Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Friedberg JCC hosted a Parkinson’s Wellness Fair on April 28, bringing together medical professionals, caregivers and community organizations in recognition of Parkinson’s Awareness Month. The event featured a keynote presentation from the Michael J. Fox Foundation, highlighting the latest developments in research, treatment and patient advocacy.
Held at the Oceanside-based center, the fair aimed to connect individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their families with critical resources while fostering a sense of community. Representatives from major health systems and service providers, including Mount Sinai South Nassau and Northwell Health, joined local and regional organizations to offer information on care options, support services and emerging therapies.
Gloria LeBeaux, director of social work services at the Friedberg JCC, said the event grew out of a desire to increase awareness while strengthening connections among providers and patients.
“It’s awareness. It’s information. It’s really giving our community an opportunity to come together,” LeBeaux said. “Many people with Parkinson’s can feel isolated, and this gives them a chance to meet others, sometimes for the first time, even if they’ve been part of the same support group for years.”
LeBeaux said the idea for the fair began about three years ago as she developed relationships with vendors and organizations serving the Parkinson’s community. The event was also designed to complement the JCC’s upcoming Parkinson’s 5K, scheduled for May 17, by giving sponsors and participants more meaningful opportunities to engage with the public.
Among the participating organizations were the Blumenkranz Caregiver Center, Legal Services of Long Island, Cornell Cooperative Extension and several caregiving and assisted living resources. Vendors also addressed alternative wellness options, including CBD products for managing symptoms such as anxiety, inflammation and sleep issues.
The fair offered a wide range of information, from home care and travel assistance to counseling and pharmaceutical treatments. LeBeaux emphasized the importance of equipping individuals with knowledge about available interventions as the disease continues to affect a growing number of people.
“People need to know what is out there,” she said. “They need to be their own advocates—how to take care of themselves and how to approach this disease.”
A highlight of the event was a presentation by Christina Benigno, a senior patient engagement specialist with the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Benigno outlined the organization’s role not only in funding research but also in shaping the direction of scientific studies in collaboration with patients and researchers.
She noted that there are currently about 178 therapies in development for Parkinson’s disease — more than at any point in history. These include treatments targeting alpha-synuclein, a protein associated with the disease, as well as therapies focused on reducing inflammation and addressing genetic factors.
“There’s no one right way to get involved,” Benigno said, encouraging attendees to explore opportunities in research participation, advocacy and fundraising through the foundation.
Benigno also highlighted ongoing clinical trials and emerging treatments aimed at slowing disease progression and improving symptoms such as gait and mobility. Some therapies, she said, are in late-stage trials or under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
In addition to educational programming, the event served as a social gathering, with attendees visiting vendor tables and connecting with peers. Food was provided by the JCC’s Harvey’s Café, adding to the welcoming atmosphere.
The fair reflected a broader effort by the JCC to build a supportive network for those impacted by Parkinson’s disease, combining education, outreach and community engagement in one setting.
