Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s has partnered with the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego Mentor program for people with Parkinson’s and their Care Partners. The purpose of this program is to provide a supportive environment where individuals affected by Parkinson’s can connect with mentors who understand their experiences. Mentors can offer emotional support, share coping strategies, and provide encouragement, which can help mentees feel empowered and more confident in managing their condition.
Click on one of the mentors below to connect with them or if you would prefer to search for a mentor by phone, please call us at (941) 926-6413.
Drew Effron
I am very fortunate that despite having been diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013, the disease has been progressing very slowly, and so far, has permitted me to live a relatively normal and active life. I believe that fitness and regular visits with my movement disorder doctor are the keys to keeping the disease at bay. I also keep current with research and information about Parkinson’s through sources such as NeuroChallenge, Parkinson’s Place, MJF, as well as belonging to several internet chats and Training Wheels Off, a weekly Zoom group.
As a person with Parkinson’s, committed to living my best life, I am uniquely prepared to help others who may be facing challenges living with Parkinson’s.
Contact Drew:
Drew Effron
Mentor for People with Parkinson's and Care Partners
I am very fortunate that despite having been diagnosed with...
Peter Wood
My wife, Joyce, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2008. In 2017 a fellow PD Caregiver and I formed Mind and Motion (M&M), a Parkinson’s Support Network in Marion Cty, Florida. I established a Partnership agreement with the NeuroChallenge Parkinson’s Foundation in 2018. The main mission of M&M is PD Education, Fitness and Exercise, and Support for both People with Parkinson’s and Caregivers. I manage and coordinate M&M’s Caregiver Support sessions, and often field telephone calls with couples wherein there has been a recent PD diagnosis. I also have two revered adult children who are part of our PD team, in Virginia and Colorado.
- Born in Montreal, Quebec Canada (1940), Schooling -up to High School graduation in Canada.
- Acquired Private Pilot license in Canada (1957) and US.
- BSc Aero Maintenance Engineering, Northrop University, Inglewood, Calif (1960-’64)
- MBA, University of New Haven (1973)
- Project Engineer, Avco Lycoming, Stratford, Conn. (1967-‘73)
- Owned and operated the William Seward Inn in Westfield, NY. (5 years)
- Project Engineering, Purchasing management, International Marketing, Westinghouse Electric Corp. ( 1973-2002), Power Generation Divisions, Concordville, PA, and Orlando, Florida. Position before retiring – Manager of Service Marketing, Europe, Africa, Middle East.
- Retired 2002
Contact Peter:
Peter Wood
Mentor for People with Parkinson's and Care Partners
My wife, Joyce, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2008....
The Mentor Program is generously supported by:
