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​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
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​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

​Parkinson Association of Northern California President's Message

​by Nancy Kretz
Why are the Parkinson Association's services important?
​Just talk with someone who is involved with Parkinson Associaton programs or attends a Support Group - they tell the story much better than I could.  It’s about connecting with others who deal with Parkinson’s disease – learning, sharing, understanding and motivating!  Activity and socialization are key factors in reducing the intensity of PD symptoms and simply making the most of life!

​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

SAVE THE DATE:  Parkinson Association of Northern California
​                                 2019 Annual Education Conference
                                                               10/26/2019   
                  McClellan Conference Center, 5411 Luce Ave, Sacramento, CA

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.