Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Dr. Deanna Brown Thomas Returns To Reno For Drive Toward A Cure Music & Motion Fundraising Event
Dr. Deanna Brown Thomas, daughter of James Brown, will speak at the "Music & Motion" event in Reno on April 5, 2025. This event, organised by Drive Toward a Cure, highlights the link between music and Parkinson’s disease during Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Dr. Brown Thomas will give a keynote speech and participate in a Q&A session, emphasising the role of music and movement in enhancing life for those with Parkinson’s.
The event will take place at the National Automobile Museum from 12:30 PM to 4 PM. Dr. Brown Thomas's involvement reflects her dedication to music education and supporting causes that align with her father's legacy. As president of the James Brown Family Foundation, she continues to promote these values. Her participation underscores the importance of music and movement in improving lives affected by Parkinson’s disease.
Drive Toward a Cure aims to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s research and care through events like this one. Deb Pollack, founder of the organisation, emphasises building community support for those living with Parkinson’s disease. The Reno event benefits the Parkinson Support Center of Northern Nevada, which aids over 5,000 people in the High Sierra Region.
The day-long celebration will feature various activities highlighting both music and motion. Attendees can enjoy a car show outside the museum, explore exhibits inside, and participate in Rock Steady Boxing demonstrations designed for Parkinson’s patients. These activities aim to demonstrate how rhythm and movement can enhance quality of life while fostering community engagement.
Throughout the day, there will be live entertainment and presentations showcasing how music and motion benefit individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Research indicates that these elements stimulate brain areas responsible for rhythm and emotion while improving motor skills and mental health.
Visitors can also enjoy tastings from Adobe Road Winery, Dorinda’s Chocolate, and Neau water. Additionally, artist Kelly Telfer will conduct live painting sessions where attendees can receive signed prints by creating their own fundraising pages.
Fundraising Efforts
Tickets are priced at $20 for adults and $10 for children aged 6-16. Proceeds support Parkinson’s research through Drive Toward a Cure. All funds raised during this event go directly to the Parkinson Support Center of Northern Nevada led by Dr. Mindy Lokshin.
The center is working towards raising $500,000 over five years to establish a technologically advanced facility offering expanded support services for those living with Parkinson’s in northern Nevada.
About Drive Toward a Cure
Drive Toward a Cure is a national non-profit foundation dedicated to raising funds for Parkinson's research and patient care by engaging with automotive enthusiasts. Since its inception in 2016, it has raised over one million dollars supporting both research initiatives and patient care programs.
The organisation collaborates with beneficiaries such as The Michael J. Fox Foundation and regional Centers of Excellence for Parkinson's through grant programs like ‘Access to Care’ and ‘Special Assistance’ aimed at helping individuals facing challenges due to this disease.
Understanding Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease affects nearly one million Americans and ten million people worldwide. It is the second-most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's disease in the United States. The condition arises from degeneration of dopamine-producing nerve cells leading to tremors, stiffness, impaired movement along with non-motor symptoms like depression or anxiety.
Younger individuals under age 50 may develop Young-onset Parkinson's Disease (YOPD), accounting for about four percent of cases in America alone; these individuals often face unique financial or familial challenges impacting their wellness focus even more significantly than older patients do.
Continue with Google