April 1, 2026

At the Brian Grant Foundation, we believe in amplifying the voices of community leaders to help shape how we support and connect to people living with Parkinson’s. One of those leaders is Amy Lavallee, our esteemed community liaison, whose personal journey and dedication to advocacy perfectly exemplify the courage, resilience, and humility characteristic of the Parkinson’s community. You already know her from our webcasts and community events, but you may not know her story.

Amy’s Parkinson’s journey began nearly a decade ago when she was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) at 34. She noticed early symptoms while pregnant with her third child, but the diagnosis came as a shock. Like many young people with Parkinson’s, Amy sought support groups and resources that reflected her reality as a parent juggling family duties and profound life changes. That uncertainty underscores how little is understood about Parkinson’s in younger populations, a gap that has shaped much of her work in this field.

Despite the early challenges, Amy turned her experience into action. She became a volunteer and advocate within the Parkinson’s community and joined the Brian Grant Foundation three years ago. At BGF, she connects people living with Parkinson’s and brings our programs to those who need them most, fostering support, camaraderie, and empowerment through shared experience.

At home, Amy continues to be a devoted wife and mother, roles that ground her and motivate her every day. Navigating Parkinson’s while raising a family has reshaped her perspective, but it has also strengthened her resolve to live fully and stay connected.

You can meet Amy in person at two upcoming events: BGF’s annual gala on April 24 and at our table at the World Parkinson Congress, May 24–27. She’s eager to connect with other members of the Parkinson’s community, share her story, and engage with others who are walking a similar path. We hope you’ll stop by to say hello and learn more about this wonderful woman and the work she’s so passionate about!