Raise Awareness

How Empowered Volunteers Make An Extraordinary Impact

Group of people holding hands

Here at the Parkinson’s Foundation, we strive to empower volunteers to make a difference in the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) every day. We are honored to support Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassadors as they spread awareness of our mission and improve their PD communities across the globe.  

This year, National Volunteer Week takes place April 20-26, and we are delighted to highlight empowered volunteers who exemplify the many ways you can get involved and work with us towards better lives today. We are blown away by the impact Parkinson’s Foundation volunteers made in 2024. 

Impact Numbers 

In 2024, here’s what our volunteers accomplished:  

  • $8.9 million raised through volunteer-led initiatives 

  • 32,000+ people reached through volunteer led community outreach 

  • 20,000+ service hours contributed to events and programs 

  • 430+ Ambassadors trained across all 50 states, plus DC and internationally 

Meet four volunteers who have made a difference in their PD communities

Elva Brown

Elva Brown and sloth mascot

Person with Parkinson's Disease
Moving Day San Antonio "Team Sloth" Captain

Elva and Team Sloth raised more than $58,000 for Moving Day San Antonio in 2025, helping to advance Parkinson’s disease research, increase access to quality care, and provide education and outreach initiatives to people with Parkinson’s  

“With the help, love and support from my husband, my family my friends and my faith; I know I can make an impact in our community; a good and positive impact.” – Elva  
Read Elva’s full story 

Epin Christensen

Epin Christensen and three other women at Parkinson's Champions event

Family member   
Parkinson’s Champion & Cheer Team Captain 

Epin raised more than $5,000 for Parkinson’s research with her run in the NYC marathon. She then turned around to cheer on other fellow Parkinson’s Champions who ran in the Marine Corps Marathon and raised more than $36,000 combined. 

“The marathon holds a special place in my heart but running it to support those battling this terrible disease is even more meaningful.” – Epin  

Read Epin’s full story 

Mark Milow

Photo of Mark Milow

Person with Parkinson’s  
Parkinson’s Champion 

Mark is sharing his love of Pickleball with his community while also spreading Parkinson’s awareness and opening dialog about the importance of finding an exercise you love to fight this disease.  

“My work in advocacy, though it may help others, is my way of adding meaning and purpose to my diagnosis. And for me, that is essential.” – Mark 

Read Mark’s full story 

Amanda Meyers

Amanda Meyers with her dad at Parkinsons Revolution event

Parkinson’s Revolution Buffalo Team Captain & Host 

Amanda saw an opportunity to bring a PD event to her town. Offering her indoor cycling studio to Parkinson’s Revolution, she built a community of support for her dad, making it possible to raise almost $80,000 at the 2025 event alone.  

“It’s an unfortunate circumstance that brings us all together, but it is so empowering to work together to raise funds for something many of us are affected by.” – Amanda  

Read Amanda’s full story

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