Illustrated storybook shares experiences of black and brown people living with Parkinson’s disease 

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The PD Movers were invited to develop an Educational Guide for Parkinson’s disease (PD) designed specifically for the black and African American community. The book is the result of those discussions and contributions. The book is an intentional model for reaching under-engaged communities of color. 

In partnership with St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, we developed an educational tool to create heightened awareness of PD in the black and brown community, as well as create a sense of community and connection. The approach emphasized building trusting relationships and rapport, as well as highlighting the strength of our community. Together, we created the “PD Movers, We Keep Moving” book, which is a compilation of first-person narratives that deliver joyful, empowering and educational messages that are culturally sensitive and engaging, while using vibrant images underscoring the importance of representation.    

The first-person patient and caregiver voices coupled with powerful illustrations have created a bridge that has generated high levels of interest and engagement by addressing identified barriers such as stigma, fear and discrimination. The book is being shared by word of mouth, personal and professional networks, and web links. The e-version has been shared at least 500 times in just the first 2 months, demand for the hard copy version is increasing and many PD organizations are placing copies in their libraries. Many surprising but welcomed anecdotes are coming in. For example, People with Parkinson's Disease are reporting that the book has facilitated them having meaningful conversation with their families after years of being closeted.  

PD MOVERS is an illustrated storybook resource for Black patients, Care Partners and families living and thriving with Parkinson’s disease (PD), produced and supported by Columbia University Irving Institute for Translational Science.

Access the PD Movers storybook