Connecting and Supporting the Charleston Parkinson’s Community
Jay and Marilyn Phillips serve as community connectors for people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their care partners in the Greater Charleston area. What began as helping a few friends find the right meeting quickly grew into a coordinated network of PD support groups, care-partner luncheons, and educational programs.
Each month, Jay and Marilyn compile a practical, plain-language newsletter that lists upcoming meetings, speakers, and venues; includes RSVP and facilitator details; and highlights local opportunities—from exercise and fall-prevention talks to “Lunch & Learn” sessions and the annual “Living with Parkinson’s” symposium. They keep track of date changes, room locations, and virtual options so newcomers and long-timers alike can plug in with confidence.
Their mission is to help our community “attain and maintain the best possible quality of life” by sharing accurate information, strengthening peer support, and pointing families to reliable local partners such as MUSC’s Movement Disorders Program and senior-living hosts across the region.