"Support Groups are where the miracles happen!" -- Harry Starkey, PANC President

 

PANC is proud to host a network of over 40 independent support groups throughout Northern California. People come to learn and share their stories of how they face challenges and live well with PD. The camaraderie is always palpable and there are no fees to attend. 
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​Each group is unique -- some focus on education and others integrate social aspects to their meetings, some are in-person and some are via Zoom. There are specialty groups for carepartners, young-onset, Post DBS, and Spanish-speaking individuals as well. It can be helpful to speak with the support group facilitator to verify a meeting is occurring and to get a sense of their group’s focus prior to attending for the first time. Questions you may want to ask include:

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• How would you characterize your group and what is its primary purpose?              

• What is the average number of years your group members have been living with Parkinson’s?

• What have some of your recent discussion topics been?

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If there is no support group in your area, and you are interested in working with PANC

to start and facilitate one, please contact Maria here.