Who We Are

A Better Approach to Parkinson’s

Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s, founded in 2008, is a nonprofit organization that annually supports over 3,500 people affected by Parkinson’s disease, free of charge. Neuro Challenge provides personalized care advising, resource referrals, support groups, educational events and therapeutic programs both online and across Southwest Florida, including Sarasota, Manatee, Pinellas, Highlands, Marion, and Charlotte counties. Additionally, Neuro Challenge hosts The Parkinson’s Expo, the largest free event of its kind in the U.S.

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Our Mission:

Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s is dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers today.
“An older man and woman smile toward the camera while attending an indoor expo event. They are standing close together, each holding bags and personal items. Behind them, several vendor tables and attendees are visible throughout the large event space

Our Vision:

All people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers are empowered members of an inclusive, caring and supportive community.

Our Values and Guiding Principles:

Excellence:  We hold ourselves to the highest standards.

Compassion:  We foster a culture of empathy and respect.  We create a community of support and belonging, where everyone is welcome.

Empowerment:  We provide practical information and resources that inspires hope, action, and provide support throughout the Parkinson’s journey.

Innovation:  We relentlessly pursue a better approach to PD by providing high quality programs. 

Partnership: By working together we achieve more.

Our Major Strategic Goals:

To promote awareness and participation through strategic community partnerships.

To actively address the emotional, financial and educational needs of people with Parkinson’s and their care partners.

To strengthen the organizational infrastructure toward creating a flexible, financially strong, and high performing sustainable organization.

To facilitate access to community resources.

To educate the community about Parkinson Disease.

We strive to achieve our mission by providing A Better Approach to Parkinson’s.
Our Better Approach includes:

Care Advisors

The Neuro Challenge Care Advisor supports people with Parkinson’s, their caregivers, and family members by offering personalized guidance to navigate the complexities of managing the disease. They also provide referrals to community resources, including Parkinson’s specific exercise programs like boxing, cycling, movement, and yoga classes, as well as voice and art therapy. Additionally, they can help connect you with Neurologists or Movement Disorder Specialists in your community.

Monthly Education, Support, and Therapeutic Programs

Care Advisors work with our partners to coordinate both virtual and community based monthly programs in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, Marion, Highlands and Pinellas counties. Participants in our monthly programs gain valuable information and have the opportunity to meet others also facing the journey with Parkinson’s while being enveloped in a community of caring and support.

Parkinson's Education Forums

Local educational events that typically feature two speakers presenting on various topics that are important to the Parkinson’s community. Currently held in Charlotte, Manatee, Pinellas, Highlands, and Marion counties.

The Annual Parkinson’s Symposium

The Symposium is held in partnership with the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System. The Symposium features presentations from Parkinson’s experts with a special presentation from our partner. The Symposium has a capacity crowd each year of 500.

The Parkinson’s Expo

Neuro Challenge Foundation’s signature annually held, day-long event created to educate, engage and empower the Parkinson’s community. The Expo features several presenters who are nationally renowned Parkinson’s experts. More than 1,400 people attended the inaugural Parkinson’s Expo in 2018 making it the largest event of its kind in country.