Health care professionals, therapists, volunteers, caregivers and those living with Parkinson’s disease are invited to a morning of inspiration and education at the annual Hope Parkinson Symposium Friday, Feb. 12, at Harborside Event Center in downtown Fort Myers.

 

Featured speaker John Baumann JD, BBA, is a critically acclaimed author and internationally recognized speaker who was diagnosed with PD in his late 30s. Baumann, a successful attorney, was a member of the University of Louisville faculty and a semi-professional softball player before Parkinson’s disease forced him to give up the activities he thought defined him as a person. Baumann’s message about inner strength applies to all – no matter the challenge or adversity.

Baumann is the author of “Decide Success: You Ain’t Dead Yet: Twelve Action Steps to Achieve the Success You Truly Desire.” He also is a contributing author of “Roadmap to Success,” along with Stephen Covey, Dr. Ken Blanchard and Deepak Chopra.

 

 

 

 

 

The symposium’s featured keynote speaker is Dr. Kelly Foote, who founded and co-directs the world-renowned University of Florida Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration with his neurologist partner, Dr. Michael Okun.

Dr. Foote’s presentation, “What is the role of surgery in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease in 2016?” is rooted in his current research on novel applications of deep brain stimulation technology. His National Institutes of Health-sponsored research includes projects applying and optimizing DBS therapy for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, severe tremor secondary to multiple sclerosis, obsessive-compulsive disorder and Tourette syndrome.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Amanda Avila, medical director for the Hope Parkinson Program and movement disorder specialist with Florida Neurology Group, will discuss “Managing PD: Tips for Today and Trends for Tomorrow.” Dr. Avila completed her fellowship with the University of Florida Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration.

Symposium check-in begins at 8 a.m. Breakfast will be served at 8:45 a.m., and the program begins at 9 a.m. at Harborside Event Center, 1375 Monroe St. A $25 registration fee includes a light breakfast and valet parking.

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-registration is required by Thursday, Feb. 4 and can be completed online at https://donate.hopehcs.org/pdsymposium or by calling 239-985-7727.