Parkinson's Resource Organization

Parkinson’s Resource Organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life for families and individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease through education, support, and practical resources. Our mission: working so no one is isolated because of Parkinson's.

Our History

Parkinson’s Resource Organization (PRO) was created more than thirty years ago to maximize quality of life for people with Parkinson’s and their families/caregivers through education, resources, and person-to-person support. 

Founder and President Jo Rosen conceived the organization when she found herself overwhelmed and struggling as a double-caregiver for her mother and beloved husband (then fiancé) were diagnosed with Parkinson’s within a few years of each other. A born problem-solver, Jo figured if she could learn everything there was to know about Parkinson’s, she’d be able to “fix” it.  

Things didn’t quite work out that way. After traveling across the country to speak with doctors, researchers, and Parkinson’s organizations, Jo still could not find what she needed – dedicated caregiver support and practical resources for her and her family to ease their journey through Parkinson’s. 

So she created it. 

Originally conceived as Children of Parkinsonians (COPS), “out to arrest Parkinson’s,” the organization launched in 1990 with a $300 donation of stamps and supplies for our very first letter-writing campaign.  

Since then, we’ve helped over 32,000 people with Parkinson’s and their families across Southern California, the greater U.S., and abroad. 

What We Do

To address the acute needs of the Parkinson’s community – namely caregiver support and resource pooling – we built several core programs:

Support Groups – Through dedicated in-person support groups for caregivers and people with Parkinson's, we distribute new information quickly and build a community network that teaches and learns from itself.

Wellness Village Resource Directory –  The Wellness Village is a free, virtual, vetted, digital resource directory of the best available providers and services within the Parkinson’s world, designed to ease the research burden and introduce constituents to a wide range of holistic and practical support services to navigate Parkinson’s and maximize quality of life.  

Information & Education – Through our long-running newsletter, YouTube channel, and social channels, we educate audiences across the country – and the world – on the latest Parkinson’s news, tried and true lifestyle tips, research, and more. Open forums like our Village Meetings feature researchers, physical therapists, elder law attorneys, and more. One-on-one sessions with Jo Rosen provide direct access to over three decades of learned experience. 

Memorial Wall – A virtual place to hold the memory of someone who lived with Parkinson’s or Parkinsonisms…and their family members, caregivers, and friends who were touched by Parkinson’s. A virtual place where family and friends can grieve and heal, gain solace and understanding, and virtually ‘visit’ their loved one. A virtual means of announcing the passing to a greater number of people than can otherwise be accomplished through a tangible publication.

As caregivers, people with Parkinson’s, and friends of the community, we know how isolating and all-consuming Parkinson’s can become. We hope the advent of a cure for this hideous disease will soon make our mission obsolete. Until then, our goal remains what it’s always been: working so no one is isolated because of Parkinson’s Disease.

Who We Serve

People with Parkinson’s – available resources for people with Parkinson’s or Parkinsonisms include dedicated emotional support groups, information and education, one-on-one coaching, and more.

Caregivers & Family – available resources for people caring for, living with, or otherwise supporting a person with Parkinson’s or Parkinsonisms include dedicated emotional support groups, information & education, one-on-one coaching, the Memorial Wall, and more

Service Providers – available resources for service providers and business partners include our Wellness Village Resource Directory, newsletter participation opportunities, event sponsorships, and more.