Parkinson Association of Alabama

08/04/2026

Our next Southern Strength: A Black Parkinson’s Network meeting is happening Thursday, August 13th, starting at 5:00 PM.

This meeting’s guest speaker will be Thomas (Thom) Gossom, Jr. Alongside being an actor, Mr. Gossom is an accomplished 1975 graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. He made history as the first Black athlete to graduate from the university, where he was also a starting wide receiver for the Tigers from 1972-1974.
As an actor, Gossom’s credits include Fight Club, Jeepers Creepers 2, In the Heat of the Night, and his acclaimed performance as the title character, Israel, in the Emmy Award-winning NYPD Blue episode, “Lost Israel.”

An accomplished author, he also wrote the Slice of Life short story collection and co-authored Just Follow Me: James Owens and the Integration of Southeastern Conference Football. In addition, he directed and produced Quiet Courage: The James Curtis Owens Story.

Now, Gossom owns Best Gurl Inc. alongside his wife, Dr. Joyce Gillie Gossom. Best Gurl Inc. is a multi-platform communications company dedicated to all forms of effective communication. Both Thom and Joyce are passionate supporters of higher ed, libraries, and literacy.

He also hosts Tuesdays with Thom, a weekly, hour-long, positive talk show that has built a national audience through livestreaming on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Each week, the show brings together diverse voices, meaningful conversations, and perspectives.

To hear guest speaker Thom Gossom, join us by registering through the link in our bio today.

07/30/2026

A Parkinson's diagnosis can change everything in an instant.

That's why the Parkinson Association of Alabama created First Diagnosis kiosks. For many people, this is the very first connection they'll have with a community that understands what they're facing. Inside, they'll find information and education about next steps, sleep, nutrition, and support groups. Because no one should have to navigate Parkinson's alone.

We’re excited to announce that our first kiosk can be found at the Birmingham VA Health Care System! We are incredibly grateful for their support in helping us make sure every Alabamian living with Parkinson’s has access to the resources, guidance, community, and hope they deserve.

If you are interested in learning more about having a kiosk installed or sponsoring one, please message us.

Whether you're newly diagnosed, a care partner, or supporting someone you love, the Parkinson Association of Alabama is here to walk alongside you.

07/28/2026

We had a wonderful time at Bingo & Beignets hosted by The Junior Board of the Parkinson Association of Alabama this past weekend! Thanks to all who attended, we were able to raise money to provide resources, education, and support to individuals and families impacted by Parkinson’s in Alabama.

If you happened to miss the fun (and tasty treats), keep an eye out for upcoming Junior Board event announcements.

07/28/2026

Our next Southern Strength: A Black Parkinson’s Network meeting is happening Thursday, August 13th, starting at 5:00 PM.

This meeting’s guest speaker will be Thomas (Thom) Gossom, Jr. Alongside being an actor, Mr. Gossom is an accomplished 1975 graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. He made history as the first Black athlete to graduate from the university, where he was also a starting wide receiver for the Tigers from 1972-1974.
As an actor, Gossom’s credits include Fight Club, Jeepers Creepers 2, In the Heat of the Night, and his acclaimed performance as the title character, Israel, in the Emmy Award-winning NYPD Blue episode, “Lost Israel.”

An accomplished author, he also wrote the Slice of Life short story collection and co-authored Just Follow Me: James Owens and the Integration of Southeastern Conference Football. In addition, he directed and produced Quiet Courage: The James Curtis Owens Story.

Now, Gossom owns Best Gurl Inc. alongside his wife, Dr. Joyce Gillie Gossom. Best Gurl Inc. is a multi-platform communications company dedicated to all forms of effective communication. Both Thom and Joyce are passionate supporters of higher ed, libraries, and literacy.

He also hosts Tuesdays with Thom, a weekly, hour-long, positive talk show that has built a national audience through livestreaming on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Each week, the show brings together diverse voices, meaningful conversations, and perspectives.
To hear guest speaker Thom Gossom, join us directly through Zoom here:

Southern Strength is a virtual, bimonthly support group developed by the Parkinson Association of Alabama. Parkinson’s looks different for everyone, and members of the Black community often face unique challenges when it comes to diagnosis, care, and support. This group provides a welcoming, virtu...

07/27/2026

Preparation is the key to minimizing stress during transit. This comprehensive checklist from the Parkinson Association of Alabama highlights critical steps for a successful trip, including:

Coordinating medication schedules across time zones.
Utilizing resources like TSA Cares (855-787-2227).
Locating nearby pharmacies and hospitals in advance.

