About us

The Parkinson's Project has been designed to enhance individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Each program has instructional art workshops and wellness programs along with a support group with peers built into each program. This allows us to share with like-minded people and create a sense of community that is much needed always allowing for a holistic approach with our community members and families.

Nearly one million people in the U.S. are living with Parkinson's disease (PD). This number is expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030. Parkinson's is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease. Nearly 90,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with PD each year. More than 10 million people worldwide are living with PD.

Parkinson Disease is a chronic neurodegenerative condition known to impair motor and non-motor functions including interference with visuospatial functions. This means losing function of visuospatial and the loss orientation in space and perception of motion. just to name a few aspects of how PD effect people.

Each year the Parkinson’s experts from around the world who treat Parkinson’s patients have found that art therapy and exercise help a great deal with Tremors, Freezing, Impaired Speech, Isolation, Cognition, Dexterity, Balance, Fine Motor Skills, Depression and much more.

Working in these groups create a sense of community and emotional support for the person living with PD, caregivers and family. Many enjoy the social aspect and develop lasting relationships and friendships and health benefits.

The Parkinson Project will provide support for our local cities and towns on a weekly and monthly basis through our enrichment programs to ensure people that live with PD have a better quality of life.

We hope to see you soon!

Bio/FOUNDER

Please allow me to take a brief moment to introduce myself, my name is Teresa Riffe and I am the founder of Parkinson Project. As a young child my favorite time of the day was when I was painting and creating artwork, In latter years I decided to pursue a career in the medical field. After spending more than a decade in medical field. I finally had an opportunity to pursue my passion in the arts. I created a business that offered outreach programs in the arts for adults and children.

That being said I' have been offering classes and workshops for more than 18years. and truly love it., it is my passion.

Three years ago, when I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, I was completely shattered by these diagnoses. My family has a great understanding of PD because my Dad suffered with this disease as well. After some time passed by, I decided to dig my heels in and FIGHT BACK, by offering art, wellness programs and Food Insecurity and over all support to bring a better quality of life to Parkinson's patients.

And just like many other great ideas this all started with just a few scribbles on napkin and the Parkinson Project took life and was born.