Grateful to Have Shared Our Table Tennis For Life Mission at the Parkinson Association of Northern California (PANC) Annual Education Conference at Cal Expo, Sacramento

When: October 24, 2026

Location: Cal Expo in Sacramento, California, USA

We are incredibly grateful to the Parkinson Association of Northern California (PANC) and Jan Whitney for welcoming Table Tennis For Life to the annual education conference at Cal Expo in Sacramento, California.

The event brought together nearly 1,000 people living with Parkinson’s, caregivers, doctors, and community members to learn, connect, and share hope. We were honored to share our mission and our passion for helping people stay active through table tennis.

One of the most meaningful moments was reconnecting with community members who had met us at last year’s conference. They shared that they had since started playing table tennis in their garages, finding joy in the sport and making movement part of their daily lives. Hearing them describe how playing has supported their quality of life reminded us why we started this journey.

It was also wonderful to meet Dr. Divya Desai and connect with the Medtronic and Abbott teams to learn about developments in adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS) and Parkinson’s care.

We left inspired by the stories, determination, and warmth of this community. These connections strengthen our commitment to creating opportunities for movement, friendship, and a better quality of life through Table Tennis For Life.

Thank you, PANC, for bringing this community together and giving us the opportunity to be part of it.

Grateful to Be Invited by the Parkinson’s Foundation to a Community Event at Stanford University

We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend and present our research abstract poster at the World Parkinson Congress 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Through Table Tennis For Life, we had the privilege of sharing how sports, movement, and community engagement may help support brain health, neuroplasticity, and quality of life for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.

One of the most inspiring parts of the Congress was meeting so many members of the global Parkinson’s community, including patients, caregivers, neurologists, researchers, therapists, advocates, and nonprofit leaders who are all working toward a common goal: improving lives.

We were especially honored that Professor Roger Barker, President of the World Parkinson Congress, stopped by our research abstract poster, learned about our work, and encouraged our efforts to explore the connection between sports, neuroscience, and Parkinson’s disease.

A special thank you to Dr. Divya Desai (OTD, MS, OTR/L, LSVT) from the University of the Pacific for her guidance and mentorship throughout the development of our research abstract.

We are also deeply grateful to the Parkinson’s Foundation team, including Sarah Osborne, as well as Vikas Chinnan, Trent MacLean, and Dr. Antonino Barbera, for their encouragement, support, and dedication to the Parkinson’s community.

This experience strengthened our belief that meaningful change happens when science, community, and compassion come together. We leave Phoenix inspired to continue exploring how sports and neuroscience can help improve lives around the world.

Thank you, World Parkinson Congress 2026, for an unforgettable experience and for giving youth a voice in the global Parkinson’s community

Grateful to Be Invited by the Parkinson’s Foundation to a Community Event at Stanford University

When: Saturday, February 07, 2026

Location: Arrillaga Outdoor Education & Recreation Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA

How Table Tennis Improves Coordination, Balance, and Life for the Parkinson’s Community

Table Tennis For Life an amazing time at the Parkinson’s event at Stanford University. We had a great opportunity to socialize, spread awareness, and share how table tennis can help improve coordination, balance, and overall quality of life for the Parkinson’s community.

We also got the opportunity to try and experience rope climbing alongside the Parkinson’s community, which was inspiring and unforgettable to see.

We are grateful to meet so many amazing people and mentors, including Denise Dagan and Robin Riddle from the Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach Program.

A big thank you to Kayla Gruen and Donna Cline from the Parkinson’s Foundation for the invitation and for allowing us to attend this event. We are truly grateful for the opportunity.

Thank you to Vikas Chinnan for introducing us to so many wonderful people. Overall, it was a great experience spending a few meaningful hours learning from and supporting the community.

Table Tennis For Life: Invited to Present at PANC on the Benefits for Parkinson’s.

When: Saturday, October 18, 2025

Location: Parkinson Association of Northern California (PANC) Education Conference – Roebbelen Event Center, Roseville, CA

Rallying Hope Through Table Tennis: Empowering Lives with Movement and Neuroplasticity

Today was a truly inspiring day for Table Tennis For Life as we had the honor of being invited to participate in the Parkinson Association of Northern California (PANC) Education Conference at the Roebbelen Event Center in Roseville, CA.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Jan Whitney, Executive Director of PANC, for the kind invitation and for her continued support in helping us advance our mission — to put a paddle in the hands of every person with Parkinson’s and help improve their quality of life through movement, joy, and connection.

At our exhibition booth, we were thrilled to see so many smiles and sparks of curiosity as we shared the science behind table tennis — how rhythmic movement, focus, and coordination can strengthen neural pathways, enhance balance, and bring renewed hope to those living with Parkinson’s.

We were humbled and inspired by every person we met today — patients, caregivers, university professors, researchers, and occupational therapists — all united by one purpose: to make life better for those affected by Parkinson’s.

A special thanks to the Parkinson’s Foundation for being with us in this journey and for empowering ambassadors like us to spread awareness, education, and hope across communities.

Together, we will continue to rally hope and rewire lives.

© 2024 Table Tennis For Life. All rights reserved.

Table Tennis For Life is an initiative focused on improving health and fostering community through the sport of table tennis. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for all by promoting physical, mental, and social well-being. We aim to inspire positive change by engaging in inclusive activities, bringing people together, and creating meaningful connections that strengthen our communities.