FAQ | Parkinson Association of Greater Daytona Beach

FAQ's

Find answers to common questions about our organization, programs, events, donations and more. Can't find what you're looking for? We're always just a phone call or email away.

General Questions

What is the Parkinson Association of Greater Daytona Beach (PAGDB)?

PAGDB is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing, supporting and improving the lives of individuals and families affected by Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders in Volusia and Flagler County. We were founded in 2004 and are funded entirely through donations, fundraising events, sponsorships and donors.

Does the PAGDB serve people with movement disorders other than Parkinson's?

Yes. While Parkinson's disease is our primary focus, our mission includes supporting individuals and families affected by other movement disorders as well. All programs and meetings are open to anyone in need of support.

How can I become a member?

Membership is informal and there is no formal application process. You're considered part of our community simply by attending programs, meetings, or events. We do ask that you introduce yourself to our Executive Directors when you attend. To stay connected and receive updates, we strongly encourage you to sign up for our mailing list. If you have questions about membership, email us at: info@parkinsondaytona.org

How do I sign up for your mailing list?

You can join our mailing list from the 'Homepage', 'About' page, 'Contact' page or simply click here. We send updates about meetings, events, programs, resources and more in our community.

Our emails are sent through Mailchimp, a trusted email delivery platform. Once you sign up, here are a few tips to make sure you never miss an update:

Check your junk or spam folder after signing up, your first email from us may land there
Add info@parkinsondaytona.org to your contacts or safe senders list to ensure our emails are delivered to your inbox going forward
If you are unsure how to add an email address to your safe senders list, ask a family member or contact your email provider for help

If you ever have trouble receiving our emails or need to update your information, please contact us at info@parkinsondaytona.org and we'll be happy to assist.

How can I volunteer?

We love volunteers and are always grateful for extra hands! Volunteers help with events, outreach, event setup and more. No medical background is required. Please contact us through our Contact page and let us know you are interested in volunteering. Be sure to mention any skills or areas of interest so we can match you with the right opportunity.

I am in town visiting, can I participate in any programs or support groups?

Absolutely! You are welcome to join any of our programs or attend a monthly meeting. We love visitors and newcomers. Advanced registration is not required for most programs. Visit our Programs page, Support Group page and Monthly Meetings page to get the most current information on registration requirements, schedules, locations and more.

What programs and support groups do you offer?

We offer a variety of programs including exercise classes, support groups and educational meetings at locations throughout the county. Visit our Programs page and Support Group page for details on schedules and locations.

Each program below is independently organized and has its own registration requirements, schedules and contact information. Some programs require advance sign-up, while others welcome drop-ins. Occasional schedule changes may occur. Please review the details listed for each program before attending for the first time.

For questions about a specific program, we recommend reaching out directly to the group or facilitator running that program. Their contact information can be found on the corresponding flyer or website links. If you have trouble tracking down information or aren't sure where to start, don't hesitate to contact us, we're always happy to help point you in the right direction!

We also recommend signing up for our mailing list to stay up to date on all events and offerings in our community.

Where are your monthly meetings held?

Our monthly meetings are typically held on the third Wednesday of the Month from 2:00 - 3:30 PM at The Blake at LPGA, 1635 N. Williamson Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32117. Dates may occasionally vary, especially around holidays. Locations may also change based on availability, but we will inform our members of those changes. Meeting dates, times and locations will always be listed in the Zeffy page for meetings. We recommend signing up for our mailing list to stay up to date on everything going on in our community, including changes or updates to meetings and events.

I am interested in sponsoring or partnering with your organization.

We love our sponsors and would be thrilled to partner with your business or organization! Please fill out our Contact form or email us at: info@parkinsondaytona.org. To sponsor the Fun Walk, click here, click the Sponsor button to see all of our Sponsorship levels and additional information.

What is a Movement Disorder Specialist (MDS)?

A Movement Disorder Specialist (MDS) is a neurologist who has completed additional fellowship training specifically focused on movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease. They have deeper expertise in diagnosing, treating and managing Parkinson's than a general neurologist, and are often best equipped to handle complex medication adjustments, DBS (deep brain stimulation) referrals and advanced care planning.

Why should I see a Movement Disorder Specialist (MDS)?

Research consistently shows that people with Parkinson's who see a Movement Disorder Specialist tend to have better outcomes, including fewer hospitalizations and better quality of life. If you have access to visit to one, even for an annual or semi-annual consultation alongside your regular neurologist, it is generally recommended.

