Parkinson's Support Group launches at HSHS St. Mary's
June 12, 2026
HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital is excited to announce the launch of a new, free Parkinson's Disease support group. Open to individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers, the group meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 2 p.m. in the HSHS Medical Group Multispecialty Care building, located on the hospital campus. No registration is required.
The support group is designed to provide a welcoming, inclusive space where participants can connect with others who share similar experiences, learn practical strategies for managing daily life with Parkinson's and engage with knowledgeable therapy staff and guest speakers on topics relevant to their care.
“A common consensus among my patients is a strong support system of friends and family members, but those support systems are often lacking other individuals living with Parkinson’s,” said Ashley Forbes, M.S., CCC-SLP, the group's facilitator. “It is imperative to learn from and to share knowledge with individuals who share the same life experiences as you.”
Often, with a diagnosis like Parkinson’s disease, there can be uncertainty, fear and isolation due to emotional, speech and physical issues.
Forbes says, “Our goal for this support group is to open the door for collaboration, knowledge-sharing and support for all individuals impacted by Parkinson’s. We invite you to join us!
The support group is facilitated by Forbes and other speech, occupational and physical therapy professionals trained in LSVT LOUD® and LSVT BIG®, two evidence-based Parkinson's Disease treatment programs.
The support group is designed to provide a welcoming, inclusive space where participants can connect with others who share similar experiences, learn practical strategies for managing daily life with Parkinson's and engage with knowledgeable therapy staff and guest speakers on topics relevant to their care.
“A common consensus among my patients is a strong support system of friends and family members, but those support systems are often lacking other individuals living with Parkinson’s,” said Ashley Forbes, M.S., CCC-SLP, the group's facilitator. “It is imperative to learn from and to share knowledge with individuals who share the same life experiences as you.”
Often, with a diagnosis like Parkinson’s disease, there can be uncertainty, fear and isolation due to emotional, speech and physical issues.
Forbes says, “Our goal for this support group is to open the door for collaboration, knowledge-sharing and support for all individuals impacted by Parkinson’s. We invite you to join us!
The support group is facilitated by Forbes and other speech, occupational and physical therapy professionals trained in LSVT LOUD® and LSVT BIG®, two evidence-based Parkinson's Disease treatment programs.
- Day/Time: Second Wednesday of each month, 2 p.m.
- Location: HSHS Medical Group Multispecialty Care, 1730 E. Lake Shore Dr., Decatur, IL
- Check-in: Neurology registration desk
- Cost: Free. No registration required.
Media Contact
Andrew Dilbeck
Communications & Public Relations Specialist