Parkinson’s disease affects more than one million Americans and is one of the world’s fastest growing brain diseases. Why? What is the cause of Parkinson’s Disease and what can we do to prevent or slow it down?
Dr. Ray Dorsey, neurologist and co-author of The Parkinson’s Plan, joins Dr. Sara Ann Whittingham, Air Force veteran, physician, and person living with Parkinson’s disease, for a timely conversation on prevention, care, and the future of Parkinson’s research. Moderated by Maggie Kuhl of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, this discussion brings together cutting-edge science and lived experience to explore paths forward for patients, families, and clinicians. We are pleased to partner with regional Parkinson’s organizations in support of this event.
This conversation will explore emerging research on preventing and slowing Parkinson’s disease, improving care delivery, and elevating patient perspectives in shaping research and policy. With insights from both clinical science and lived experience, the discussion highlights where progress is being made—and what still needs to change.
Categories
At a Glance
Physician living with Parkinson's Disease, Air Force Veteran
Author of "Oh Crap! It's Parkinson's: A Rebel's Guide"
Honors
Sara Ann Whittingham, MD is an Air Force veteran, an endurance athlete, and a physician living with Parkinson’s disease. Drawing on both medical training and lived experience, she writes about navigating diagnosis, identity and life after uncertainty in her new book, Oh Crap! It's Parkinson's: A Rebel's Guide. Sara is a clinical faculty member at Northeast Ohio Medical University. She serves on the Advisory Council on Parkinson’s Research, Care, and Services, convened by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where she helps guide national priorities around research, care models, and patient support.
At a Glance
Co-author, "The Parkinson's Plan"
Co-author, "Ending Parkinson's Disease"
Honors
Dr. Ray Dorsey is a neurologist, researcher, and public health leader working to end Parkinson’s disease by addressing its root causes – toxic environmental exposures. He is the co-author of the New York Times bestseller, The Parkinson’s Plan: A New Path to Prevention and Treatment (2025) and Ending Parkinson’s Disease (2020).
Dr. Dorsey is Professor of Neurology (part time) and founding Director of the Center for Human Experimental Therapeutics at the University of Rochester Medical Center. A leading expert on Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders, Dr. Dorsey focuses on improving access to neurological care and developing new models of treatment delivery. His research has been widely published and featured in national media, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and NPR.
One of the world’s most widely read, cited, and followed neurologists, Dr. Dorsey is investigating the environmental drivers of brain diseases and advancing a vision where conditions like Parkinson's are preventable, not inevitable. The White House recognized him as a "Champion for Change" for his work on Parkinson's disease.
Date
Time
4:00pm
Venue
Fort Hill Performing Arts Center
Moderator
Maggie Kuhl is Head of Patient Engagement at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, where she leads efforts to gather, interpret, and share patient insights to advance patient-centered research and accelerate study recruitment. Her team works closely with the Parkinson’s community to integrate lived experience into every stage of research to speed the development of better treatments and cures for all people living with Parkinson’s disease. She also directs recruitment for MJFF’s landmark natural history study, the Parkinson’s Precision Medicine Initiative, open to all adults with and without Parkinson’s at myppmi.org.
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Yes.
Guests may connect to the hearing assistance system using their Bluetooth-enabled hearing
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Neck loops are also available at the Box Office for guests who prefer not to use Bluetooth.
Yes. The Fort Hill Performing Arts Center is fully ADA accessible.
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Fort Hill Performing Arts Center
120 Fort Hill Avenue
Canandaigua, NY 14424
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