Programs
The following are some of our initiatives that depend heavily on the time and generosity of our volunteers and sponsors. For more information, tap on the program names:
Assistive Devices Exchange Program
Atypical Parkinsonism requires many assistive devices to help along the journey. These devices are sometimes only required for a short time as the symptoms progress. Many families have no further use for these devices, awhile other families are in need of them. We have created a local online exchange network ADEP, where families can donate their items to other families on this journey.
Zoom Support Group
Our Zoom support group meetings provide a virtual platform for us to connect, share, and support one another on our journeys. These meetings will serve as a valuable opportunity to come together, learn from each other's experiences, and find solace in a supportive community.
Local In Person Support Groups Canada
We provide support and training for local support groups looking to start-up in Canada for Atypical Parkinsonism. We host our main in person support group meeting for Ontario every month in Burlington Ontario. Contact us if you are interested in starting a local group in your community or if you are looking for a local group.
Coleen’s Hospice Care Home Project
Our hospice care home project is focused on providing a stress- and worry-free environment for the individual and their family touched by Atypical Parkinsonism. Our homes will aim to provide a place where you can be a family and make memories, all while we take care of the arrangements and care required. Our care teams will have specialized training focused on Atypical Parkinsonism and the medical and caregiving challenges that come with it.
With your support, we hope to hit our goal and welcome our first residence in the next few years!
Volunteer
We’re putting out a call for help! We are looking for board members and volunteers to join the Coleen Cunningham Foundation! We want to continue to expand our foundation and be able to help as many people as possible, and we couldn’t do that without the help of our community. Specifically, we are looking to add team members to our Fundraising and Welcoming Committees. If you, or someone you know, would be a good fit for us, please have them reach out to us!
Take a look at our volunteer opportunities!
About Us:
The Coleen Cunningham Foundation serves individuals and families dealing with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) and Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD).
Mission
The Coleen Cunningham Foundation (CCF) is dedicated to honoring the legacy of Coleen Cunningham by providing comprehensive support to individuals and families affected by Atypical Parkinsonism. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those impacted by these rare neurological disorders through compassionate care, advocacy, and education. We strive to foster a supportive community, offer respite and hospice care, and advance the understanding and management of Atypical Parkinsonism.
Objectives
1. Provide Compassionate Respite and Hospice Care
- Respite Vacations: Offer families affected by Atypical Parkinsonism the opportunity to create cherished memories through specially designed respite vacations.
- Respite Hospice in the Caribbean: Establish a dedicated hospice facility in the Caribbean that provides comprehensive care and relaxation for families, ensuring a serene environment for both patients and caregivers.
2. Support and Empower Families and Caregivers
- Support Groups: Facilitate regular support group meetings to provide emotional and practical support for caregivers, patients, and families.
- Educational Resources: Develop and distribute educational materials to help families and caregivers understand and manage the complexities of Atypical Parkinsonism.
- Advocacy: Advocate for the needs and rights of those affected by Atypical Parkinsonism at both the local and national levels.
3. Advance Medical Understanding and Management
- Collaborative Research: Partner with medical institutions and researchers to support studies aimed at understanding Atypical Parkinsonism and developing effective treatments.
- Medical Insights and Training: Provide healthcare professionals with the latest insights and training on Atypical Parkinsonism to improve patient care.
4. Promote Awareness and Education
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Conduct campaigns to raise public awareness about Atypical Parkinsonism and the challenges faced by those affected.
- Educational Events: Host seminars, webinars, and workshops to educate the public, healthcare professionals, and policymakers about Atypical Parkinsonism.
5. Foster a Supportive Community
- Online Community Platform: Create and maintain an online platform where individuals and families can share experiences, find support, and access resources.
- Engage with Stakeholders: Build partnerships with organizations, companies, and individuals dedicated to supporting neurological disorders to enhance our outreach and impact.
6. Expand Global Reach
- International Collaboration: Work with international partners to share knowledge, resources, and best practices in the care and management of Atypical Parkinsonism.
- Resource Distribution: Ensure that educational and support materials are accessible to a global audience, reaching as many affected individuals and families as possible.
Commitment to Excellence
At the Coleen Cunningham Foundation, we are committed to excellence in all our endeavors. We pledge to uphold the highest standards of care, compassion, and professionalism in our services, ensuring that every individual and family we support receives the best possible assistance and guidance.
Together, we can navigate the challenges of Atypical Parkinsonism, creating a brighter future for those affected by this condition.
No One Walks Alone!
Laura Louizos
Executive Director
Coleen Cunningham Foundation for
PSP Awareness