Parkinson's Support Group of Upstate New York

It becomes much easier to cope with Parkinson's disease (PD) when you have support from others facing similar challenges. PSGUNY, an affiliate of the National Parkinson Foundation, is a volunteer-run organization, operating in upstate New York. PSGUNY is committed to providing support to people with Parkinson's disease and their families, educating the community about Parkinson's disease, and supporting research to find a cure.

PSGUNY currently has more than 600 members. Membership is free. In addition to hosting an annual symposium in the fall, PSGUNY offers regular support group meetings*, exercise classes ("Stretching the Limits") at area locations, and an annual Parkinson Canal 5K Run/Walk. Services are funded by private donations.

Wish List

monetary donations are always welcome

Volunteers Needed

Education committee.
Parkinson Run/Walk April fundraiser.
Parkinson Disease Symposium in September.
Strategic planning.
Communications.
Parkinson's Café.

Page last updated 9/04/11. (Volunteers Needed updated.)

*PSGUNY Support Groups, for people with Parkinson's disease and their care partners, meet monthly:

First Monday of each month from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. at the Lifespan office (Tops Plaza), 1900 South Clinton Avenue.
First Tuesday of each month from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Lifetime Care, 3111 Winton Road South.
After assembling as a group, people with PD and their care partners meet separately to share info and receive support.
Third Saturday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Lunch Bunch at Bill Gray's 1650 Penfield Rd., Penfield.
Fourth Wednesday of each month from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. West Side support group meets at the Legacy Park Crescent, 1000 Providence Circle (off Mt. Read Blvd, just north of Stone Road), Greece.
Last Wednesday each month from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Canandaigua, 58 North Main Street, Canandaigua. (Park behind church; enter rear door.)
Second Saturday of each month for care partners only. At lunch time, at Fairport Baptist Home, 4646 Nine Mile Point Road, Fairport.

The Parkinson Café, which meets between October and April, provides additional social, cultural and intellectual interaction for people with Parkinson’s disease. Schedule is provided below. Also see the Special Events Calendar for information.

People with PD who can ambulate independently may come alone; those needing assistance must be accompanied by a caregiver or aide. Care partners are always welcome to attend. No advance registration required.

First Wednesdays @ Lifetime Care, 3111 Winton Road South, Rochester (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
(10/6/2010; 11/3/10; 12/1/10; 1/5/11; 2/2/11; 3/2/11; 4/6/11)
10 a.m. coffee and refreshments
10:20 a.m. upbeat discussion
11 a.m. – noon PD exercise class
Bring your own lunch and enjoy an afternoon speaker. This cafe usually concludes with a sing- along with Lifetime Care’s music therapist.

Second Thursdays @ Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Ave., Rochester
(11/11/10; 1/13/11; 3/10/11)
11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Free docent-led tour, followed by optional lunch at Village Gate.

Third Thursdays @ Pittsford Community Library, 24 State St., Pittsford
(11/18/10; 12/16/10; 1/20/11; 3/17/11; 4/21/11)
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Basin Cafe provides complimentary coffee while members greet each other; followed by a coping circle with Liz Schnucker; Solutions discussion; and sing-along. Bring your own lunch and enjoy an afternoon guest speaker.

Third Thursdays @ Pieters Family Life Center, 1025 Commons Way, Rochester
(10/21/10 & 2/17/11)
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. This cafe features a creative arts therapist in the morning and a guest speaker in the afternoon. Participants purchase coffee in the morning and lunch in the Pieters garden cafe.

Fourth Wednesdays — HCR @ Legacy at Park Crescent, 1000 Providence Cr., Greece
(10/27/10; 11/24/10; 1/26/11; 2/23/11; 3/23/11; 4/27/11)
10 a.m. The Legacy provides coffee and muffins . 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. HCR exercise class
Bring your own lunch and stay for the Westside Support Group afternoon speaker.