Arizona Nonprofit This Is Parkinson’s to Represent the State at Global Parkinson’s Congress May 24-27

Co-founders of Phoenix-based nonprofit This Is Parkinsons Bob Sullivan and Lisa Volenec will take part in the World Parkinson Conference happening in Phoenix next week. Lisa was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2014, and the duo recently established the "This Is Parkinson's" nonprofit organization. The goal is to educate the community on the impacts of Parkinson's Disease on the both patients and their families/caretakers.

Lisa's personal story, combined with her advocacy work, makes her a gripping local voice on the realities of Parkinson's, the gaps in support and the power of storytelling in patient communities. This Is Parkinson’s is dedicated to amplifying the real, lived experiences of people with Parkinson’s disease, and will be one of the only Arizona organizations with a formal presence at the World Parkinson Congress (WPC) in Phoenix May 24-27. The event is a global gathering of researchers, clinicians, advocates and people living with Parkinson’s from more than 70 countries.

The international event -- held in the U.S. for the first time in nine years -- brings together thousands of researchers, clinicians, caregivers, and people living with Parkinson’s. With Parkinson’s now recognized as the world’s fastestgrowing neurological disease, the Congress is considered the most significant global gathering in the field.

Arizona's Voice on a National Stage
The organization will host an interactive booth at the convention, where its team will record personal stories from attendees about their Parkinson’s journey. These stories will become part of the nonprofit’s growing national storytelling project, which aims to humanize the disease, reduce stigma and elevate the voices of those living with Parkinson’s.

"Too many people with Parkinson’s remain hidden in the shadows,” said Lisa Volenec, cofounder of This Is Parkinson’s and a former Phoenix television anchor/reporter. “Sharing our stories -- honestly, openly and in our own voices -- is how we challenge stigma and build connection. We’re proud to represent Arizona at WPC and bring these powerful stories to a global audience.”

Volenec was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2014 and stayed silent for years. Her nonprofit and podcast are her way of “breaking the silence” and creating the conversations patients and caregivers desperately need.

About This Is Parkinson’s
The Platform: A first-of-its-kind digital space for real, raw, and hopeful stories from people living with Parkinson’s.
The Podcast: A weekly video/audio series launching this year, featuring revealing conversations with patients, caregivers, loved ones, and experts.
The Mission: To break stigma, build empathy, and create a community of support through authentic storytelling.
The Vision: Every story is different. Every voice matters.

The World Parkinson Congress, held every three years, is the only international Parkinson’s event that brings together the full Parkinson’s ecosystem — from neurologists and researchers to caregivers and people living with the disease.

More information is available at wpc2026.org.