Paint the Town Orange!

March 28, 2025 | Sarasota

Neuro Challenge Foundation is observing Parkinson’s Awareness Month during April with a multitude of services, events, and social get-togethers through their annual campaign “Paint the Town Orange”.

Facts about Parkinson’s Disease:

· Parkinson’s disease affects over 1 million Americans.

· Nearly 90,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with Parkinson’s each year.

· Scientists believe a combination of environmental and genetic factors cause PD.

· People with Parkinson’s experience both movement and non-movement related symptoms.

· Symptoms can be managed through treatments like medications, lifestyle changes, exercise and in some cases, surgery.

· Early-onset Parkinson’s disease occurs in people younger than 50 years of age.

“During the month of April, the Parkinson’s community, our sponsors, donors and partners all participate to spread awareness about Parkinson’s Disease and “Paint” the Town Orange with Neuro Challenge materials to share about the in-person and virtual programs and services offered at NO CHARGE,” explains Jennifer Bitner, CEO of Neuro Challenge Foundation.

Bitner continues,” Help us spread Parkinson’s awareness by “Painting” your social media.” Here’s How: Take a picture of you wearing your favorite shade of orange. If not, anything orange will do. If Parkinson’s has impacted your family, please attend an event and take advantage of the plethora of services and support offered to our community. Be sure to post about your experience and tag:

#PainttheTownOrange #ParkinsonsAwareness #NeuroChallenge

Here is a sampling of our in-person April events across our greater Tampa Bay and Suncoast communities. In addition, there are dozens of virtual events from which to choose.

· Pedaling for Parkinson’s (2 Locations)

· Art Spark Series with YEA Ringling Students – Sarasota

· Off Key Chorale Spring Series – Sarasota

· Parkinson’s Support Group-Punta Gorda

· Parkinson’s Tae Kwon Do – Sarasota

· Tranquil Tuesday Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

· Parkinson’s Support Group – Port Charlotte

· Art Spark Series, Painting With A Twist – Sarasota

· Navigate & Educate for Parkinson’s, Stroke, and other Neurological conditions – Venice

· Parkinson’s Support Group – Longboat Key

· PD Ed and Support Group in partnership with Suncoast Parkinson’s Support Group- St. Petersburg

· PD 101 Lunch & Learn – Englewood

· Parkinson’s Support Group – Sebring

· Care Partner Support Group – St. Petersburg

· HCA Florida Parkinson’s Group – Manatee

· Care Partner Support Group for Advanced Stage Parkinson’s – Sarasota

· Movers and Shakers Parkinson’s Education & Support Program – Venice

· Mind and Motion Parkinson’s Education and Support Group – Ocala

· Lunch & Learn, YMCA Lakewood Ranch

Please explore this link for the FULL monthly programs in more detail – neurochallenge.org/program-calendar

To schedule an interview with Jennifer Bitner please contact Lisabeth Begin at 727-243-6965. Media is encouraged to attend any of our “Paint the Town Orange” events. Please let us know in advance.