IMG Academy and Neuro Challenge Foundation Host Parkinson's Wellness Event

The event focused on movement, brain health, and community support for those living with Parkinson's disease.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:19pm

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A minimalist design in the style of Keith Haring, featuring a person in motion defined by glowing neon lines against a dark background, conceptually representing the importance of movement and exercise for those living with Parkinson's disease.A vibrant illustration captures the active energy and community spirit of the Parkinson's wellness event, where movement and brain health were the focus.Bradenton Today

A unique event at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida brought together 22 people living with Parkinson's disease for a day of activities focused on improving brain and body health. The event, hosted by IMG Academy and the Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson's, included tennis, yoga, mind games, and other movement exercises designed to emphasize the importance of daily exercise and community support for those navigating a Parkinson's diagnosis.

Why it matters

Parkinson's disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's, and events like this help raise awareness about the resources and community support available for those living with the condition. Regular exercise and access to specialized programs have been shown to be key in managing Parkinson's symptoms and maintaining quality of life.

The details

The event featured a variety of activities led by student ambassadors from IMG Academy, including tennis, yoga, and cognitive exercises. Organizers say the goal was to demonstrate how movement and community engagement can be beneficial for those with Parkinson's. Participants learned about the connection between physical activity and brain health, and how repetitive motions like cycling and boxing can help manage Parkinson's symptoms.

  • The event took place on April 18, 2026 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

The players

Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson's

A non-profit organization that provides resources, support, and specialized programs for people living with Parkinson's disease.

IMG Academy

A renowned sports training and preparatory school that hosted the Parkinson's wellness event in partnership with the Neuro Challenge Foundation.

April Moschini

Program director for the Neuro Challenge Foundation, who emphasized the importance of the right kind of exercise for people with Parkinson's.

Kate Massey

Executive director for the IMG Academy Foundation, who discussed how the event's activities help train the mind and body for those with Parkinson's.

Carolina Murphy

A participant living with Parkinson's since 2015, who shared how regular exercise like boxing, circuit training, tennis, and cycling are crucial for managing her symptoms.

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What they’re saying

“It's very important that they receive the right kind of exercise every single day. And what I mean by that is specific exercises that actually cross the midline of the body.”

— April Moschini, Program director, Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson's

“Having that cross-body training for mind and body is really important because it's helping train their brains. It's helping to train their minds and just keeping it sharp, essentially, and it's extremely important for those with Parkinson's to keep their mind sharp, especially with what's going on in their bodies themselves.”

— Kate Massey, Executive director, IMG Academy Foundation

“They say movement is the best medicine you can have besides the pills that they give you. So I box three times a week and do circuit training, play tennis, I can still play tennis. I can also do the cycling program, which is really important, because anything that's repetitive motion is really important for us.”

— Carolina Murphy, Parkinson's disease participant

“If you have Parkinson's, you have Parkinson's, but Parkinson's doesn't have you. So don't be afraid when you get the diagnosis, just get in touch with Neuro Challenge because they have a plethora of resources, and they'll connect you.”

— Carolina Murphy, Parkinson's disease participant

What’s next

The Neuro Challenge Foundation plans to continue partnering with IMG Academy to host similar wellness events focused on movement, brain health, and community support for people living with Parkinson's disease.

The takeaway

This event highlights the importance of specialized exercise programs, community resources, and a positive mindset for those navigating a Parkinson's diagnosis. By emphasizing movement, brain stimulation, and social connection, the organizers are helping empower participants to take an active role in managing their condition and improving their quality of life.