The Parkinson Association of Alabama hosts the Moving Forward conference in Daphne

DAPHNE, Ala. (WALA) - The Daphne Civic Center was the home on Tuesday for a valuable and informative experience. The annual Moving Forward conference.

Since its founding back in 1978, the Parkinson Association of Alabama has had one goal, and that’s to improve the quality of life for patients, caregivers, and families affected by the disease.

“The key to it is education. Making people aware of what’s available. Making sure they understand that we’re here as a state organization to find any kind of resource they need as far as referrals and where they need help,” Parkinson Association of Alabama board member J. Gary Ellis said.

That’s where the Moving Forward conference comes in. They discussed topics like personal connection, pharmaceuticals, clinical trials, neurology, physical therapy, and caregiving.

“The fact that Alabama has a projected around 16,000 diagnosed people living with it every day gives you some kind of idea of the scale for a state that’s got over four million in the population. We’ve got a lot of folks who need help and who need the support,” Ellis said.

“My father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. I served alongside my mom as his caregiver for eleven and a half years. All of a sudden, you’ve joined a fraternity that you didn’t want to join. You need that help. You need to know that there are other people that are going through what you’re going through,” CEO Bibby Bailey said.

And while going through it, the organization shares this message.

“There’s always hope. Don’t give up. Every day is a new day, and we’re working hard on research to find a cure or to at least stop the progression of the disease,” Bailey said.

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