How do I find a Movement Disorder Specialist near me?

There is a free, searchable online directory of Movement Disorder Specialists across the country. You can search by zip code or city to find providers near you: Find a Movement Disorder Specialist. You can also ask your primary care physician or current neurologist for a referral. Currently there are no Movement Disorder Specialists in Volusia or Flagler County. The closest MDS's are going to be in the Orlando area, Gainseville and Jacksonville.

Why is exercise so important for people with Parkinson's disease?

Exercise is one of the most powerful tools available to people living with Parkinson's disease and research continues to show just how significant its impact can be. Studies have found that regular physical activity can slow the progression of Parkinson's symptoms and in many cases the benefits of exercise are comparable to those of medication. In fact, some research suggests that people who incorporate consistent movement into their routine have measurably better outcomes than those who do not.

Exercise has been shown to help with:

Balance and fall prevention - one of the most critical concerns for people with Parkinson's
Tremor and rigidity - regular movement can help reduce stiffness and improve motor control
Gait and mobility - structured programs can improve walking speed, stride length and confidence
Mood and mental health - physical activity stimulates dopamine production and has been shown to reduce depression and anxiety, which are common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's
Cognitive function - emerging research suggests exercise may help protect against cognitive decline
Overall quality of life - people who stay active consistently report feeling better and maintaining independence longer

The key is finding activities you enjoy and can sustain. That is exactly why PAGDB offers a variety of programs, from Adaptive Pickleball, to Wholistic Movement and Motion & Mindfulness. Our hope is that every person can find something that works for their body, ability level and personality. It is never too early and never too late to start moving!

We encourage everyone in our community to speak with their neurologist or Movement Disorder Specialist about incorporating an exercise plan into their care. Movement matters!

Can PAGDB recommend a doctor, neurologist, or therapist?

We are not able to formally endorse particular providers, as we are a non-profit community organization and not a medical practice. However, we can point you toward some excellent resources to help you find qualified specialists in our area and beyond.

Movement Disorder Specialists (Neurologists): A free, searchable online directory of Movement Disorder Specialists across the country. You can search by zip code or city to find providers near you: Find a Movement Disorder Specialist.

Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists & Speech Therapists: When looking for therapists experienced with Parkinson's disease, we recommend asking specifically for providers trained in Parkinson's-focused approaches, including:

LSVT BIG - a physical and occupational therapy program specifically designed for people with Parkinson's that focuses on larger, more exaggerated movements to improve mobility and function
LSVT LOUD - a speech therapy program designed for Parkinson's that targets vocal loudness and clarity, which are commonly affected as the disease progresses
PWR! Moves - another evidence-based physical therapy approach developed specifically for Parkinson's

You can search for certified LSVT BIG and LOUD therapists in your area at: Find an LSVT Certified Clinician

Our best recommendation is to ask your current neurologist or primary care physician for referrals to therapists familiar with Parkinson's disease. You can also ask fellow community members at our monthly meetings, our members are an incredibly knowledgeable and generous resource and many are happy to share their personal experiences with local providers.

Events & Registration

How can I register or RSVP for the monthly meetings?

You can RSVP for our monthly meetings online through Zeffy, our registration and payment platform. Visit the Monthly Meetings page on our website and click the RSVP button. You will be taken to our Zeffy event page where you can complete your registration at no cost. RSVP is not required to attend, but it helps us prepare for the right number of attendees.

How to RSVP on Zeffy:

Click the RSVP link on the Monthly Meetings page
Select the number of attendees
Enter your name and email address
Complete your registration and you will receive a confirmation email

How can I register for the Fun Walk?

There are two ways to register for the Fun Walk:

Online (preferred): Register through our website via Zeffy. Visit the Fun Walk page and click the 'Register' button. See "How do I register for an event on Zeffy?" below for step-by-step instructions.

By Mail: Download the registration form, fill it out completely and mail it with a check payable to PAGDB to: P.O. Box 4193, Ormond Beach, FL 32175.

How do I register for an event on Zeffy?

