A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of convening stakeholders from across the Movement Disorders Ecosystem at our ALL IN! Support Group & Community Leader National Summit in Austin, TX. As the second bi-annual gathering of its kind, we wondered, would attendees—many of whom joined us in 2022—have a different experience than they did following the end of COVID closures? Would they leave feeling as inspired, connected, and empowered as we hoped?
We need not have worried. No matter the timing, when our folks gather, we create something unique and magical together. This wasn’t the same summit as two years prior, but a fresh take based on the needs of the community today, enhanced by new ideas like the activity room (a brainchild of our PMD Alliance Ambassadors) and support from local partners like GAPS TX (Georgetown Area Parkinson’s Support). With the theme “Reframing Support,” we explored and celebrated community organizing in new ways, challenging preconceived notions and embracing the fun and vibrancy of our collective creativity.
Thanks to an art auction from The Quiver and Cindy Martin’s “Sip Coffee and Paint” sessions, attendees had the opportunity to take home local art or make their own. Judith Sachs helped couples explore ways to reconnect and keep the romance alive and well, despite the challenges of a movement disorder. PMD Alliance team members hit the big screen in a screening of “The Only Day We Have,” and MY PD-CARE Advocates was launched, recruiting community leaders to help spread the impact of an expert-developed tool in their circles.
We learned about stigma, mentorship, movement, storytelling, improv, sleep, supporting care partners, and so much more, sharing gratitude every step of the way for our volunteer speakers, sponsors, and all those who made the event possible, as well as for our 2024 Community Impact awardee, Indu Subramanian, MD. No event is without their hiccups, of course, but we met those unexpected challenges with the tenacity and mutual support that is characteristic of our community. With so many ALL IN! veterans in attendance, it felt much like a reunion, inviting the deepening of relationships and sharing of community impacts made possible by the previous summit.
“I feel rejuvenated for at least one more year,” one attendee told us—a sentiment shared by the PMD Alliance staff.
As a fully remote team, we rarely have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with so many of our friends and allies, and every time, we’re reminded of how meaningful these moments are. While there were team members who were not able to make the trip, the stories brought back by those who did carried with them the care and compassion of our community.
We listened with wide smiles as Kelly Merkel shared the many times someone came to the registration desk, simply to keep her company or offer a snack. We applauded when Eden Feldman described the unfailing enthusiasm of PMD Alliance Ambassadors Julie Worden and Robert Cochrane, both of whom stepped in at the eleventh hour to help fill the gaps when two of our conference staff members were unable to join us. We celebrated when we saw the video of Rebecca Korduner being serenaded with “Happy Birthday,” following a fun-filled workout with American Ninja Warrior, Jimmy Choi.
It just goes to show the rewarding and symbiotic nature of serving others—we seek to create fellowship for all those in our community, and through that experience, we refine our priorities and refuel our own passion. PMD Alliance believes human connection is a fundamental need, but it’s all too easy to forget to take our own advice in the midst of so many needs in our community we seek to fill. This time with our people is a priceless reminder to step back, to celebrate collective triumphs, and to continue to utilize the power we communally create, rather than attempting to become a lone turtle carrying the ecosystem on our back. Progress is always best made together.
And on that note, we could not have accomplished any of this without the support and dedication of our PMD Alliance Ambassadors, many of whom volunteered their time and expertise as ALL IN! speakers. Their feedback and partnership throughout the planning and execution of the summit was invaluable, and we are incredibly lucky to have them in our corner.
“I got goosebumps when you asked the ambassadors to step up in the circle today. So much has happened in the two years since DC… We felt like rock stars,” one told us, and we thought the term was more than appropriate. What better descriptor for those who passionately forge ahead toward their vision, creating new ways to connect and inspire people along the way?
