Community Support makes our programs possible

Upon the arrival of our twentieth anniversary, we’re both reflecting on the progress of research and programs we’ve invested in over the past two decades and looking ahead to the work yet to be done. Twenty years ago, it was hard to imagine we would not yet be celebrating a cure. Finding a cure for Parkinson’s remains the ultimate shared goal in our community. However, our educational mission, community connection, and inspiration to help people today are as pressing as ever. 

At the Davis Phinney Foundation, we believe that by focusing on the individual—to meet each person where they are in their journey with Parkinson’s—is how we provide the essential support to live well today. 

In that spirit, we invite you today to support our mission and make a gift to our spring campaign.

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“Shortly after I was diagnosed, I learned about a Davis Phinney Foundation event. I attended with my family to learn how to take care of myself. It was fabulous! It armed me with knowledge, assuaged many of my fears, and gave me hope for a future.”

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Research Timeline

For more than a decade, we have supported innovative research, often investing in early-stage research ideas that have grown and made a meaningful impact on how people live with Parkinson’s. Learn more by scrolling down and clicking on a study to read about it.

2007
We funded early studies on deep brain stimulation (DBS), including projects on novel surgical techniques for placement, the impact of DBS on balance and gait, and the neurological mechanisms underlying the therapeutic benefits.
2009
The CHOP PD study established an important foundation for future intervention research by showing that people who do not exercise in the first two years following a Parkinson’s diagnosis experience a steeper decline in quality of life than those who do exercise.
2010
Looking at rhythmic auditory stimulation and gait training, researchers showed that an in-home program could reduce incidence of falling, as well as increase speed of walking and length of steps, both predictors of falling.
2010
In this groundbreaking study, the research team showed that aerobic exercise has the strong potential to slow Parkinson’s progression in newly diagnosed individuals who have not yet been treated with anti-Parkinson's medications.
2013
Evaluating the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of connecting people with Parkinson’s with specialists via telemedicine, the RACE-PD study played a key role in making the vision of providing expert care using technology a reality.
2014
This study confirmed that tai chi, a type of exercise that integrates motor and non-motor functions, has the potential to improve motor function, depression, and quality of life for people with Parkinson’s.
2016
In a study researching the impact of vocal fold augmentation using a short-acting injectable gel that can last up to three months, participants experienced improved loudness, voice quality, and intelligibility after treatment.
2018
Now in progress in a real-life setting, the Pedaling for Parkinson’s™ study is evaluating researchers’ prediction that community cycling classes––such as the existing, low-cost program often hosted by YMCAs––can slow the progression of Parkinson’s.
2022
Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is a novel way to deliver resistance exercise to people with more advanced Parkinson's. BFR uses an external cuff to partially occlude blood flow of an exercising limb, causing muscle hypoxia and triggering anaerobic metabolism even at low intensities (20-30% of 1-repetition max).

You can help make groundbreaking research like this happen. Contribute to our research fund to help us continue making discoveries that improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s.

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Make Your Gift Today

Join the thousands of donors who help make our work a reality each year.

Make your secure donation online or call us at 1-866-358-0285.

Learn about the increased tax incentives for charitable giving when you make a gift of stock or a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA here.

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