Community Press Release

All are welcome for a day of awareness, inspiration, and support. 2025 Shawn Thornton Service Award recipient Sarah Singer, LICSW to be honored.

The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA)
Massachusetts Chapter is set to host its 39th annual APDA Massachusetts Optimism Walk in Framingham as part of a nationwide movement to raise awareness and vital funds for the Parkinson’s disease (PD) community. The Walk will take place on Sunday, May 18 at Bowditch Field (475 Union Ave). During the opening ceremony, the APDA Massachusetts Chapter will present its 2025 Shawn Thornton Service Award to Sarah Singer, LICSW. Registration is open now.

The Optimism Walk series is a cornerstone of APDA’s efforts to empower people living with PD and their care partners and families with the resources and support they need; to advance research toward better treatments and ultimately a cure; and to increase public awareness of PD, which is the fastest-growing neurological disease in the world. Participants show solidarity with those impacted by PD, and by fundraising and donating, contribute to the essential programs and services provided by APDA to local communities through a nationwide network of Chapters and Information & Referral (I&R) Centers.

The APDA Massachusetts Optimism Walk in Framingham is a family-friendly event that offers an accessible walk, educational opportunities, sponsor activities, raffles, music, food, and most importantly, a chance to bond with others who are similarly connected. The Walk is perfect for
anyone who wants to step up and help put an end to this disease – from people with PD and care partners to family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers.

Registration is free and open to all. Participants are encouraged to fundraise, form teams, and spread awareness leading up to the Walk. Fundraising efforts are crucial in supporting APDA’s mission to provide the support, education, research, and community that helps everyone impacted by PD live life to the fullest. As such, there are prizes for every individual who raises $100 or more.

“Of the one million people living with Parkinson’s disease in the United States, 21,000 are right here in Massachusetts. And with a new diagnosis every six minutes, that number continues to grow rapidly,” says Jessica van der Stad, Executive Director, APDA Massachusetts Chapter.
“Events like the APDA Optimism Walks help fuel support for our critical work while fostering an invaluable sense of community and encouragement for those impacted by Parkinson’s – reminding them they’re never alone on their journey.”

2025 APDA Massachusetts Chapter Shawn Thornton Service Award Recipient: The APDA Massachusetts Chapter is pleased to announce Sarah Singer, LICSW as the 2025 recipient of its Shawn Thornton Service Award. This award is named after NHL player Shawn Thornton who, through the Shawn Thornton Foundation, raises funds for PD. It is presented annually at the APDA Massachusetts Optimism Walk to an individual who demonstrates outstanding service, dedication, care, and/or volunteerism in support of those living with PD.

As a licensed clinical social worker, Ms. Singer has been a source of information, support, and hope for those diagnosed with PD and their care partners. She began her work with APDA in 2009 by leading a support group for individuals with PD at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, then later at the Newton Senior Center, and her involvement quickly grew from there. She worked as a consultant, visiting support groups throughout Massachusetts as both an APDA ambassador and a source of information and ideas for support group leaders. As a result, she developed a support group leader toolkit with sample press releases, program ideas, and group materials that support group leaders could easily customize.

Ms. Singer’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping key initiatives both locally and nationally, including serving on committees responsible for the development of APDA signature programs such as PRESSTM (Parkinson’s Roadmap for Education and Support ServicesTM) and
PRESS ONTM. These programs have been vital in providing much-needed support and resources to those within PD community. When the COVID-19 pandemic isolated so many,

Sarah’s innovative approach helped bridge the gap. She found new ways to build connection, ensuring that even in the toughest times, the PD community was not left behind. Her commitment to maintaining strength and optimism in times of uncertainty showcases the heart of her service.

“Sarah’s efforts and unwavering support of those living with Parkinson’s disease have made her a true asset to APDA and to the broader PD community,” shares Cathi Thomas, RN, MS, Program Coordinator, APDA I&R Center at Boston University School of Medicine. “She exemplifies the values of service, dedication, and care that the Shawn Thornton Service Award represents. Through her work, Sarah continues to inspire and uplift those whose lives have been touched by Parkinson’s, providing hope and connection when it is needed most.”

The APDA Massachusetts Optimism Walk in Framingham is made possible in part through the generous support of our local sponsors, including Supernus Pharmaceuticals and Etta & Mark Rosen at the Boston Foundation.

The APDA Massachusetts Chapter – working in tandem with the APDA I&R Center at Boston University School of Medicine – offers a wide range of Parkinson’s disease programs, resources, education, and support. To learn more, visit www.apdaparkinson.org/ma, email apdama@apdaparkinson.org or call 800-651-8466.

About the American Parkinson Disease Association: The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is a nationwide grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease (PD) and works tirelessly to assist the more than one million people with PD in the United States live life to the fullest in the face of this chronic, neurological disorder. Founded in 1961, APDA has raised and invested more than $313 million to provide outstanding patient services and educational programs, elevate public awareness about the disease, and support research designed to unlock the mysteries of PD and end this disease. To join in the fight against Parkinson’s disease and to learn more about the support APDA provides nationally through a network of Chapters and Information & Referral (I&R) Centers, as well as a national Research Program and Centers for Advanced Research, please visit us at www.apdaparkinson.org.