Neuro Challenge Foundation
About Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s
There are almost 2,000 people in Manatee County diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and many go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. For every person with Parkinson’s disease, there is caregiver or family member who also needs support. The numbers in Manatee County are predicted to grow. Vietnam era Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange are at greater risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. There are over 40,000 Veterans in Manatee County – many of them who served in Vietnam.
The mission of Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s is to improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers today. Since 2015, Neuro Challenge has received support for its work throughout Manatee County from the late Ms. Mary E. Parker, the Mary E. Parker Foundation and the Edward E and Lillian H. Bishop Foundation.
When the pandemic shelter-in-place mandates began, Neuro Challenge immediately recognized how critical it would be for people with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers to stay connected. Neuro Challenge quickly transitioned and within three weeks launched over 40 virtual programs. Neuro Challenge Care Advisors increased tele-care advising, removed barriers and prevented isolation, keeping the Parkinson’s community connected during the time of social distancing.
Being a caregiver for a family member or friend who has Parkinson’s adds anxiety and additional burden on daily life. Feeling supported and staying connected to a support network is crucial to physical and psychological well-being, productivity and emotional health. Even during the most optimistic of times being a Parkinson’s caregiver can be a stressful role, and those shouldering overwhelming responsibilities magnified by COVID-19 turn to Neuro Challenge for resources, healthy practices and advice.
In addition to the physical, emotional and cognitive devastation caused by Parkinson’s disease, the disease also presents a great financial burden to families. The Neuro Challenge Board of Directors is committed to providing programs and services at no cost to people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones. Neuro Challenge is the only non-profit providing individualized care advising, and monthly virtual and community-based education, therapeutic and support programs for people with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers in Manatee County and the surrounding area.
