Posted by Nancy Mazonson

Parkinson's disease is a puzzle for families living with the disease, for doctors, and for researchers. On Sunday, May 6 more than 115 people came together at JF&CS Headquarters in Waltham for a community celebration of the JF&CS Charlotte & Richard Okonow Parkinson's Family Support program with entertainment by the Parkinson's Dancers, Tremble Clefs choral singers, and community partners from the Cambridge Community Chorus and the Renegaydes Dance Troupe. The event focused on the resilience of program participants, caregivers, family, community members, and supporters, each of whom, like puzzle pieces, offers valuable connections that help to form a larger whole.

This years' event celebrated our cutting edge community-building programming. It was also a wonderful opportunity for family members and people with Parkinson's to have fun together and toexperience a sense of community in this uniquely uplifting setting.

Each person who attended had the opportunity to share a thought on a puzzle piece. Together, the assembled pieces sent a strong message about the value of our programming:

"I'm so happy to be part of this puzzle."

"Never alone!"

"I was a piece in the wrong box…or so I thought. Thank you for the right box!"

Thank you to all who made this program possible, and to those who came from near and far to attend. The event was an inspiring afternoon that truly celebrated the resilience of the Parkinson's Family Support program participants.

Watch a video from the event, here.

Nancy Mazonson, MS, OTR/L, has coordinated the Parkinson's Family Support program of JF&CS since its inception in September 2006. The program is a leading resource in the Boston area with its unique programs, including Parkinson's Dance, Adult Child and Care Partner support groups, and Tremble Clefs choral singing group. Prior to her work at JF&CS, Nancy worked extensively as an occupational therapist in inpatient and community-based rehabilitation settings, specializing in helping people with degenerative neurological conditions.