Parkinson's Association of SWFL News

 PARKINSON’S ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA AWARDED A $30,000 GRANT
FOR MOVEMENT CLASSES FROM THE COLLIER COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
 
NAPLES, FLORIDA – (December 12, 2022) –The Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) has been awarded $30,000 from the Collier Community Foundation. The grant funds will support the movement classes offered to benefit persons in Southwest Florida with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) or other neurological disorders. Each week the PASWFL offers twice-daily movement classes on Zoom in addition to weekly in-person classes at the HIIT Factory in Naples.  The Collier Community Foundation grant will be used to continue offering these programs in Southwest Florida at no charge to participants.
 
 
 Growing evidence shows that vigorous exercise may have a neuroprotective effect on people with PD. Movement classes offered by the PASWFL offer a flexible and functional exercise approach that targets multiple symptoms and allow for adaptation for disease severity. These classes specifically target four skills shown by research to interfere with mobility in people with PD: antigravity extension, weight shifting, axial mobility, and transitional movements. Movement is a key element to living well with PD.
 
 
 “We are grateful for the generous support of the Collier Community Foundation,” said Mary C. Schoeffel, CFRE, Executive Director of the PASWFL. “The grant will have a direct impact through movement classes that we provide for the thousands of people in our community with PD who rely on the evidence-based support, services, and education we provide them to help them live well with PD. ​Our services and programming are free to members and their families affected by PD and other neurological disorders because we believe that everyone should have access to our programming and that finances should never be a barrier to our members. This grant from the Collier Community Foundation helps make that possible.”
 
 
About the Collier Community Foundation: Collier Community Foundation™ is a tax-exempt, public, charitable organization established in 1985 to increase and focus on local private philanthropy. Today, the Collier Community Foundation manages more than 850 funds, works with hundreds of nonprofits, and has granted over $268 million to nonprofit organizations, community programs, and scholarships. Informed giving. Powerful results.™  Learn more at colliercf.org or call 239-649-5000.
 
 About the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida
For over twenty-five years, PASWFL has provided front-line evidence-based, effective programs and services that improve the quality of life and educate, enrich, and empower our community members affected by PD and related neurological diseases. Each week the PAWSFL offers more than 20 programs and support groups for members with PD and their Care Partners and the greater SWFL community. There are no fees associated with becoming a member; the membership application is available online at www.parkinsonassociationswfl.org. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or by calling 239-417-3465.  PASWFL is located at 2575 Northbrooke Plaza Drive, Suite 301, Naples, FL 34119.
 
 About Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that the CDC ranks as the 14th-leading cause of death in the U.S., and the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s. There is currently no cure for this disease.

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Karim Mawji
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Russell B. Jones
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CONTACT Mary C. Schoeffel                                                       FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PHONE 239-417-3465                                                                    August 15, 2022
EMAIL mschoeffel@parkinsonassociationswfl.org
WEBSITE ParkinsonAssociationSWFL.org  
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PARKINSON’S ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA APPOINT NEW 2022-2023 BOARD MEMBERS
 
NAPLES, FLORIDA – (August 15, 2022) – The Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) appointed two members to its board of directors. Newly appointed members include Karim Mawji and Russell B. Jones as treasurer. Mawji and Jones join the existing all-volunteer board that includes Board Chair Bill Morgan, Vice Chair John Botsko, Secretary Joanne Hobin, and members Anthony Maglione, Beth Poorman, and Larry Sternberg, MD.
 
“Russell Jones and Karim Mawji bring valuable experience and expertise to our board,” said Bill Morgan, PASWFL Board Chair. “Our dedicated board members provide strategic and financial support to our organization and guide the association to its vision to create a healthier Parkinson community in Southwest Florida.”
 
Russell B. Jones is a former Sr. Vice President and CFO of a private label food company following over ten years working for an international accounting firm in San Francisco, California,  and Portland, Oregon. Mr. Jones and his wife moved to Naples in 2017. “I believe having a place to turn for support and information when a loved one is diagnosed with a brain disease is critical,” said Jones. “ I was able to find such a place when my spouse was diagnosed with dementia a few years ago.  It was very beneficial for my family.  I see PASWF as that place for people dealing with PD."
 
Karim Mawji is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Eagle Talon Partners LLC, an investment manager that employs fundamental and systematic event-focused strategies. Prior to forming Eagle Talon, Mr. Mawji founded Paragon Intel, a fintech alternative data analytics company, and Dentonia Park, a special situations hedge fund. Previously, he worked at Morgan Stanley, Deloitte & Touche, and various hedge funds as a principal investor, equity analyst, and M&A/Restructuring banker. Mr. Mawji and his wife Betty relocated from New York City to Naples, Florida in 2021. “Witnessing firsthand the debilitating effects of Lewy Body on my mother as a patient and on my father as her caregiver has made me a strong believer in the Parkinson’s Association of SWFL’s mission to maximize the quality of life for all people affected by this disease, including those unsung heroes who selflessly care for loved ones,” said Mawji.
 
 About the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida
For over twenty-five years, PASWFL has provided front-line evidence-based, effective programs and services that improve the quality of life, educate, enrich, and empower our community members affected by PD and related neurological diseases. Each week the PAWSFL offers more than 20 programs and support groups for members with PD and their Care Partners in addition to the greater SWFL community. There are no fees associated with becoming a member; the membership application is available online at www.parkinsonassociationswfl.org. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or by calling 239-417-3465.  PASWFL is located at 2575 Northbrooke Plaza Drive, Building 300, Suite 301, Naples, FL 34119.
 
 About Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that the CDC ranks as the 14th-leading cause of death in the U.S., and the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s. There is currently no cure for this disease.
 
If you would like more information or high-resolution images, please contact Patrice Shields at shieldscreative@gmail.com.
 
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Mary C. Schoeffel Joins the Parkinson's Association of SWFL as Executive Director
On behalf of the board of directors, I am thrilled to announce the appointment of Mary C, Schoeffel as the new Executive Director of the Parkinson’s Association of SWFL. Mary brings with her a remarkably strong background as a Certified Professional Fundraising Executive, CLICK TO READ MORE​
Fall 2020 News for the Parkinson's Association of SWFL
  • Message from the Board Chair and Executive Director
  • Legacy Circle Member Reinhold Krick
  • How does a Charitable Gift Annuity work? - Charles Weinrich
  • Parkinson's Resources
  • Caregiver Month
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE
Summer 2020 News for the Parkinson's Association of SWFL
  • Welcome our 2020 Board
  • Letter from the Chair
  • COVID-19 Response
  • PD Developments
  • Online Classes
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

 Rasheda Ali Speaks

Rashida Ali, daughter of Muhammad Ali speaks at lunch to support Parkinson's Association SWFL.
Read more
January 2017 Naples Daily News

Sarah Huckabee Sanders Speaks

Former White House Press Secretary ​speaks to support Parkinson's Association SWFL.
Read More
March 2019 Estero Life Magazine

Improv Helps people with PD

Applied improv classes inspire PD improv troupe perform at Parkinson's Association of SWFL event.
Read More 
April 2018 WGCU

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May 7, 2019 - Board of Directors
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April 16, 2019 - Parkinson Association of Southwest Florida celebrates International Parkinson Disease Awareness month with grant awards
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April 9, 2019 - A Step Forward Overcoming Obstacles with Judge Jeanine Pirro
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Parkinson's Association of Southwest Florida 
2575 Northbrooke Plaza Drive
Suite#301, Naples, FL 34119
239-417-3465
Office@ParkinsonAssociationSWFL.org
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