San Diego Parkinson's Association Suspends Operations

SAN DIEGO, CA — After 27 years of providing quality-of-life services and therapeutic programs to San Diego’s Parkinson’s community, the Parkinson’s Association — or PA — suspended operations on Friday due to a lack of funding.

With headquarters on Aero Drive and counseling centers in La Jolla and Carlsbad, Parkinson’s Association is the sole nonprofit serving people affected by Parkinson’s in San Diego County. Approximately 40,000 people in San Diego County are affected by Parkinson’s disease, which is the second most common neurological disorder after Alzheimer’s.

PA is an independent charitable organization with no affiliation with, or support from, national Parkinson’s foundations.

"We have cut expenses to the bone, but we haven’t been able to rally sufficient donations," said Lisa Fine, the Parkinson’s Association’s executive director since September 2015. "Services will be suspended while volunteers work on a mass mailing soliciting financial help."

The Parkinson’s Association promotes science-based exercise programs that calm and even slow the progression of symptoms, and offers Parkinson’s-specific behavioral health counseling, educational seminars and symposia, curated speaker events, an informational website and e-newsletter, a proprietary music and voice therapy program for Parkinson’s, Parkinson’s Pooches (that teaches participants to train their pet dogs to help them navigate their Parkinson’s symptoms), and social events such as the annual “Step-by-Step 5K Walk/Run and Medical Expo” that attracts thousands of participants from throughout southern California and beyond to Liberty Station in Point Loma each April.

“This community really does need and deserve our help — particularly the newly-diagnosed when they are broadsided by this devastating diagnosis,” Fine said. “Parkinson’s disease is progressive and degenerative, but it is not fatal, and people can live a long time with it. PA provides education, referrals, science-based therapeutic programs and social opportunities to help people affected by the disease (patients, care partners and family members) adjust to their new reality and live a full and happy life.”

Fine said details about suspended services will be posted on the organization’s website, Parkinsonsassociation.org.

"What PA does isn’t 'sexy'," said Fine. "We’re not about the cure. The Parkinson’s Association simply enables San Diegans burdened by a life-changing incurable disease to enjoy the best life possible."

The Parkinson’s Association is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to optimizing quality of life for people affected by Parkinson’s disease through evidence-based programs and services that enhance Mind, Movement and Morale. Donations are tax-deductible.

Image via Shutterstock