Dear Friend,
In April, Neuro Challenge Foundation proudly recognizes Parkinson’s Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness and support for those living with Parkinson’s every day.
Our mission is centered on compassionate care and unwavering support. We offer a variety of programs and services designed to meet the needs of individuals at every stage of Parkinson’s, ensuring they have access to essential resources. We also provide dedicated guidance for families and caregivers, honoring the vital role they play in the journey.
Whether a spouse, a child, a sibling, a parent, a friend, or even a professional aide, caregivers are essential to the well-being of someone with Parkinson’s. They are also often vulnerable to unrelieved stress and exhaustion, making Neuro Challenge’s work to provide services that support these heroes as impactful as those that support people who live with Parkinson’s, especially in the early stages of the disease.
When Jerry Overton received his diagnosis in 2018, he was very active. A regular golfer at a Venice club, he was also a dedicated marathon runner. For more than a year, he experienced symptoms that he and his wife, Lisa Matway, began to research online. By the time the severity of his symptoms brought him to his doctor, he had strongly suspected Parkinson’s disease would be the diagnosis … and it was.
Along with his medical treatment, Jerry’s doctor recommended that he and Lisa contact Neuro Challenge, explaining that the foundation had free services and programs that would be educational and supportive for each of them.
When Lisa reached out to Neuro Challenge, she was met with a warm and caring voice, ready to listen and understand her needs. Every response was thoughtfully tailored to her situation, offering not just information, but comfort and reassurance. As she learned more, Lisa discovered a community of support—a place where she and her loved ones could find the guidance, resources, and hope they needed on their journey with Parkinson’s.
“You can spend endless hours reading online, but finding resources from a trusted, caring source was exactly what we needed to support us on this journey.”
Lisa and Jerry have always been close, living an exciting life together and embracing the changes it brings. They learned that there is “good and bad” everywhere, and it’s your choice which you focus on. They always go for the “good” but Jerry’s diagnosis was certainly a new challenge, and one they knew they would weather together.
As Lisa assumed the role of “caregiver” she didn’t really understand what it meant. Lisa is learning that it means not only caring for your loved one in new and different ways, but also being sure to understand yourself and attending to your own needs. Jerry and Lisa both know she is best when she is actively involved with something. As retirement approached, Lisa needed to ensure she found that something, in addition to her new role with Jerry.
“Being a caregiver changes as each year passes,” Lisa says. “So too does my understanding of self-care and how to balance everything together.”
Lisa and Jerry normally live a private life together, but Parkinson’s brought new experiences and networking. Attending Neuro Challenge meet-and-greets, support groups, and the Parkinson’s Expo opened connections that provided enriching benefits. As a result, they began sharing their own experiences, hoping it would help others.
That sense of community sharing is what led them to communicate about Parkinson’s through art.
Last year, Lisa decided to return to a hobby from her youth and began to paint and draw again. Curious about how AI works, she uploaded one of her images. The software described a wave of emotion in her paintings that helped her realize what she was expressing connected to her experience with PD.
“That’s exactly what Parkinson’s is about!”
Lisa and Jerry created modart4pd.com, a site showcasing Lisa’s artwork. Proceeds from sales are dedicated to Parkinson’s research and support, including Neuro Challenge. The project is a good release for her, adding value to her life and an opportunity for them to work together.
Lisa says that where she and Jerry are today in their journey with Parkinson’s is not the same as it will be in the future. As changes occur, Lisa knows she has resources readily available with Neuro Challenge.
“Now I have that connection. If I need it, especially with the coming changes, they’re there for me. It’s easier to handle knowing that.”
You can join Lisa and Jerry in raising awareness for Parkinson’s and supporting the free programs offered by Neuro Challenge. Your generosity makes a real difference, bringing hope, resources, and connection to families navigating this journey. Together, we can ensure that no one faces Parkinson’s alone and that every person affected has the support they need.
To make your gift, please click here. We also welcome your pledge on the phone at 941-926-6413 and look forward to the opportunity to say “thank you.”
Your gift can go even further with a 1:1 match from The Louis & Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust. Whether you make a one-time donation or give monthly, your contribution may have twice the impact on the more than 3,500 people we serve each year.
You can also contact us for ways to match a gift from your Charitable IRA distribution or to donate appreciated stock. This incredible impact wouldn’t be possible without your compassion and generosity.
As Parkinson’s Awareness Month continues, I am grateful for your support and look forward to sharing more celebrations in the future. In this time of renewal and hope, I wish you health and happiness.
Yours in the journey,
Jennifer Bitner
Chief Executive Officer
Neuro Challenge Foundation
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