The 2024 Hope Conference is our one-day event featuring expert guest speakers, each of whom will share their insights, experience, and knowledge from their respective fields of research.
Our goal is to once again leave you feeling motivated with renewed hope for the future and provide you with education and inspiration.
Hope Conference will also offer questions and answer periods with each speaker, and special content from our PAA staff and Program Supporters.
Register to attend Hope Conference at one of our Live Viewing Events* across Alberta and enjoy Hope Conference with others. You can also join us virtually by clicking here the day of: Join Us Virtually
Guest Speakers
Dr. Apurva Zawar, PT, DPT, GCS
Topic: The Power of Non-Pharmacological Pain Relief in Parkinson’s
Presented By
Apurva Zawar, a passionate neurologic physical therapist and founder of BeyondRehab. Beyond Rehab provides personalized, evidence-based rehabilitation and wellness care for movement disorder conditions like Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, Functional Neurological disorders, and chronic pain that empower individuals to achieve their goals, enhanced by the latest technology.
At BeyondRehab, has a unique approach consisting of virtual care delivery, making rehabilitation more accessible to people in need, building a community of support, developing new skills, and finding joy in movement to help individuals achieve the highest level of function.
Additionally, as a volunteer assistant clinical professor at UCSF, Dr. Zawar is dedicated to teaching neuro rehab and fostering community engagement. Beyond her clinical and educational roles, she actively contributes to research and advocates for the Parkinson’s community as a board member of American Parkinson Disease Association-North West. Learn more about her innovative care approach at www.beyondrehab.health
Dr. Rodolfo Savica, M.D, Ph.D
Topic: PD Memory
Dr. Rodolfo Savica is Professor of Neurology and Epidemiology and practicing neurologist, movement disorder and behavior specialist from the Mayo Clinic, Rochester. Dr. Savica has a particular interest in early onset Parkinson disease and is leading initiatives of the Mayo Clinic Rochester regarding the clinical practice, and research on early onset Parkinson disease. He is involved in patient education as well as in scientific advancements. He is the chair of the International Movement Disorders Society Task Force on early onset Parkinson disease, and he is leading lab with the goal to improve the quality of life and find a cure for people with Parkinson disease. He likes to spend his time with his amazing wife and lovely daughter, and he is a well-established martial artist.
Dr. Aakash Shetty, MBBS, MD, DM, DNB (Neurologist)
Topic: Device-aided Therapies for Parkinson Disease
Dr. Shetty obtained his medical training and Neurology residency in India. He did further training in movement disorders at the University of Alberta, and extended his training in Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto. He is trained in advanced and device-aided treatment in Parkinson’s disease, such as deep brain stimulation, Duodopa treatment. He joined the Parkinson and Movement Disorders Program in 2020, and currently Clinical Assistant Professor in the Division of Neurology, University of Alberta.
Sarah Robichaud, Founder of Dancing with Parkinsons Canada
Topic: Dancing with Parkinson’s
Sarah is a classically trained dancer and choreographer who graduated from the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow. Sarah’s passion for Dancing with Parkinson’s ignited in 2007 when working as a personal trainer with Andy Barrie to help him find ways to physically help his body manage his Parkinson’s through movement. She was inspired by the Mark Morris Dance Group’s innovative PD dance class and immediately trained with them in NYC. Sarah is a founding member of the Dance for PD® Network Canada. To read Sarah’s message which captures her vision for Dancing with Parkinson’s, please click here.
If you need assistance registering for either event, please call 1-800-561-1911 or email info@parkinsonassociation.ca
NOTE: Once your registration is complete, you will receive an email confirmation.
Schedule
Hope Conference is held in Mountain Standard Time – MST (GMT-7)
| Time | Presenter Information |
|---|---|
| 9:00AM | Virtual waiting room and In person event doors open |
| 9:20AM | Welcome to 2024 Hope Conference: Brandi La Bonte, PAA Operations Manager |
| 9:30AM | Presenter #1: Pain in PD - Dr. Apurva Zawar Presented by Alberta Blue Cross |
| 10:30AM | Break |
| 10:45AM | Presenter #2: PD & Memory - Dr. Roldofo Savica |
| 11:45AM | Lunch Break |
| 12:30PM | Presenter #3: PD Therapies - Medications and Advanced therapies - Dr. Aakash Shetty |
| 1:30PM | Break |
| 1:45PM | Presenter #4: Dancing with Parkinson's - Sarah Robichaud |
| 2:30PM | Closing Remarks, Lana Tordoff, Executive Director |
Register
In-Person Viewing Event
Edmonton: Glenora Park Retirement Living (10150 Clifton Pl NW)
Calgary: Prominence Way Retirement Community (905 Prominence Way SW)
Red Deer: CANCELLED
Lethbridge: YMCA Lethbridge (74 Mauretania Rd)
- The cost of attending a in-person viewing event is $15/person.
- PAA will provide coffee, tea, snacks and lunch throughout the day.
- Doors open at 9:00AM.
- Please register in advance for the in-person viewing event. Registrations must be received no later than Monday October 30 at 4:30PM
