Bonnie and Derek in the reception of The Bandeen Center, which opened in February |
| Dear friends,
Spring has arrived in New York—just in time for April, which is also Parkinson’s Awareness Month. In honor of this, we are shortly launching our inaugural Parkinson’s 101 Week, a series of expert-led, in-person lectures for our newly-diagnosed members and their loved ones, covering everything from communicating with your doctor and managing exercise and nutrition, to supporting your mental health and wellbeing. On April 25, we will be joining thousands of PD advocates in Central Park for the annual Parkinson’s Unity Walk, proudly representing The Bandeen Center in support of the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s research for a cure.
And while we’re eagerly planning the renovation of our expanding facility at 133 East 58th Street, we’re hearing daily from our growing community of people with PD and their families, neurologists and healthcare professionals, neighbors and friends—about what this center means to them. “I wanted a place that offers comprehensive care, and this is it!” they tell us. “This center is sorely needed,” doctors share. “We love coming here,” care partners offer. We’re humbled and buoyed by this warm reception. Truly, we extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for being on this journey with us.
We hope you will come visit The Bandeen Center when you’re next in our neighborhood. Our doors are always open! Sincerely, Bonnie & Derek |
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(Virtually) Tour The Bandeen Center! |
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Check out our video tour of our midtown Manhattan facility and explore NYC’s first dedicated space for holistic Parkinson’s care from wherever you are. From our inviting reception to our state-of-the-art fitness studios, you can catch a glimpse of where our exciting programs and community come to life. |
| Come explore The Bandeen Center! |
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YOUR GIFT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE |
In honor of Parkinson’s Awareness Month, we invite you to donate to the Parkinson’s Wellness Foundation. A gift of any amount helps fund the programming and resources that empower our PD community to live their fullest lives—from fitness classes and speech therapy to financial support for people in need and the renovation of our growing Bandeen Center. You may donate in honor of someone you love, or make a recurring gift to maximize your impact. Thank you for supporting our mission and for making a difference!
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| A Few Events to Keep in Mind This May! |
Our robust program of classes and events continues to grow so we can best support the physical and mental wellbeing of people impacted by PD. See below for some upcoming highlights, check out the complete schedule online, sign up through MindBody or give us a call, (212) 831-3476, to register. We look forward to seeing you!
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Get ready to lift your voice and lighten your mood with organist and choral conductor J. David Williams. Participants will warm up with simple movements and breathwork before singing familiar songs accompanied by live piano. No experience necessary. |
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Tai Chi is coming to The Bandeen Center! These monthly classes, led by experienced PD Tai Chi instructors Ken Gray and Sokie Lee, incorporate gentle exercises designed to improve stability, build strength, and boost confidence. All levels are welcome. |
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Dance the afternoon away! Join us for a special Argentine tango social experience featuring an adapted style of tango designed to support balance, coordination, and confidence. No dance experience needed—just a willingness to move and connect in an upbeat environment! |
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Speech Pathologist Antonia Andrades Schroeder, MS CCC-SLP, continues to deliver the research-based therapy SPEAK OUT program at The Bandeen Center. These bi-weekly classes help people with PD retain and regain their speech and swallowing. Reclaim your voice with the tools and motivation you need. |
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Highlights from the PWF community |
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In the latest issue of the magazine of UPenn’s Wharton School (alma mater of Bonnie!), read about how our Co-Founders redirected their retirement to build The Bandeen Center–and the community they wished they had found following Derek’s PD diagnosis seven years ago. |
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Maria Portman and David Leventhal lead a Dance for PD class at The Bandeen Center in February. |
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Ask an Expert: David Leventhal, Program Director & Founding Teacher of Dance for PD®
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In our latest Ask an Expert feature, we talk to David Leventhal—former member of the Mark Morris Dance Group who helped launch the internationally acclaimed Dance for PD program 25 years ago—about the power of community, the role of agency and confidence in dance, and why he’s thrilled about the partnership between Dance for PD and The Bandeen Center. Spoiler alert: we’re starting Dance for PD classes in June! |
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Become a Member of The Bandeen Center! |
Whether you want to to join for a day, work out for a month, or commit to a year, The Bandeen Center can become your home away from home for fitness, wellness, and community. Membership includes unlimited fitness classes, free attendance to our events, and access to our reception for you and your care partner. Financial support is also available, and your first visit is free! |
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EMPOWERED TO MOVE. EMPOWERED TO BE. |
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