The Columbia Parkinson’s Support Group has a long tradition of welcoming everyone to our Holiday/Christmas Party instead of having a regular meeting in December. This year the event will be on December 21st, our normal meeting day, from 3 PM to 5 PM, in the Auditorium at Lexington Medical Park I, our normal meeting location. We will enjoy music and refreshments - cookies, warm apple cider, hot chocolate, bottled water, and candies. And we will have several door prizes to give away, so be sure you get a door prize ticket when you arrive! Bring your family and anyone else who supports and helps you, or who has an interest in Parkinsons Disease. We have invited our symposium sponsors, as well. This is a great time to socialize, meet others who are dealing with PD, and just enjoy being together.

The January 18, 2026 meeting will be a very robust and important program from theBrain Bank – the South Carolina-Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (SC-ADRC),which is a joint effort between MUSC, Clemson University and the University of SouthCarolina. We are very fortunate to have 3 speakers who will explain the program as itrelates to research into Parkinson’s Disease and how individuals and families are ableto significantly support this research, ultimately assisting in determining new treatmentsfor Parkinson’s Disease. The Columbia Parkinson’s Support Group suggests that you encourage your familymembers to attend this meeting, as it will help address any concerns and questionsregarding donation to the Brain Bank, and the important research being conducted tobenefit the Parkinson’s community in the future. Our 3 speakers are: Steven Carroll, MD, PhD; Jennifer Belk, Donor Liaison; andBrittany Ivey, PhD. Please see their biographies and further information: Biographies - (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 the link below to see Shelia Bell-Ford's biography: Biography - (PDF)