UMN Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinson's Disease Research

10/21/2026

🎬 This Saturday at Noon!

The film Come Talk to Me, directed by Deacon Warner, will be showing at Edina Theatres this Saturday at 12:00 p.m.

Help us fill the theater by sharing this opportunity with friends, family, and anyone interested in this powerful film.

🎟️ Tickets: https://twincitiesfilmfest.org/film-fest-movie/come-talk-to-me/

09/22/2026

🏃‍♀️ The University of Minnesota Udall Center was proud to be part of the Kopaz 5K, coming together with participants, advocates, and researchers dedicated to advancing Parkinson's disease research.

Every step taken and every dollar raised helps move us closer to better treatments and ultimately, a cure.
Thank you to Sommer Huffmaster and Johanna Caskey who represented Udall and joined this incredible community effort to support Parkinson's research and those affected by the disease.

09/21/2026

💙 Record attendance. Incredible community. Endless optimism!

Last Saturday’s Optimism Walk with APDA brought together the PD community, our doctors and researchers, families, and supporters for an unforgettable day.
Thank you to Dr. Vitek and Dr. Scott Copper, Johanna Caskey, and Drs. Jing Wang, Luke Johnson, and Sommer Huffaster for your support at the biggest Optimism Walk yet!

09/09/2026

Check out our research team from the MNDrive Brain Conditions DBS Core, who made it out to the State Fair this year giving visitors a hands-on look at how TMS activates the brain from the outside and how Deep Brain Stimulation helps people with Parkinson’s regain control of movement. Find out more here: https://mndrivebrainconditions.umn.edu/programs/deep-brain-stimulation-research-core

08/21/2026

Kelly Ryberg and Sommer Huffmaster brought incredible energy to this month’s Parkinson's support group & Young Onset group at the YMCA in Hermantown, MN. The community showed up in record numbers! Nearly 80 people joined for connection and PD education.

This momentum matters.
If you want to learn more or get involved, email [email protected]

05/19/2026

Our very own neurologist, Dr. Paul Tuite, joined FOX 9 over the weekend to discuss banning the herbicide paraquat in Minnesota, which has been linked to an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease.

📺 Watch the story below:

Claims of an herbicide called paraquat causing Parkinson's disease have led to calls for a statewide ban in Minnesota. The effort has been added and removed ...

05/18/2026

Join us for the 6th Annual Parkinson’s Awareness Day at Target Field this Wednesday! ⚾️

🗓️ When: Wednesday, May 20th
⏰ First Pitch: 12:40 PM
🎉 Bonus: Ticket purchasers get to take part in an on-field parade one hour before the game!

When you buy your seats through the link below, a portion of the proceeds goes directly toward Parkinson's research.

🎟️ Get your tickets here: https://www.gofevo.com/event/ParkinsonsAwareness26

See you at the ballpark!

04/08/2026

🎥EVENT INFORMATION: Parkinson’s Documentary at MSPIFF!

The documentary "Come Talk to ME," which explores the communication challenges of living with Parkinson’s disease, is featured in this year’s Minneapolis/St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF).

🎬 Film Details:
Filmmaker Deacon Warner follows Parkinson’s disease (PD) activist Jackie Hunt Christensen, who works tirelessly to overcome communication barriers that people with PD face daily. Unable to speak or write, Christensen, and many others, face numerous hurdles in their personal relationships, work, and healthcare providers.

📅 Screening Dates:
Saturday, April 11 at 4:10 PM (World Parkinson’s Day!)
Saturday, April 18 at 2:00 PM

📍 Location:
The Main Cinema, 115 SE Main St, Minneapolis

🎟 Tickets & Details:
Individual tickets are available for purchase through the MSPIFF website.
Link: https://mspfilm.org/event/come-talk-to-me/

04/06/2026

📣 Don't forget to register for the Minnesota Spring Parkinson's Symposium! The event will take place THIS FRIDAY. The program is free, but registration is required. We hope to see you there!

👉 Register today: http://tinyurl.com/MNSpringPD2026

EVENT INFORMATION:
🗓 Friday, April 10th, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 North Heights Church, Arden Hills (or via Zoom)
💡 Topics include:
• Myths & misconceptions of Parkinson’s
• Non-motor symptoms and whole-body impact
• Thriving as a caregiver
• Building a strong support system
🎤 Hear from expert speakers and connect with a supportive community.

03/23/2026

Parkinson's Policy Forum 2026 - Our very own Parkinson's senior RN care coordinator, Kailey Gienger, represented Minnesota proudly at this year’s Parkinson’s Policy Forum in Washington, D.C.!

It was an energizing few days of advocacy, connection, and hope.

Thank you to our representatives Betty McCollum, Tom Emmer, Tina Smith, Ilhan Omar, and Amy Klobuchar.
and

With so much uncertainty around federal research funding, it was encouraging to hear strong support from both Rep. Ilhan Omar’s office and Rep. Betty McCollum’s office for increased NIH funding and continued investment in the Udall Center: https://udall.umn.edu/.

Your voices matter, and they are being heard.