Community Outreach

My name is BJ Bement. Since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, I have become involved in the Parkinson’s community both at the local and national scene.

Over the past several years, I have pushed to be a part of all that I could on a national level to learn what top-tier Parkinson’s organizations are doing. While still mentally and physically able to travel, I wanted to create connections, gather information, and see other Parkinson’s communities in action. From these experiences, my goal was to take what I learned from these national organizations and bring it to the local scene.

Starting with the Mission for Movement team in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, I wanted to create a firm foundation for lasting support to the greater Baton Rouge Parkinson’s community. The goal in the next two years is to bring other Parkinson’s communities across the state of Louisiana together and spread the support and resources that the Mission for Movement team has developed. As a part of this organization, I want to ensure that the members of the Parkinson’s community have the resources they need.

My motto follows: I am a Parkinson’s survivor. Not because there is a cure, but because I will continue to do things I’m not supposed to be able to do. In my role with community outreach, I spread this mindset to others.

Even though I have Parkinson’s, I don’t have to isolate myself, I don’t have to be ashamed. I can be connected; I can get what I need without feelings of worry or embarrassment, and I can do more than I think I can. My role with community outreach on the Mission for Movement team has helped me fulfill my goals of motivating and informing others about Parkinson’s.