The Power to Live Well

How the Davis Phinney Foundation is Redefining Life with Parkinson's

When Olympic cyclist and Tour de France stage winner Davis Phinney was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at just 40 years old, his life took a turn that few could imagine. Yet, instead of surrendering to uncertainty, he chose a different path—one defined by purpose, movement, and hope. From that decision came the Davis Phinney Foundation, an organization that has become a trusted voice for those learning not just how to manage Parkinson’s, but how to live well with it.

Mission in Motion

The Foundation’s mission is simple and deeply human: to help people with Parkinson’s live well today. Davis and his wife, Olympic gold medalist Connie Carpenter Phinney, understood firsthand that knowledge, exercise, and community could transform life after diagnosis. What began as a personal journey has since grown into a global network of education, empowerment, and compassion.

“We believe that when people have access to the right tools, education, connection, inspiration, and opportunity, they’re better equipped to shape their own wellbeing,” shares the Foundation’s Hispanic Community Engagement Manager, Dr. Claudia Martinez. “Our goal is to ensure that everyone touched by Parkinson’s has a chance to experience a meaningful, fulfilling life.”

Empowerment in Action

Central to the Foundation’s impact is the Ambassador Leadership Program, a network of more than 150 volunteers spanning the U.S., Canada, Spain, and Latin America. Each Ambassador, whether living with Parkinson’s or supporting a loved one, serves as a mentor and advocate. They share resources, provide guidance, and help others find strength in community.

The Foundation’s educational resources, like the Every Victory Counts® manuals, bilingual podcasts, and live webinars, extend that same spirit of empowerment. They make complex information easy to understand, offering clear, culturally relevant tools to help individuals and families navigate Parkinson’s with confidence and grace.

A Global Community of Support

Beyond education lies connection, the kind that restores hope and belonging. Through virtual Living with Parkinson’s Meetups, the Foundation creates safe, engaging spaces for people to speak openly about their daily lives. These gatherings remind participants that they are part of something much larger than a diagnosis.

The Foundation’s Hispanic Community Engagement Program reflects its commitment to inclusion and representation. By collaborating with community leaders across the United States, Spain, and Latin America, it ensures that Spanish-speaking families are supported, informed, and seen.

Amplifying Voices: Parkinson Positivos

One of the Foundation’s most celebrated projects, Parkinson Positivos, amplifies the voices of the Hispanic Parkinson’s community. Developed in partnership with the American Parkinson Disease Association and Columbia University, the book captures the stories of more than fifty individuals from ten Spanish-speaking countries.

Illustrated with warmth and authenticity, it combines personal experiences, expert insights, and cultural understanding to create something extraordinary, a resource that both informs and uplifts. “People see themselves reflected in its pages,” the Foundation explains. “They discover they’re not alone and that there’s a community ready to walk beside them.”

Available free of charge in print and digital formats, Parkinson Positivos is now used by families and healthcare providers alike as a trusted educational tool.

Breaking Barriers with Compassion

For many Hispanic families, Parkinson’s brings more than medical challenges. It often means confronting stigma, language barriers, and limited access to care. The Foundation works to dismantle these obstacles through culturally responsive programming. One of them is Espacio Parkinson, a monthly bilingual webinar that brings together experts and individuals living with Parkinson’s to explore topics ranging from mental health to everyday wellbeing.

These conversations help families find perspective, share experiences, and rebuild a sense of community. “We want them to know that their journey matters,” says the Foundation’s representative. “That even through hardship, there’s strength and hope.”

The Heart of the Work

Among the many lives touched by the Foundation, the story of Gilberto and Martha Adame reflects the organization’s essence. When Gilberto was diagnosed in Los Angeles, he felt lost and withdrew from everyone, including his family. Everything changed when he and Martha joined the Foundation’s Hispanic Ambassador Program.

With new knowledge and community, Gilberto found the courage to share his story publicly. Today, he and Martha serve as mentors, offering guidance and encouragement to other families. Recently, they shared the Parkinson Positivos book at a Promotores Conference in California, connecting more than 250 community health workers with vital resources. Their transformation is a living example of what it means to live well.

Collaboration that Multiplies Impact

The Foundation’s success is built on collaboration. Through its HOPE PALS Coalition, Hispanic Organizational Partners Engaged in Parkinson’s Awareness and Leadership Solutions, it unites organizations from the U.S. and Spain to share resources, exchange best practices, and strengthen advocacy. The coalition’s work has already sparked joint educational events, new research partnerships, and bilingual outreach campaigns.

Defining "Living Well"

To live well with Parkinson’s means something different for everyone. It might be staying active, nurturing friendships, or finding joy in small victories. The Foundation’s Pedaling for Parkinson’s™ program embodies this philosophy. Backed by research showing significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life, the cycling initiative has become a symbol of resilience, proof that movement and mindset can shift everything.

“Living well isn’t only about symptom management,” says the Foundation. “It’s about being part of a community, finding purpose, and creating moments that make life feel full again.”

Looking Forward with Hope

The Foundation continues to expand its global reach. In 2026, it will launch Foro Parkinson, a new Spanish-language webinar series connecting Hispanic Ambassadors with international audiences. Each new effort builds on the same promise Davis Phinney made years ago: to help people live fully and fearlessly, no matter where their journey begins.

A Message for the Journey

To everyone living with Parkinson’s, and to every family walking beside them, the Foundation offers a message of strength and solidarity: You are not alone. There is a community ready to guide, empower, and celebrate you.

Your story is still unfolding, and within it lies extraordinary courage—the courage to live well today. Continue celebrating the organizations that uplift our communities. Subscribe and be part of the movement that keeps their stories alive.

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