Events

Two speakers will talk about their own topics for this event. Hari P. Cheedella will discuss regenerative medicine. Followed by Melanie Andreen, who will introduce The Acupuncture Clinic. Each speaker will get time for questions after their speeches. Topics for Regenerative Medicine: Regenerative medicine background; How QC Kinetix helped many with Regenerative medicine for both Orthopedic conditions and Arthritis conditions; Latest trends in Regenerative Medicine for Neurodegenerative Disease; Role of Nutrition for Parkinson’s disease. See Hari P. Cheedella's biography below: Biography (click here) Topics for Acupuncture: What is acupuncture?; Benefits of acupuncture for patients with Parkinson; What can I expect at my first visit? See Melanie Andreen's biography and photo below below: Biography (click here) Photo (click here)  

The presentation will explain the services offered through the various programs at Central Midlands AAA and better understand who we are and what we do. The Presentation will cover: Assessment; Consumer Choice; Family Caregiver Support; Information and Referral Program; SHIP (Medicare); Legal Services; Long-Term Care Ombudsman Please click here to see Shelia Bell-Ford's biography.

Attached below is Governor McMaster's proclamation: Official Governor Proclamation - (PDF)

  Rescheduled from January, 2026 Would you like to help further research into Parkinson’s Disease and potentially help find new treatments – or possibly – eventually - a cure? We understand that this might be a difficult topic for some people. Some of us might be squeamish about thinking of donating our brains for scientific research. Please come to this meeting and get your questions answered so that you understand how important this research is – and the decision-making process, as well as what happens if you decide to help in this important research. The presentation will also cover some of the research into Alzheimer’s Disease that the SC-ADRC is conducting. The April 19, 2026 meeting will be a very robust and important program from the Brain Bank – the South Carolina-Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (SC-ADRC), which is a joint effort between MUSC, Clemson University and the University of South Carolina. We are very fortunate to have 3 speakers who will explain the program as it relates to research into Parkinson’s Disease and how individuals and families are able to significantly support this research, ultimately assisting in determining new treatments for Parkinson’s Disease. The Columbia Parkinson’s Support Group suggests that […]

2026 Patient/Care Partner Symposium Presented by Medtronic - Registration is Open! The Columbia Parkinson’s Support Group is excited to announce that our 2026 FREE Patient/Care Partner Symposium is open for registration! Thank you to Medtronic as our Platinum Presenting Sponsor – without our sponsors, we could not provide this symposium free to attendees. Additional sponsors will be listed on our website shortly. Come ask your questions about Parkinson’s Disease - we will have 7 speakers on the panel – bios and photos can be found below. Dr. John Morgan, movement disorders specialist neurologist, Augusta University Dr. Nathan Rowland, neurosurgeon, MUSC Health Dr, Myriam Sollman, neuropsychologist, Prisma Health Neurosurgery Will Harmon, DPT, Trek Physical Therapy Chris Maynard, person with Parkinson’s Pete Oliver, person with Parkinson’s Cindy Smith, chair yoga instructor and physical therapy assistant Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026 Location: SCETV – Murray Studio 1041 George Rogers Blvd. Columbia, SC 29201 Valet Parking is available Time: Check-in opens at 8:30 AM with time to visit sponsors – Breakfast available – Program starts at 9:30 AM and concludes at 2:30 PM – Lunch break 11:30 to 12:30, time to visit sponsors – full agenda in the link to register VERY IMPORTANT: We […]

Parkinson’s Disease as a “presumptive condition” for veterans, and why. Presumptive conditions are exempt from the standard proof requirements for service connection. Support for veterans through community groups. Our first and main speaker is Joy Kinney, MSR CCC-SLP. Joy Kinney is a Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in the treatment of adults with neurological disorders, including communication, swallowing, and cognitive symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Parkinson’s, and the after-effects of COVID-19. She treats adult patients and has worked in and directed therapy programs in skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities, as well as in the settings of home health, the acute care hospital, and outpatient therapy. She has presented at the national and state level regarding various treatment techniques, and she frequently discusses brain health during her treatment sessions.  Ms. Kinney is a member of the Board of Directors of the Columbia Parkinson's Support Group, and also a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She is fully licensed to practice Speech-Language Pathology in the states of South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia. Ms. Kinney is a 2005 graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina with a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and a 2003 graduate of Columbia College of […]

Did you know there are at least five types of depression? Come to this meeting to find out how to recognize depression in your spouse, learn about new treatment approaches, learn what you can do at home, and how to be supportive in healthy ways. Phil Steude M.D., with over 40 years as a board certified psychiatrist, will speak briefly on the subjects and then interact with you about specific concerns or questions you may have concerning depression in yourself or your loved one. Doctor Steude has practiced in the Columbia area, being well-versed in traditional psychiatry, medication management, and a leader in transcranial magnetic stimulation. He has been interested in how medicines work, not just what seems to work and in his practice enjoyed psychotherapy, including a focus on how depression can affect one's faith.  Currently retired, he has a strong interest in his grandchildren and in gardening.