“Pushing Back at Parkinson’s – Moving Beyond Your Diagnosis”

The DHMC Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence will host its annual patient-based symposium Friday April 26th at the Hilton Garden Inn in Lebanon, NH. This year, we focus on how to thrive with Parkinson’s Disease – from exercise, to research to self-advocacy and expert care and resources close to home.

Featuring keynote speaker Dr. Sara Whittingham, who herself was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2020 – and then went onto complete the 2023 IRONMAN World Championship. Highlighted in media outlets such as the “TODAY” show and USA Today, she will share with you how a disease does not define a person.

Other speakers include: Davis Phinney Foundation ambassador Steve Quam, Parkinson’s Foundation Research Advocate John Tomeny and Upper Valley Programs for Parkinson’s Disease President Tamara Barry. We will also have a dance performance with some of our Parkinson’s Dance class members! The conference concludes with an expert panel of neurologists, psychiatrists and others answering your questions on how to live best your best life with Parkinson’s. Make sure to also visit the Exhibit Hall to learn more about other available Parkinson’s therapies.

We are so excited to have you join us Friday April 26th for this program and learn how Parkinson’s is life changing – not life ending!

Speakers:

• Sara Whittingham is a physician, Air Force Veteran, mother, triathlete and a warrior battling Parkinson’s disease.  She was diagnosed with PD in 2020 at the age of 46.  After a rough first year battling anxiety, depression and grieving for the future she had previously envisioned, she enrolled in a study, researching the effects of cycling on the progression of Parkinson’s disease.  Throughout the course of the study, she quickly realized that the more she rode the bike, the better she felt.  She was able to use that momentum to set some big goals and go after them.  She has since finished 3 half ironman triathlons and was an ambassador athlete at the Ironman World Championship in 2023 in Kona. Her story has been shared on the Today Show, the 2023 Ironman Documentary and Women’s Health magazine among others. Sara’s hope is to encourage others facing any challenge to find gratitude every day, continue to set big goals and focus on all that is positive so that we can each become the best versions of ourselves and bring that out in those around us.

• Steve Quam was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2008 at age 61. His sister, dad, aunt and grandfather all also have PD. Already a cycling fan, he naturally turned to the bike to help him cope with (and improve!) his Parkinson’s. He now spends his time raising funds and awareness through presentations, cycling events and his motto “Celebrate what you can do; don’t lament what you can’t do.”

• John Tomeny has been living with Parkinson’s for 10+ years. After his diagnosis, he took his fear and got on a bike – joining several exercise studies and leading Pedaling for Parkinson’s and dance classes for people with Parkinson’s. He is a Parkinson’s Foundation research advocate and works tirelessly to ensure everyone leads a better life with PD.

• Tamara Barry, a retired nurse practitioner at DHMC, first noticed a right-hand tremor at age 45 and was formally diagnosed in 2018. She immediately began medical treatment and joined Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) – and noticed her symptoms actually improved. She went onto become a RSB coach, a “Twitchy Woman” mentor, leader for local Parkinson’s hikes and President for the Upper Valley Programs for Parkinson’s. She lives in the Upper Valley with her husband and two children.

• Richard and Diane Caruso have both always had a deep passion for dance and movement – Richard teaching with the Fred Astaire Dance Academy and Diane successfully competing  in ballroom and Latin dance genres. They now help lead DHMC Dance for Parkinson’s classes, bringing their love of dance to PD students weekly.

• Movement Disorders Team at DHMC will also be fielding all of your questions about Parkinson’s – from fatigue to freezing to finding hope. Ask your team what matters to you!
  • Stephen Lee, MD, PhD; Co-Director Parkinson’s and Movement Disorder Clinic at Dartmouth
  • Mary Feldman, DO; Co-Director Parkinson’s and Movement Disorder Clinic at Dartmouth
  • Oliver Phillips, MD
  • Robert Roth, PhD, ABPP
  • Brian Rosen, MD, MSPH
  • Melanie Del Frari, APRN; Clinical Coordinator Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Clinic at Dartmouth
  • Kelly Farrell, MSW
  • Charlotte Jeffreys, CRC

Lunch is provided and this event is free. However, registration is required.

For registration, please click link above. If you have questions, please email us at movement@hitchcock.org.