In April 2021, a small group of friends set out to organize a 5K fundraiser for Jessica Krauser, who had just been diagnosed with Young-Onset Parkinson’s at age 37. But what began as a single day of support quickly revealed something bigger: a community hungry for connection, education, and hope. Understanding how vital exercise, knowledge, and belonging are to navigating life with Parkinson’s, Jessica—together with Michelle Adams, Carrie Schaefer, and Melissa Carlson—founded the 501(c)(3) nonprofit 5KforJK. Today, we’re proud to carry a name that fully reflects our mission: Changing Parkinson’s—empowering people to take charge of their journey and live fuller lives.
From distributing Wish Kits to newly diagnosed patients across the country to building programs rooted in movement and community, what started as one walk has become a movement of its own.
This was a year of momentum — strengthening our infrastructure, deepening our programs, and preparing for the next phase of expansion. With new leadership, a clearer strategic roadmap, and growing national influence, Changing Parkinson’s is positioned not only to respond to need,
but to lead.
None of this progress happens without the commitment of our supporters, volunteers, partners, and community members who believe that Parkinson’s does not define a person’s future.
Together, we are building more than programs — we are building a movement grounded in Education, strengthened through Exercise, and sustained by Community.
2021
Inaugural 5K event raised $86,000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation and $7,000 locally.
Launch of “The Secret Life of Parkinson’s” podcast.
2022
2023
Developed Parkinson’s Kits to distribute for free
Announced PDNextSteps will now be a part of the 5KforJK nonprofit.
2024
2025
Changing Parkinson’s, a new brand uniting all our initiatives to empower individuals and transform the Parkinson’s journey.
Jessica Krauser
Co-Founder + Patient,
The Secret Life of Parkinson’s podcast host
Michelle Adams
Co-Founder,
Owner of PRISM
Marketing
Melissa Carlson
Co-Founder, Program Director pDNextSteps
program
Dave Kolbe
Board Member, Patient + Advisor of Facilities
Brian Baker
The Secret Life of
Parkinson’s podcast Host, and Patient Ambassador, Patient
Carrie Schaeffer
Strategic Advisor,
Co-Founder
Chris Kees
Supernus Pharmaceutical,
Top Sponsor
Cheryl Kreuger
Strategic Advisor,
Patient
Dr. David Hinkle
Medical Advisor,
Movement Disorder
Chief OhioHealth
Dr. Patel
Medical Advisor,
Movement Disorder
Specialist OhioHealth
Erika Neitzke
YOPD Women’s Group
Advisor & Ambassador
(Florida), Patient
Foundation Group
Non-profit Tax Consultants
Howard Miller
Strategic Advisor
Katie Webster
Executive Director,
Changing Parkinson’s
Lisa Palmisano
Patient Ambassador
(Florida), Patient
Mary Havlock
Development Consultant and Founder, Little House Nonprofit
Prism Marketing
Strategic Marketing Agency of Record
Rich Wartel
Strategic Advisor,
Top Sponsor, Founder
One Lab Innovations
Space Age
CRM consultant,
Marketing Operations
Stephanie Struckel
Community Care Coordinator, Changing Parkinson’s
Steve Brandenburg
Patient, The Secret life of Parkinson’s podcast Producer and Editor
Vian Saggio
HR Advisor,
Control V Consulting LLC
Explore our Annual Report to see how our mission has grown into a powerful movement. Discover key milestones, impact, and how you can join us in supporting the Parkinson’s community.
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