Moving Forward Together: How Philanthropy Fuels Hope for People Living with Parkinson’s

For people living with Parkinson’s disease, movement is more than physical – it’s personal. It’s confidence. Independence. Community. And thanks to the generosity of dedicated donors, hundreds of individuals across our region are finding all three through the Parkinson’s Exercise Program at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Designed specifically for people living with Parkinson’s disease, the free therapist-led Parkinson’s Exercise Program bridges a critical gap that often follows traditional rehabilitation. While therapy typically ends after a prescribed course, Parkinson’s is lifelong – and ongoing, properly guided exercise is essential.

“Our goal was to create something meaningful, beneficial, and sustainable,” said Molly Sievers, physical therapist and one of the program’s leaders. “Exercise, when it’s done at the right intensity and frequency, can truly make a difference – not just in mobility, but in quality of life.”

What makes this program unique is who leads it. Classes are run by physical, occupational, and speech therapists with advanced training in Parkinson’s disease – experts who understand how the condition affects the body and how to adapt exercises safely and effectively. Participants work on strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and communication in a setting that is both supportive and engaging.

Just as important as the physical benefits is the sense of belonging the program creates.

“When you exercise with others who understand what you’re going through, it changes everything,” shared Connie, a program participant. “You’re not doing this alone. We’ve built a real community here.”

That community has been life-changing for Allan, who joined the program about six months after his diagnosis.

“This program gave me structure and motivation,” he said. “It helps me stay active, and I honestly couldn’t afford something like this on my own. Knowing it’s available at no cost makes all the difference.”

For Allan’s wife, Mary, the impact has been deeply personal.

“I’ve watched him get stronger,” she said. “He does things now that he couldn’t do a few years ago – standing longer, cooking again, even decorating our Christmas tree. This program has given him confidence and given us hope.”

None of this would be possible without philanthropy.

The Parkinson’s Exercise Program was launched in 2018 thanks to a foundational gift from the Charles D. Jacobus Family Foundation. That early investment made it possible to offer the program free of charge and laid the groundwork for growth – allowing the program to expand to multiple locations and meet overwhelming demand.

Since then, continued donor support has helped sustain and strengthen the program.

For donor Betty Arndt, the impact is personal.

“I support the Parkinson’s Exercise Program because my brother, who’s enrolled in the program, frequently talks about how he’s benefited from the class by learning new strategies for dealing with his movement issues,” Arndt said. “He is also appreciative of the excellent staff and the chance to interact with people who share his same challenges.”

“Without philanthropy, this program simply wouldn’t exist,” Sievers added. “Because of our donors, we can be proactive rather than reactive – helping people live their best lives with Parkinson’s disease.”

That commitment was recently recognized on a national level. In December 2025, the Parkinson’s Foundation announced the promotion of Froedtert Hospital, part of the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network, to a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence – recognizing the program for providing outstanding clinical care for people living with Parkinson’s disease and joining more than 50 designated Centers of Excellence across the country.

As the program continues to expand, the need – and opportunity – remains clear. Each class, each connection, and each moment of progress is made possible by donors who believe that people living with Parkinson’s deserve expert care, dignity, and hope.