On September 8-10, 2025, the Brian Grant Foundation was proud to be part of the 2025 Parkinson’s Policy Forum let by the advocacy arm of the Michael J. Fox Foundation. We were among 250 advocates from 45 states that gathered in Washington, D.C. to elevate the voice of the Parkinson’s community directly to members of Congress.
Attendees include people living with Parkinson’s, care partners, families, clinicians, researchers and representatives of PD and atypical parkinsonism organizations. Together we met directly with our respective federal officials and their staff who influence policy and funding decisions.
Key Outcomes
Attendee Stats
- 107 People with Parkinson’s
- 53 family members (54 care partners)
- 50 researchers, clinicians, PD work
- 92% 1st time at a Hill Day
Hill Meeting Stats
- 55 House and Senate Member-level meetings (25%)
- 88 Senate meetings 130 House meetings with staff members
- 114 Democrat offices; 103 Republican offices; 1 Independent office
Legislative Asks
- Robust federal investment in Parkinson’s research and brain disease programs
- Implementation of the National Parkinson’s Project (NPP) — a coordinated federal response to PD
- Paraquat Ban — advancing protections against this known environmental risk factor for PD
Key Moments
- Recognition Reception: Honored bipartisan champions of the National Parkinson’s Plan — Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Chris Murphy (D-CT), Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Paul Tonko (D-NY) — and presented a Lifetime Congressional Champion Award to former Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton.
Why It Matters
With Parkinson’s now the fastest-growing neurological disease, these meetings ensure research funding and federal action stay top of mind for decision-makers before a major budget vote. The Parkinson’s Policy Forum empowered all of us as advocates to carry this momentum home — engaging district staff, attending town halls, and keeping Parkinson’s issues front and center year-round.
Add Your Voice
1. Send a letter to Congress urging them to protect and expand funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://michaeljfox.quorum.us/campaign/131672/
2. Ask your state lawmakers to prioritize Parkinson’s policies in your state as they prepare for the 2026 legislative session: https://michaeljfox.quorum.us/campaign/132913/
