As the end of another busy year approaches, we invited Parkinson’s Europe’s member organisations to share their festive cheer with the Parkinson’s community, and discover their wishes and plans for 2026.
We spoke to Parkinson’s organisations from Belgium, Spain, Ireland, Czech Republic, Norway, Portugal, Netherlands, Greece, UK, Italy and France. Check out some of their highlights from 2025, and their hopes and plans for 2026.
Virginie Dirick, Director, Parkinson Association Belgium
“En cette période spéciale de l’année, l’Association Parkinson Belgique souhaite adresser un message d’espoir et d’énergie positive à la communauté Parkinson’s Europe. Ensemble, continuons à avancer contre la maladie de Parkinson, en respectant le rythme de chacun et en mettant la qualité de vie au cœur de nos actions.
“En 2026, nous attendons avec impatience une meilleure sensibilisation et visibilité, ainsi que des progrès continus dans l’accès aux traitements, médicamenteux et non médicamenteux, et leur efficacité, afin que chacun puisse vivre pleinement sa vie, soutenu par la confiance, la solidarité et le bon mouvement.
“L’équipe de l’Association Parkinson Belgique vous souhaite une joyeuse saison festive et une nouvelle année pleine d’énergie, de partage et d’espoir !”
“At this special time of year, the Parkinson’s Association Belgium wishes to send a message of hope and positive energy to the Parkinson’s Europe community. Together, let’s continue to move forward against Parkinson’s disease, respecting everyone’s pace and putting quality of life at the heart of our actions.
“In 2026, we look forward to greater awareness and visibility, as well as continued progress in access to and effectiveness of treatments, both drug and non-drug, so that everyone can live their lives to the fullest, supported by trust, solidarity, and good movement.
“The Parkinson Association Belgium team wishes you a happy festive season and a new year full of energy, sharing and hope!”
Amparo Lopez, Parkinson Federacion Espanola
“Nuestro deseo para 2026 es un movimiento asociativo más cohesionado, con más voz, más apoyo y más impacto real en la vida de las personas con párkinson.”
“Our wish for 2026 is a more cohesive associative movement, with a stronger voice, more support and a greater real impact on the lives of people with Parkinson’s.”
The Team at Parkinson’s Ireland, Parkinson’s Ireland, Ireland
“As we look forward to the festive season, all of us at Parkinson’s Ireland would like to send our heartfelt good wishes to the Parkinson’s community across Europe. This is a special time to reflect on all of our work and achievements from this past year. We are deeply grateful to everyone in our community, including people living with Parkinson’s, their families, carers and supporters, who have made the past year so amazing.
“We also want to wish the very best to our branches and members all over Ireland, and to our supporters abroad and throughout Europe. Our wish for 2026 is to continue growing our wonderful team and to build on the incredible work that happens every day. Together we hope to reach more people, offer greater support and keep moving towards a brighter and more hopeful future for everyone affected by Parkinson’s.”
Marta Pátková, chairwoman, Společnosti Parkinson, Czech Republic
“Každému, koho se dotýká Parkinsonova nemoc — pacientům, jejich rodinám, dětem i pečujícím. V čase světel a naděje myslíme na každého, kdo žije s Parkinsonovou nemocí i na ty, kteří o ně pečují, podporují je spolu s námi. Zvláštní myšlenku věnujeme rodinám, kde jeden z rodičů žije s Parkinsonovou nemocí a vychovávají společně malé děti. Také myslíme na ty, kteří potřebují specializovanou péči a důstojné dožití. A přejeme mnoho sil všem, kteří o své blízké pečují každodenně, s láskou a vytrvalostí.
“Přejeme si, aby byl rok 2026 průlomový – rokem, kdy se objeví terapie schopná zastavit postup Parkinsonovy nemoci a zaměřit se na její příčiny. Ať je péče dostupná pro každého, kdo ji potřebuje- Ať rodiny najdou pevné zázemí a podporu.
“Ať nám všem nikdy nechybí víra, že má smysl nevzdávat se, nepoddávat se nemoci a hledat v sobě sílu s ní bojovat — krok za krokem, společně.”
“To everyone affected by Parkinson’s disease — patients, their families, children and carers. In this time of light and hope, we think of everyone living with Parkinson’s disease and those who care for them, supporting them along with us. We dedicate a special thought to families where one parent lives with Parkinson’s disease and they raise young children together. We also think of those who need specialised care and a dignified life. And we wish much strength to all who care for their loved ones every day, with love and perseverance.