Zeffy is the online platform we use for event registrations and donations. Here's how to use it:

Click the registration link on the relevant event page
Select your registration type, click 'Add' and add the number of participants
Fill in the required information, including digitally signing the release waiver (release waivers are for the Fun Walk only)
At checkout, you will see a pre-selected optional contribution to support Zeffy, you can adjust this to any amount, including $0
Enter your payment information and submit
You will receive a confirmation email with your registration details with your tickets/QR code for the event

Zeffy is secure and easy to use. If you run into any trouble, please contact us at: info@parkinsondaytona.org and we'll be happy to help.

Why does the PAGDB use Zeffy?

Zeffy is completely free for non-profit organizations, meaning no processing fees are deducted from your donations. Every dollar you donate goes directly to the PAGDB and supporting our mission!

Zeffy operates through an optional donation at checkout, this helps them to continue their services to no cost for nonprofits like ours! At checkout you will see a pre-selected suggested contribution to support their platform, you are free to adjust or remove this completely.

We chose Zeffy specifically to maximize the impact of every dollar our community contributes. It is also pretty intuitive and easy to use.

Do I have to give Zeffy a donation?

No, you are allowed to adjust or remove the optional donation to Zeffy. Zeffy has a pre-selected suggested contribution on all events that require payment. Things like RSVP-ing to our Monthly Meetings are free and you will not see the optional donation to Zeffy. The optional donation to Zeffy helps them continue their services at no cost to non-profts like ours.

Do I have to sign the release waiver for the Fun Walk?

Yes. All participants must complete the registration form, which includes a release waiver, in order to participate in the Fun Walk. You will not be able to complete registration until the form is filled out in its entirety.

If you are registering multiple people, please ensure you have spoken with each individual and have their consent to sign the waiver on their behalf. By submitting the form, you are acknowledging that each listed participant has read and agrees to the Release Waiver and understands they are participating at their own risk. We may also ask participants to sign a physical waiver at the event.

Can I register multiple people for the Fun Walk?

Yes! You can register multiple participants in a single transaction through Zeffy. Be sure to fill out the registration information (t-shirt size, agreement to the release waiver) for each individual, including children.

Can children participate in the Fun Walk?

Yes! Children are welcome to participate in the Fun Walk. However, all participants must have a signed release waiver on file. A parent or legal guardian must complete the registration form and sign the release waiver on behalf of any minor. By signing, the parent or guardian acknowledges that they have read the Release Waiver, consent to their child's participation and understand that the child is participating at their own risk. We may also ask that a waiver be signed in person at the event.

Can I bring my pet to the Fun Walk?

Absolutely, we love your fur babies! Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome to join the fun. Please be sure to clean up after your pet and keep them close to you throughout the event out of courtesy for other participants. The more the merrier!

Service animals are always welcome at all of our events and programs, no questions asked! Many people living with Parkinson's rely on trained service dogs for balance, mobility assistance, fall alerts and daily support. We recognize and deeply respect the vital role these animals play in their handler's life and independence.

Donations

How can I donate to the Parkinson Association of Greater Daytona Beach?

Thank you for your generosity! We accept donations in the following ways:

Zeffy (preferred): Donate online through our Donate page. Zeffy is completely free for non-profit organizations and charges no processing fees, so 100% of your donation reaches us!
*At checkout you will see a pre-selected optional contribution to support Zeffy's platform. This donation goes directly to Zeffy to help them continue offering their services at no cost to non-profits. It is entirely optional and you are always welcome to adjust the amount, including setting it to $0, before completing your transaction.
PayPal & Venmo: You can donate via PayPal and Venmo here. You can also find us on Venmo by searching @parkinsonassociationdaytona under charities.
By Mail: Make a check payable to PAGDB and mail to: P.O. Box 4193, Ormond Beach, FL 32175.

Can I make a donation 'In Honor Of' or 'In Memory Of'?

Yes! When donating through Zeffy or by mail, you can designate your gift in honor or in memory of someone. Please include the name and any notification details (such as the family's mailing address) and we will send an acknowledgment on your behalf.

I am concerned about making an online donation or using my credit card online.

We understand your concerns. All online transactions processed through Zeffy and PayPal use industry-standard encryption to protect your personal and financial information. We do not store your credit card information on our website. If you prefer not to pay online, you are always welcome to donate or register by mailing a check.

Are my donations tax deductible?

Yes, the Parkinson Association of Greater Daytona Beach (PAGDB) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Please keep your receipt as your official record. We'll email it to you upon successful completion of your donation. For check donations, contact us to request a written acknowledgment letter.

What is your Tax ID (EIN) number?

20-0678283