AUSTIN, Texas — The Capital Area Parkinson’s Society is on a mission to uplift, empower and walk alongside individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and the caregivers who support them every day. Through education, life-changing resources and a strong sense of community, the organization is helping turn challenges into connection and hope across Central Texas.
Sierra Waggoner sat down with Christi Cornell, Executive Director, and Megan Helmbrecht, Director of Events, to learn more about the heart behind CAPS and their upcoming fundraiser.
Sierra Waggoner sat down with Christi Cornell, Executive Director, and Megan Helmbrecht, Director of Events, to learn more about the heart behind CAPS and their upcoming fundraiser.
Christi Cornell said, “We were founded in 1984 by two spouses whose husbands had Parkinson’s disease. They didn’t want to walk that journey alone, so they started the Capital Area Parkinson’s Society. About 90,000 Americans have it, and right now it’s being diagnosed more than Alzheimer’s disease.”
Parkinson’s disease affects nearly one million people in the United States, and leaders at CAPS say community support is essential in ensuring families do not navigate the diagnosis alone. From the moment of diagnosis, many individuals are searching for answers — and reassurance about what comes next.Courtesy: CAPS
Parkinson’s disease affects nearly one million people in the United States, and leaders at CAPS say community support is essential in ensuring families do not navigate the diagnosis alone. From the moment of diagnosis, many individuals are searching for answers — and reassurance about what comes next.
Parkinson’s disease affects nearly one million people in the United States, and leaders at CAPS say community support is essential in ensuring families do not navigate the diagnosis alone. From the moment of diagnosis, many individuals are searching for answers — and reassurance about what comes next.Courtesy: CAPS
Christi Cornell said, “We focus on education and support. When you’re diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which affects adults from their 20s through end of life, it’s scary. People need education, individual attention and to be with others who have Parkinson’s so they can ask questions and understand that this disease is chronic. It’s scary, but it’s definitely livable.”
Christi Cornell said, “It’s the support from others. Yesterday at a support group, a woman came from Bastrop to Austin. Everyone listened to her story because diagnosis often takes a long time. They were sympathetic, invited her to come back and embraced her — saying, ‘You’re going to be okay. Look at us. We’re here. We’re fighting every day.’”Courtesy: CAPS
For many, that reassurance becomes real the first time they walk into a support group meeting. Cornell says those moments of connection can be transformative — replacing fear with understanding and isolation with solidarity.
Megan Helmbrecht said, “The event is Thursday, February 26th at 5:30 at Buca North Loop. Come for the mission, but it’s also going to be a lot of fun. We’ll have mandolins, catering and an Italian-themed wine open bar. There’s a fabulous raffle with prizes like a diamond necklace and smoothies for a year. We have a robust silent auction and a wine pull for $25 where everyone wins. There are three Super Tuscans among the 50 bottles. Super Tuscans are special grapes — collector’s item bottles.” Courtesy: CAPS{ }
Christi Cornell said, “It’s the support from others. Yesterday at a support group, a woman came from Bastrop to Austin. Everyone listened to her story because diagnosis often takes a long time. They were sympathetic, invited her to come back and embraced her — saying, ‘You’re going to be okay. Look at us. We’re here. We’re fighting every day.’”
On February 26, the community is invited to attend CAPS’ annual fundraiser, an evening designed to celebrate the mission while raising critical funds for programs throughout the year.
Megan Helmbrecht said, “The event is Thursday, February 26th at 5:30 at Buca North Loop. Come for the mission, but it’s also going to be a lot of fun. We’ll have mandolins, catering and an Italian-themed wine open bar. There’s a fabulous raffle with prizes like a diamond necklace and smoothies for a year. We have a robust silent auction and a wine pull for $25 where everyone wins. There are three Super Tuscans among the 50 bottles. Super Tuscans are special grapes — collector’s item bottles.”
Megan Helmbrecht said, “The event is Thursday, February 26th at 5:30 at Buca North Loop. Come for the mission, but it’s also going to be a lot of fun. We’ll have mandolins, catering and an Italian-themed wine open bar. There’s a fabulous raffle with prizes like a diamond necklace and smoothies for a year. We have a robust silent auction and a wine pull for $25 where everyone wins. There are three Super Tuscans among the 50 bottles. Super Tuscans are special grapes — collector’s item bottles.”.
For those who can’t attend in person, there are still ways to support the cause.
Christi Cornell said, “We were founded in 1984 by two spouses whose husbands had Parkinson’s disease. They didn’t want to walk that journey alone, so they started the Capital Area Parkinson’s Society. About 90,000 Americans have it, and right now it’s being diagnosed more than Alzheimer’s disease.”Courtesy: CAPS
Megan Helmbrecht added, “capitalareaparkinsons.org. The silent auction launches Thursday the 19th, a week earlier. Raffle tickets can be purchased, and you do not have to be present to win. You can participate even if you can’t come to the event.”
Whether attending the celebration or bidding online, every contribution helps ensure CAPS can continue providing education, connection and hope to individuals and families navigating Parkinson’s.
For tickets and more information, visit capitalareaparkinsons.org to learn how you can get involved.
For tickets and more information, visit capitalareaparkinsons.org to learn how you can get involved.