Take a look at the full checklist, and remember to listen to your body and pace your itinerary. Travel may look different–but it is still possible.

07/24/2026

Get ready for an afternoon full of fun, flavor, and fundraising! The Junior Board of the Parkinson Association of Alabama invites you to Bingo & Beignets, where you will enjoy classic bingo, fresh beignets, and a chance to support a meaningful cause. All proceeds benefit the Parkinson Association of Alabama and help provide resources, education, and support to individuals and families impacted by Parkinson’s disease.

Register here

Come join the Parkinson Association of Alabama's Junior Board for a fun afternoon of bingo!

07/23/2026

Are you or a loved one exploring treatment options for Parkinson’s disease?

Join us for a live educational webinar, "Live On with DBS for Parkinson’s Disease," featuring movement disorder neurologist Dr. Jennie Davis.

Dr. Davis will discuss key considerations for patients exploring Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) therapy and answer common questions about what to expect along the treatment journey. This is a wonderful opportunity to get the insights you need to have informed, confident conversations with your healthcare team.

Date: Friday, July 24, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM CT / 1:00 PM PT
Register here: https://medtronic.cventevents.com/event/4d00ffee-56f4-49e6-9667-207839a0e542/summary

Presenter: Dr. Jennie L. Davis, Movement Disorder Neurologist

07/22/2026

We’re introducing Alabama's first statewide Young Onset Parkinson's Virtual Support Group!

Over the past year, we've heard from individuals across the state who shared a common need—a place to connect with others living with Young Onset Parkinson's. You told us you wanted a community that understood the unique challenges of navigating Parkinson's while building careers, raising families, planning for the future, and living full, active lives.

We heard you.

This new group brings together individuals with similar experiences in a welcoming, supportive environment. Together, participants can exchange practical resources, learn from guest speakers, celebrate successes, navigate challenges, and build meaningful connections with others across Alabama.

Whether you identify with the Young Onset Parkinson's community or feel these conversations reflect your experience, we invite you to join us.

Meeting Details:
Date: Thursday, July 23
Time: 7:00-8:00 pm
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/OxujcE6kR4O2yzB9ow9ZFQ?mc_cid=b3870b011c&mc_eid=UNIQID #/registration

07/21/2026

Our next Southern Strength: A Black Parkinson’s Network meeting is happening Thursday, August 13th, starting at 5:00 PM.

This meeting’s guest speaker will be Thomas (Thom) Gossom, Jr. Alongside being an actor, Mr. Gossom is an accomplished 1975 graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. He made history as the first Black athlete to graduate from the university, where he was also a starting wide receiver for the Tigers from 1972-1974.
As an actor, Gossom’s credits include Fight Club, Jeepers Creepers 2, In the Heat of the Night, and his acclaimed performance as the title character, Israel, in the Emmy Award-winning NYPD Blue episode, “Lost Israel.”

An accomplished author, he also wrote the Slice of Life short story collection and co-authored Just Follow Me: James Owens and the Integration of Southeastern Conference Football. In addition, he directed and produced Quiet Courage: The James Curtis Owens Story.

Now, Gossom owns Best Gurl Inc. alongside his wife, Dr. Joyce Gillie Gossom. Best Gurl Inc. is a multi-platform communications company dedicated to all forms of effective communication. Both Thom and Joyce are passionate supporters of higher ed, libraries, and literacy.

He also hosts Tuesdays with Thom, a weekly, hour-long, positive talk show that has built a national audience through livestreaming on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Each week, the show brings together diverse voices, meaningful conversations, and perspectives.
To hear guest speaker Thom Gossom, join us directly through Zoom here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/R4e6_MaHShicpoeiLdRLtA #/registration

07/20/2026

What exactly is alpha-synuclein, and why is it at the center of modern Parkinson’s research?

Join Dr. Laura Volpicelli-Daley, PhD, for an accessible look into how this crucial protein impacts the brain. Dr. Volpicelli-Daley—whose groundbreaking research discovered how abnormal protein clumps spread in neurons—will break down the latest lab discoveries and how they are shaping the future of Parkinson's therapies.

What You’ll Learn:
• What alpha-synuclein is and why it matters
• How toxic proteins damage brain cells and impact communication
• How these breakthroughs are driving promising new treatments to slow disease progression

Whether you are living with Parkinson’s, caring for a loved one, or simply passionate about scientific progress, this session is for you.

Tuesday, July 21st, 2026 | 11:00 AM CT
Register here by visiting https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Qgxzm9dMSCyTTIZKfsBWtA