Parkinson's Fitness Ability-based Exercise, Arts and Movement Programs

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October 2026 Dear Parkinson’s Fitness Participants, Families, and Friends:   It is with mixed emotions that we share an important announcement about Parkinson’s Fitness (PF).   After careful consideration, the Parkinson’s Fitness Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to dissolve the Parkinson’s Fitness program, effective December 31, 2026.   For more than 13 years, Parkinson’s Fitness has been honored to provide exercise, education, support, and connection to people living with Parkinson’s disease and their families throughout the North Shore. What began in 2013 with just two classes has grown into a community offering weekly exercise programs, monthly support groups, quarterly educational luncheons, and specialized workshops in art, music, and movement.   Our programs have been offered over the years in partnership with community centers and organizations in Salem, Gloucester, Marblehead, Danvers, Lynnfield, Topsfield, Beverly, Hamilton, and online, helping make specialized Parkinson’s programming accessible to people throughout our region. Nearly all our participants are Essex County residents, and our 550-member newsletter has allowed us to extend our reach by connecting people with Parkinson’s to resources and educational opportunities throughout Massachusetts.   Most importantly, Parkinson’s Fitness has never been just about exercise. It has been about friendship, encouragement, understanding, and knowing that you are not alone in living with Parkinson’s. The relationships formed in our classes, support groups, luncheons, and workshops have been at the heart of PF, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of this community.   We recognize that this announcement may be difficult and disappointing. We are committed to making the transition as thoughtful and supportive as possible. PF programs will continue through December 31, 2026, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of the remaining classes, gatherings, and opportunities to connect with one another. We also encourage our participants and families to continue seeking Parkinson’s-specific exercise, support, education, and community resources after PF concludes. We will do our best to share information about other organizations and programs that may help meet these needs.   We extend our deepest appreciation to each instructor, participant, family member, caregiver, volunteer, community partner, donor, and supporter who has helped make Parkinson’s Fitness what it is today. Your trust, participation, encouragement, and friendship have meant more to us than words can express.   Thank you for allowing us to be part of your Parkinson’s journey. It has been our privilege to move, learn, laugh, and share this community with you for more than 13 years.   With sincere gratitude and warmest wishes,  The Parkinson’s Fitness Board of Directors * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *             A heartfelt message from Parkinson's Fitness co-founder, Linda Hall... My late husband, Keith, and I struggled with the mixed emotions many of you experience because of an unwelcome diagnosis. We chose to create positive, supporting ways of living well despite Parkinson's for ourselves and eventually for others as well.  It has been the Hall family's honor to have shared our vision for pioneering local accessible programs that help support building confidence for people with Parkinson's to believe that "instead of giving myself reasons why I can't, I will give myself reasons why I can."  We are grateful that you believed in us.   Most sincerely,   Linda

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