Sarasota Student Making a Difference

February 4, 2022 – Sarasota

The Neuro Challenge Foundation (NCF) is pleased to spotlight Edward Shen. Shen has been a Neuro Challenge volunteer for several years and is a Pine View High School senior. Edward was nominated by NCF for the Youth in Philanthropy award. He won the award that was presented during National Philanthropy Day, hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. He will receive a scholarship to his college of choice, in gratitude for his selfless generosity and creative volunteerism.

What did Edward do to deserve this National Acknowledgment?
COVID has impacted over 3,000 people with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers in Sarasota and Manatee Counties and beyond as they saw their lives become isolated. Neuro Challenge immediately launched over 50 virtual programs to offer support for mental and emotional health,
as well as educational and therapeutic programs.

One such class was created and led by Neuro Challenge Student Volunteer Edward Shen. Edward has volunteered at Neuro Challenge events, the Parkinson’s Expo and mobilized other youth in community service to the local Parkinson’s community. Edward stepped up with a new
and exciting proposal – Parkinson’s Creative Writing Workshop Series.

Sara Grivetti, CEO Neuro Challenge Foundation, remarks, “Edward’s volunteering and his writing program is the epitome of how actions and commitments can change lives. He has made a difference to out clients and represents all that is good about wanting to help and having an impact.”

Edward states, “When I first proposed the Parkinson’s Creative Writing Workshop Series, I was incredibly excited to share writing’s ability to examine and to heal with the Parkinson’s community. What truly astounded me was how much our members taught me. Through classes, conversations, and correspondences, this talented and unique group of people went from being my students to friends, and even mentors! Getting to know them and building lasting friendships has been the highlight of my year. I’ll forever be thankful for this opportunity to teach and to learn.”

Those who joined Edward’s weekly series learned about Haikus, Sonnets, and most importantly how to use their voice, something that can often be a challenge for those on their PD journey. This program became an opportunity for the Parkinson’s community to express themselves and then share and collaborate with their peers.

Carol McClenahan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2010 and joined Edward’s class. “Edward was organized and always well prepared. He researched the benefits of creative writing to people with Parkinson’s and designed a program that was fun, challenging and gave us self-confidence too,” explains Carol. In 2021, several of Carol’s poetry selections were published, and today she continues her journey of life-long learning to find avenues of self-expression, making heartfelt connections with others and becomes more empowered each day to live well with Parkinson’s.

Edward Shen

Edward Shen is a senior at Pine View High School for the Gifted. He is an avid reader and writer who has won multiple regional (12 states) awards in the Scholastic Art and Writing Competition and acts as a reviewer and editor for a youth literary magazine. Passionate about neuroscience, Edward volunteers at the Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s and is the founder and president of the Pine View Neuroscience Club. He is an active contributor to and member of the International Youth Neuroscience Association and serves as President of the Pine View School for the Gifted chapter of IYNA. Upon graduation from high school in May 2022, Edward plans to begin his pre-med undergraduate studies in Neurology at Brown University. As a Neurologist, Edward will no doubt continue to share the joy and therapeutic properties of art and creativity, inspiring thousands of people with Parkinson’s disease and their loved ones.