June 19, 2026

Assemble:
Key Takeaways

To every PD Avenger around the world: thank you.

Thank you for showing up, speaking out, sharing your story, signing petitions, attending meetings, participating in research, supporting one another, and refusing to accept the status quo.

Because of your advocacy, Parkinson's is being talked about differently. Policymakers are paying attention. Researchers are listening more closely to people living with Parkinson's.

Organizations are collaborating instead of competing. Prevention is becoming part of the conversation. Most importantly, people with Parkinson's and their families are realizing they are not alone.

Every email sent, every social media post shared, every meeting attended, every question asked, and every action taken helps move us closer to a world where Parkinson's is prevented, better treated, and ultimately ended.

PD Avengers is not a board, a website, or a logo. It is a global movement powered by people who care enough to act.

Thank you for your passion, your persistence, and your belief that change is possible.

Together, we are adding urgency to research, wellness, and advocacy. Together, we are proving that ordinary people can create extraordinary impact.

Thank you for being a PD Avenger.

Click below to download the group photos of PD Avengers from the World Parkinson Congress.

Download PD Avengers Group Photo #1

Download PD Avengers FUN Group Photo #2

GLOBAL PARAQUAT UPDATE

A bipartisan bill has been introduced in the United States House of Representatives to ban paraquat, a highly toxic pesticide strongly linked to Parkinson’s disease. This is a major win for prevention advocacy and reflects growing momentum in the U.S. and globally.

Pennsylvania lawmakers will be debating a bill in committee next week, which would ban paraquat in the state.

READ: PD Avengers letter to the committee

Australia Paraquat Update

Josh Davis, Executive Director of Pesticide Action Australia shared that Australia’s regulator is expected to announce a decision soon as part of a long-running review of paraquat. The outlook was described as pessimistic because the regulator has not meaningfully engaged with top neurologists.

Environment Working Group analyzed California pesticide records and found that The Wonderful Company applied more than 56,000 pounds of paraquat in 2021, making it California's second-largest user of the herbicide. The company grows pomegranates, pistachios, and almonds. It has announced it will phase off the use of Paraquat in 2026.

Paraquat has already been banned, discontinued, or removed from use in more than 74 countries. There is also increasing pressure on UK retailers to remove produce from supply chains where paraquat has been used.

The new U.S. Advisory Council on Parkinson’s Research will meet on June 29. Public comments are due June 22, and PD Avengers has published its submission on the blog.

PD Avengers Public Comment to the Council

FDA Vitamin B6 Warning for Carbidopa/Levodopa

The FDA now requires warnings on carbidopa/ levodopa medications about the potential risk of Vitamin B6 deficiency.

Carbidopa can increase urinary loss of Vitamin B6. Over time, deficiency may cause neurological symptoms, including seizures.

The key message for the community is clear: do not stop taking medication or change your dose without medical guidance.

People taking carbidopa/levodopa may want to speak with their doctor about blood testing, diet, and whether monitoring Vitamin B6 levels is appropriate.

Parkinson’s Improv Laughter League Festival

The Parkinson’s Improv Laughter League Festival, also known as the PILL Festival, is a free online improv festival for people with Parkinson’s, care partners, friends, and supporters.

The festival runs June 22–26 on Pacific Time and includes free workshops throughout the week.

Come Talk To Me Documentary

Imagine you have a disease likely to leave you unable to talk or write. Come Talk To Me is a 76-minute documentary focused on the communication challenges of late-stage Parkinson’s disease.

“Come Talk To ME” shows Parkinson's disease (PD) activist Jackie Christensen, husband Paul and friends with PD reflecting on how it has affected their own speech and relationships.

Support groups and community organizations can host screenings through the Kinema platform.

Voice Banking

Tony Wilkinson from Ireland shared information about voice banking, a process that allows people to record and digitize their voice for future use.

One program mentioned was Telia from University College Cork.

Arkansas Voice Project

The Arkansas Voice Project is studying phone-based diagnosis for people in rural areas who do not have access to movement disorder specialists. This could help improve access to care in underserved communities.

Fine Motor Skill Activities

Several fine motor activities were discussed as helpful and engaging options for people with Parkinson’s. Examples included sketching with pencil or charcoal, origami, and LEGO.

One-Handed Keyboard Concept

Randall shared a concept for a redesigned mobile swipe keyboard that could be easier to use with one hand. The design places vowels in the center to support faster typing. Randall plans to present the concept to Microsoft.