“We wish that 2026 will be a breakthrough year – the year when a therapy is discovered that can stop the progression of Parkinson’s disease and address its causes. May care be available to everyone who needs it – may families find a strong foundation and support.
“May we all never lose faith that it makes sense not to give up, not to succumb to the disease, and to find the strength within ourselves to fight it – step by step, together.”
Hanne Flaat, ZWAP Cycling Club, Norway
“Life is not for amateurs! But remember: we can do this! Meeting new people and seeing what they achieve gives me the motivation I need to believe that I can stay active for many years to come. With the network and support I have from those around me, it feels wonderful to have my smile back again. My focus now is to help others in the same situation find the motivation to believe that they too can say, ‘I can do this!’
“As part of the World Parkinson’s Congress (WPC) initiative ‘Pedal to Phoenix’ 2026, I will be cycling with Team West Coast on an unforgettable journey from Seattle to Phoenix. Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s as a young adult was very difficult, but physical activity – especially cycling and the ZWAP community – has helped me regain a meaningful everyday life.
“For me, it’s important to set clear training goals, such as taking part in Pedal to Phoenix. It helps me stay motivated, and I believe it also contributes to slowing the progression of the disease. I hope to inspire others and show how strong community, physical activity, and hope can improve quality of life.”
Laura Morer, Director, Catalan Parkinson’s Association
“From the Catalan Parkinson’s Association, we wish you a holiday full of positive energy to look to the future with optimism.
“By 2026 we will continue working to promote research with the participation of the entire community and raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease to mitigate the stigma.”
Marta Freitas, Executive Coordinator, Young Parkies Portugal (YPP), Portugal
“At Young Parkies Portugal, we celebrate the power of connection – the strength that grows when we share experiences, knowledge, and hope. This festive season, we want to honour everyone living with Parkinson’s, their families, friends, and professionals who stand by their side every day. May this time of year remind us that community is not just about belonging, but about lifting each other up, with empathy, courage, and purpose.
“Our wish for 2026 is a world where early-onset Parkinson’s is better understood, where people living with the condition have access to tailored multidisciplinary care, and where no one faces the diagnosis alone.
“We hope to strengthen our national network of support and visibility, expand rehabilitation and education programmes, and continue building bridges across Europe to ensure that every voice in the Parkinson’s community is heard and valued.”
Parkinson Vereniging team
“De Parkinson Vereniging is dé vereniging van en voor mensen met de ziekte van Parkinson of een parkinsonisme en hun naasten in Nederland. Wij helpen hen regie te houden over hun dagelijks leven, maken ontmoetingen mogelijk, komen voor hen op en bieden hulp en ondersteuning.
“In 2026 bereiken we een belangrijke mijlpaal in de samenwerking binnen Parkinsonalliantie Nederland. De vier organisaties die samenwerken in deze alliantie, Parkinson Vereniging, ParkinsonNederland, ParkinsonNet en de Dutch Parkinson Scientists, lanceren het landelijk parkinsonplatform. Hierin werken we samen aan betrouwbare, uitgebreide en actuele informatie die goed vindbaar is en duurzaam wordt beheerd. Samen staan we sterker!”
“Parkinson Vereniging is the leading association in the Netherlands for people with Parkinson’s disease or parkinsonism and their loved ones. We help them maintain control over their daily lives, facilitate meetings, advocate for them, and offer assistance and support.
“In 2026, we will reach an important milestone in the collaboration within Parkinsonalliantie Nederland. The four organizations working together in this alliance, Parkinson Vereniging, ParkinsonNederland, ParkinsonNet, and Dutch Parkinson Scientists, will launch the national Parkinson’s platform. Here, we will work together to provide reliable, comprehensive, and up-to-date information that is easy to find and managed sustainably. Together we are stronger!”
The Board of Directors of the Parkinson’s Association of Northern Greece
“Αγαπητοί συνασθενείς, φροντιστές. φίλοι και εθελοντές της κοινότητας της νόσου Πάρκινσον. Καθώς πλησιάζουν τα Χριστούγεννα και το νέο έτος, ας αφήσουμε το φως των γιορτών να ζεστάνει τις καρδιές μας και να μας γεμίσει με ελπίδα και αισιοδοξία. Αυτές οι γιορτινές ημέρες μας υπενθυμίζουν τη δύναμη της προσφοράς, της συντροφικότητας και της αλληλεγγύης.
