner's Perch 

​​by Marianne Oliphant
Picture
​Parkinson’s disease entered my life when my husband, Ron, was diagnosed in 2010.  Parkinson’s doesn’t just strike the person with the condition, in most cases it’s a family disease.  He and I embarked on this new adventure together.

At our first doctor’s visit, we were given a packet of information about Parkinson’s disease and about PANC.  We started visiting support groups close to where we lived – 3 to begin with – and found all of them wonderful places of welcome and encouragement.  No longer did we feel like we were traveling this path alone.  We also attended the PANC annual conferences and, again, found so much information and comradery.

​Our Programs

​With the assistance from a generous community of donors and volunteers, we are able to provide the following benefits for our region's Parkinson's community:
  • Connect with over 30 support groups for people with PD and their caregivers
  • Publish a quarterly journal, The Parkinson Path
  • Present an annual education conference and tradeshow
  • Provide respite opportunities for PD caregivers
  • Offer housing safety modification opportunities through Rebuilding Together of Sacramento
  • Present ParkinsonWISE® program for exercise and wellness professionals
  • Support research for prevention and cure
  • Actively promote community awareness

​Support Groups

​PANC is proud to facilitate a network of more than 30 area support groups. Please note that meeting dates and locations are subject to change. Contact the Support Group facilitator to verify meeting information. 

​Upcoming Events

The Sacramento Embarcadero Lions Club presents
The 4th Annual Robert G. Smith Walk to ​COP (Cancel Out Parkinson's)  
Benefiting the Parkinson Association of Northern California
Save the Date:  Saturday, April 4, 2020
​Check back in early 2020 for registration and location​

Redding Parkinson Support Group-Annual Conference
Save the date: ​ Friday, April 10, 2020
Where:  The Gaia Hotel, Anderson, CA     Cost:  $10 donation  Lunch included
Registration begins:  March 1, 2020 through the PANC website
ParkinsonWise Training Santa Rosa CA
Save the Date:  Saturday, April 18, 2020
Kaiser Permanente  401 Bicentennial Way  Santa Rosa CA 95403 
Registration Begins:  February 2020 through the PANC website

 

ParkinsonWISE®

What is ParkinsonWISE®?  The Parkinson Association of Northern California partnered with Kaiser Permanente Neuroscience on this unique opportunity from the medical community to provide targeted wellness education for fitness and wellness professionals that have clients with Parkinson's disease (PD) or those who want to work with this spec  ​​to learn more about our ParkinsonWISE®trainings and to find ParkinsonWISE® certified trainers. 

​KVIE ViewFinder Program: Parkinson's Disease Special

Scenery photos above by Larry Alver
Photo of Parkinson's Walk above by Antonio Santos.