Fall Parkinson's Awareness Conference

Level 1 Sponsors: Abbvie, Boston Scientific, Seed for Success Foundation ; Level 2 Sponsors: Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Monument Health ; Level 3 Sponsors: National Parkinson's Foundation, Sanford Health

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

To ensure we have the correct amount of seating and food, you must register by September 25th at 3pm to attend in-person. Day of Registrations will ONLY be allowed for Virtual Attendees.

Conference Details:

Friday, October 2, 2026

with an optional Social the afternoon before from 4:30pm-6pm

Best Western Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center

2111 N Lacrosse Street

Rapid City, SD 57701

Join us for a day of learning and community at our Annual Fall Parkinson's Awareness Conference. Whether you are attending as someone with Parkinson's disease or as a caregiver for someone with Parkinson's, our goal is that you leave feeling rejuvenated and with hope in your days that follow.

This FREE event includes speakers, exhibitors, food, and support in your journey with Parkinson's. See the conference schedule below for details. There's a seat at our table for you and we hope to see you there!

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

8:30am – 9:15am Check in & Breakfast

9:15am – 9:30am Welcome & Opening Remarks

9:30am – 10:15am Treatment Options: Vyalev Pump

10:15am – 10:30am Break

10:30am – 11:15am Treatment Options: Deep Brain Stimulation

Dr. Robert Ziechmann, Neurosurgeon

Monument Health

11:15am – 11:45pm PWP, Caregiver, and Provider Panel Discussion Personal Experiences and other Treatment Options

11:45pm – 1:00pm Lunch & Resource Fair

1:00pm – 1:45pm Gut Health

Dr. Karin Duncan, NMD

Integrative Neurology Wellness Center

1:45pm – 2:30pm Keynote Speaker

Sara Whittingham, MD

2:30pm – 2:50pm Break & Refreshments

2:50pm – 3:25pm Upright Posture, Grounding, and Exercise Benefits

About You Physical Therapy & Rock Steady Boxing

3:25pm – 3:30pm Closing Remarks

Meet Our Keynote Speaker!

Sara Whittingham, MD, is a retired anesthesiologist, U.S. Air Force veteran, Parkinson’s advocate, and author of Oh Crap, It’s Parkinson’s! Diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease in 2020 at age 46, she went on to compete in the IRONMAN World Championship and U.S. Paralympic Team trials. Through her writing and advocacy, Sara encourages people with Parkinson’s to embrace a positive mindset, set outrageous goals, and discover their own path to living well with PD. Her story has been featured by CBS News, TODAY, USA Today, and Women’s Health.