“Ο Σύλλογός μας εκφράζει την ευγνωμοσύνη του προς όλους — τα μέλη, τις οικογένειες, τους φροντιστές, τους εθελοντές, τους γιατρούς και όσους στηρίζουν καθημερινά το έργο μας. Η παρουσία και η προσφορά τους δίνουν νόημα σε κάθε μας προσπάθεια.
“Το 2025 που φεύγει υπήρξε για όλους μια χρονιά γεμάτη προκλήσεις, αλλά και στιγμές δύναμης, επιμονής και αλληλεγγύης. Μαζί καταφέραμε να κρατήσουμε ζωντανό το μήνυμα πως η ζωή με Πάρκινσον μπορεί να είναι δημιουργική, ενεργή και γεμάτη αξία, όταν υπάρχει υποστήριξη και κατανόηση.
“Με πίστη στο έργο μας και με αγάπη για κάθε άνθρωπο που δίνει τη δική του μάχη, ευχόμαστε: Καλά Χριστούγεννα και Ευτυχισμένο το 2026! Το νέο έτος να φέρει υγεία, αισιοδοξία, πρόοδο στην έρευνα, δύναμη στις ψυχές και φως στις καρδιές όλων μας. Ας συνεχίσουμε να πορευόμαστε με κουράγιο, χαμόγελο και πίστη σε ένα καλύτερο αύριο.”
“Dear fellow patients, caregivers, friends, and volunteers of the Parkinson’s disease community. As Christmas and the New Year approach, let the light of the holidays warm our hearts and fill us with hope and optimism. These festive days remind us of the power of giving, companionship, and solidarity.
“Our Association expresses its gratitude to everyone—members, families, caregivers, volunteers, doctors, and all those who support our work on a daily basis. Their presence and contribution give meaning to all our efforts.
“The year 2025 that is coming to an end has been a year full of challenges for everyone, but also moments of strength, perseverance, and solidarity. Together, we managed to keep alive the message that life with Parkinson’s can be creative, active, and full of value when there is support and understanding. With faith in our work and love for every person who is fighting their own battle, we wish you: Merry Christmas and a Happy 2026! May the new year bring health, optimism, progress in research, strength to our souls, and light to all our hearts. Let us continue to move forward with courage, smiles, and faith in a better tomorrow.”
Caroline Rassell, Chief Executive Officer at Parkinson’s UK
“As we look to the festive season and reflect, it is wonderful to be reminded of all that we have achieved in 2025 for people living with Parkinson’s.
“All our work is focused on providing hope for the Parkinson’s community. From our global ground breaking research projects looking from cause to cure; our funding of specialist clinical roles; our provision of educational materials for health care professionals; our campaigning and lobbying of the Government on workforce shortages and benefits access, and crucially our local communities support of information, advocacy and opportunities to connect, we are focused on ensuring the world is a better place for those affected by Parkinson’s.
“In 2026, we will use our knowledge and expertise derived from our Prevalence Study into Parkinson’s to lead, direct and challenge new research, better funding, and seek to fill the gaps. As we continue to be relentless in our pursuit of improvements for this remarkable community.”
Alexander Reed, President, European Parkinson Therapy Centre, Italy
“Colour your life and never give up. If you think Parkinson’s is tough, try dying on a cross, taking the sins of the world and making a miraculous comeback!
“I wish everybody a ‘Cure for Parkinson’s’”
Dr. Marie Fuzzati, Scientific Director, and the Scientific/research Team, Association France Parkinson
“This festive season, we would like to celebrate the incredible strength, hope, and solidarity of the Parkinson’s community, from people living with Parkinson’s to care partners, researchers, and advocates. Together, we are proving every day that progress is possible when compassion and science meet. May this season bring light, rest, and renewed determination for the year ahead!
“Our wish for 2026 is a cure, but while science advances in that direction we wish for a world where every person with Parkinson’s has access to personalised care, cutting-edge therapies, and the support they need to live life to the fullest.
“We hope to see stronger global collaboration driving breakthroughs, from early diagnosis to neuroprotective treatments, and an ever-growing community united by empathy, knowledge, and hope!”
