How to Talk About Parkinson’s

REGISTER HERE for the December Wellness Webcast: How to Talk About Parkinson’s

Not everyone knows how to talk about Parkinson’s Disease. Let’s be real, it can be awkward. Some people just avoid it all together. Some want to talk about it, but don’t quite know how. At the same time, a connected conversation can help us feel closer and meet our fundamental human needs to be understood and known. How much do you want to share? Where do you start with someone who doesn’t know anything about PD? How do you explain your experiences to a loved one you haven’t seen in a while?

Join Parkinson’s life experts Denise Coley, Phil Bernstein, Whitney Dorer, and Mark Milow for a conversation about navigating these moments. This webcast will be moderated by Chelsea King, Executive Director of the Brian Grant Foundation.

Presenter bios:
Phil Bernstein 
After a 29-year career in advertising sales and sales training, Phil Bernstein retired in 2024. He’s since launched a “second career” as a Parkinson’s patient advocate. He’s a peer-to-peer mentor, support group facilitator, and nonprofit board member, and hosts a weekly Wednesday-morning “Parkinson’s ping pong” gathering in Northeast Portland. He also writes the popular Shakin’ Street Parkinson’s blog. When he’s not doing that stuff, he likes seeing live music (with a particular fondness for old-school punk bands and grizzled folkies) and spending time with wife and care partner, Michele. 

Mark Milow 
Mark Milow is a public speaker, podcaster, and Parkinson’s advocate based in Arizona. His speaking career began years ago as an instructor and trainer. Following his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2021, he turned his experience toward advocacy and awareness, a mission he continues today. In 2023, he received the Parkinson’s Foundation’s Rising Star Award, served a term on its PPAC committee, and continues to volunteer for the Foundation. Mark hosts the Mark in the Park podcast and is preparing to launch Whiskey Business: Cooking with Parkinson’s in January 2027, exploring cooking, nutrition, and healthier living with Parkinson’s. He can be found on Instagram and TikTok at @MarkInThePark21. Feedspot ranked him No. 19 on its Top 50 Parkinson Influencers of 2026 

Denise Coley 
Denise Coley is a passionate Parkinson’s policy, health equity, and awareness advocate who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2018. She is a co-founder of the Special Interest Group Black Diaspora and a co-author of The PD Movers: We Keep Moving. Her advocacy focuses on reducing health disparities, promoting culturally sensitive community engagement, amplifying Black patient perspectives in Parkinson’s research, and increasing participation in clinical studies among underrepresented communities. In recognition of her contributions, Denise received the Robin A. Elliott Award for Outstanding Community Service at the 2026 World Parkinson Congress. 

Whitney Dorer 
Whitney lives with her wife, Amy, who was diagnosed with Young Onset PD at the age of 43. They live in north Portland with their two kids, aged 7 and 10, two cats, and three chickens. Whitney works full time for the state department of environmental quality and in her free time loves to be outside with the family exploring the incredible natural spaces the PNW has to offer as well as learning Pickleball (Amy’s new favorite sport). With family members around the country, travel during the holidays is a regular occurrence and with the new YOPD diagnosis, together they have been figuring out what works best for their family.  

This webcast is brought you our by platinum sponsor: