Upstate Parkinson’s Society
Helping Hands
Parkinson’s affects an estimated 1 million people in the United States and 6 million people worldwide.
You are not alone.
Welcome to Upstate Parkinson’s Society (UPS).
“The UPS Helping Hands website is our opportunity to welcome you to our community, hoping we will make a positive contribution to your lives, and the helping hands you need to better adjust to Parkinson’s.”
–Barbara Dooley, UPS Parkinson’s patient
It’s your journey, but with the right support and resources you aren’t alone.
ABOUT US.
At UPS our first responsibility is to the patients, doctors, nurses, and caregivers battling Parkinson’s disease by providing resources, education, training, and a vibrant social network that will inspire our patients and caregivers to thrive.
We understand the Parkinson’s journey is different for each patient, and that one size does not fit all. We hear and see you because we understand what you are going through. Join our community and let us be part of your village.
“Our Helping Hands Support Group meetings are not pity parties, but a safe place for our members to get out, get active, compare notes, and have some fun.”
–Charles R. Dooley, UPS Parkinson’s caregiver
UPS Highlight Story.
Barbara Dooley, UPS member, traveled to Danville, VA for the holidays to celebrate Christmas and New Years with her family, and to celebrate her 80th Birthday! Never one to miss a workout, here she is at the Danville YMCA Pedaling for Parkinson’s.
UPS highlight therapy.
“I am an advocate for holistic therapies including massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic, which helps me maintain my mobility, optimism, and energy level. Chiropractic therapies help me live my best life and allows me to continue to cook, do light housekeeping, exercise, and participate in family and community activities.”
Barbara E. Dooley – UPS Parkinson’s patient
UPS new fitness opportunity at Anderson Area YMCA.
- The Anderson Move it or Lose Program is led by an occupational therapist and personal trainer
- The program is designed to empower people with Parkinson’s and optimizes their function
- Classes are ongoing and participants may join at any time
- Classes are from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays
- Open to all members of cooperating PD health sponsors
- There is no cost to participate
- You do not have to be a member of the Y to participate
- If you wish to join the Y contact your Healthcare Insurer who may cover
www.andersonareaymca.org
201 E Reed Rd, Anderson, SC 29621
(864) 716-6260
What we do.
Resource
- Building a care team
- How to stay emotionally and physically strong
- Expectation management
- Therapy development
- Available medications and considerations
- Disease progression and planning for higher levels of care
Educate
- Understanding Parkinson’s
- Causes
- Symptoms
- Related conditions
- Your unique journey
- Caregiver training and resources
- Helpful books and other literature
Unite
- Team-based approach
- Allied healthcare professionals
- Fitness trainers
- Mental health professionals
- Loved ones
- Your support group
UPS is committed to reshaping our own perception of Parkinson’s and to embrace living our lives to the fullest.
“I don’t have any choice whether or not I have Parkinson’s. But surrounding that non-choice is a million other choices I can make.”
–Michael J. Fox, Parkinson’s patient, Founder, Michael J. Fox Foundation
Be our helping hands and please donate to the UPS community, so that our patients and caregivers receive the support they need.
EVENTS.
We organize inclusive events for Parkinson’s patients and their caregivers.
UPS in action.
UPS Parkinson’s Support Group
Easley Chapter
Our next meeting: January 16, 2025.
Location: Easley Library, 304 Biltmore Rd, Easley, SC 29640
- Meets every Third Thursday of each month
- 10:15-10:30 AM Sign in
- 10:30-11:15 AM Discussion
- 11:15-11:30 AM Physical therapy
- Group discussions include Parkinson’s challenges and everyday solutions for patients and caregivers
- Patient and caregiver table groups
- Snacks and drinks are provided or bring your own
- Door prizes
- Featured guest speakers
Contact: Chuck Dooley at 864-507-3034 or cdooleyone@att.net
UPS Parkinson’s Support Group
Berea Chapter
Our next meeting: To be announced.
Location: 6 Hunts Rd, Greenville Berea Community Center
- Contact Chuck Dooley at cdooleyone@att.net
The Support Group provides coping skills, resources, expert speakers, exercise, and social networking for participants. We also raffle off some goodies for fun. Snacks and water are provided. UPS is free to participants with necessary funding achieved through corporate grants and other donations.
Encompass Health Parkinson’s Support Group
Our next meeting: February 4, 2025
Location: Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital Cafeteria, 3372 Laurens Rd, Greenville, SC 29607
- Meets every First Tuesday of each month at 3-4 PM
- Group leader – Milena Margos
- Physical therapy
- Featured activity – Tai Chi Classes for Parkinson’s patients
Contact: Chris Daughtry or Milena Maragos
Phone: 864-202-1659, 864-537-4600
-OR-
Chris.Daughtry@encompasshealth.com
Milena.Maragos@encompasshealth.com
Use it or lose it
Helping Hands Parkinson’s Fitness
Pickens, SC YMCA – Pedaling for Parkinson’s
Register now!
Program Features:
- No charge for registered participants
- One hour sessions per week
- Meets every Wednesday at 11:15-12:15
- Improves the quality of life of Parkinson’s patients and their caregivers
- Educates the Parkinson’s community on the benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle
- Program focus is on strength training, balance, flexibility, and cognitive drills
- Provides motivational group fellowship
Contact Hannah Henegar, Wellness Director, at the Pickens YMCA at 864-898-9187
For more information go to:
Pedaling for Parkinson’s Website
Or contact Charles Dooley at 864-507-3034 cdooleyone@att.net
Address: 2223 Gentry Memorial Hwy, Pickens, SC 29671
Easley YMCA – 864-855-9622
Pickens YMCA – 864-878-8380
Powdersville YMCA – 864-625-2060
Greenville, SC YMCA – The Wellness Works Rx-Parkinson’s program
Our next workout: Classes are ongoing
Program features:
- Empowers people with Parkinson’s Disease to optimize physical function and help delay the progression of symptoms
- Counteracts the movement challenges experienced by people with Parkinson’s
- Provides motivational group camaraderie
Contact information:
Address: 723 Cleveland St., Greenville, SC 29601
Phone: 864-412-0288
For more information and to register go to:
The Wellness Works Rx-Parkinson’s Program Website
UPS 2024 initiatives.
- Interactive activities.
- Boxing
- walking
- yoga
- dancing
- Explore partnerships with regional and national Parkinson’s foundations and associations
- Identify Director of Activities and Assistant Director of Activities
- Establishing UPS Board of Directors
- Parkinson’s expert speaker engagements.
- Chiropractic Therapy
- The benefits of Vibration Therapy
- Exciting Parkinson’s patient stem cell research
“It is no fun living with Parkinson’s. However, as long as I have breath in my lungs and blood in my veins, I will start each day with renewed persistence to take on my disorder.”
–Frank C. Chapel, Professor, UNC-CH, Parkinson’s patient
Michael J. Fox Foundation Updates
Here. Until Parkinson’s isn’t.
“Parkinson’s patients are the experts on what we have. We have a responsibility as patients to share our experience- what works for us, what we respond to, and what we can contribute to research.”
Michael J. Fox, Parkinson’s patient, Founder, Michael J. Fox Foundation
New Parkinson’s Drug Formulation Shows Positive Phase III Trial Results Article, January 13, 2023
Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI)
- Available to Parkinson’s and non-Parkinson’s patient participation
- Gathers information over time to learn more about Brain disease and where it starts, changes, and how to stop it
- Go to the link above to register today
