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Contact: info@drivetowardacure.org
Los Angeles-based, national non-profit Drive Toward a Cure® marks a decade of impact, raising more than $1.5mm for those living with Parkinson’s disease nationwide, through enthusiast drives and regional events all benefitting both Parkinson’s research and patient care.
Drive Toward a Cure has teamed with NCM Motorsports Park in KY for the past seven years to create an annual ‘Open Touring Laps’ day to benefit the Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Parkinson Center of Excellence, establishing fellowships for medical residents specializing in Parkinson’s mobility.
This April 25, Drive Toward a Cure will be the beneficiary of a one-night only concert at the Los Angeles Greek Theatre, celebrating the music of Neil Diamond and supporting those like Neil Diamond living with Parkinson’s.
Professional race car driver Pippa Mann has signed on as an ambassador to Drive Toward a Cure, lending her voice and platform to raise awareness for younger individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s and aligning her career of movement, strength and mobility to provide inspiration.
April 14, 2026 – Los Angeles, CA – Parkinson’s Awareness Month carries profound significance this year for Drive Toward a Cure®, the Los Angeles-based national nonprofit marking its 10th anniversary of raising awareness, funding research, and supporting patient care for those living with Parkinson’s disease. Throughout April, the organization is leading a series of fundraising and community-driven initiatives across the country—each rooted in motion, mobility, and hope.
For Founder Deb Pollack, the milestone is deeply personal.
“2026 represents not only ten years of growth for our foundation, but also twenty years since we lost my mother—and the year she would have turned 100,” said Pollack. “She remains the guiding force behind everything we do. Her journey continues to inspire our mission to bring hope and meaningful support to those navigating the daily challenges of Parkinson’s.”
Over the course of April alone, Drive Toward a Cure will participate in more than a dozen events nationwide. These include its annual ‘Open Touring Laps Day’ at NCM Motorsports Park in Kentucky, supporting Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Parkinson Center of Excellence, as well as new partnerships with organizations such as California Inclusive Sailing’s Beyond Parkinson’s program—both designed to expand access to movement and mobility-focused experiences.
Over the past seven years, funding directed to Vanderbilt has helped establish fellowships for fifth-year medical residents specializing in Parkinson’s mobility—advancing patient care through the next generation of clinicians.
While research remains a critical focus—including ongoing support of the Michael J. Fox Foundation—Drive Toward a Cure continues to prioritize immediate patient needs.
“Understanding what my mother faced daily, we recognize that support can’t wait,” Pollack added. “Through our Special Assistance and Access to Care grants, we’re helping individuals and organizations create programs that improve quality of life right now—from disaster relief for those impacted by fires and hurricanes, to providing access to fitness and nutrition programs like Rock Steady Boxing for patients who otherwise couldn’t afford it.”
A highlight of the month will be a special one-night-only concert at the historic Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Neil Diamond’s iconic 1976 ‘Love at the Greek’ performance. The evening, presented in partnership with the Neil Forever tribute band, will benefit individuals like Neil Diamond who are living with Parkinson’s. The band’s founder and lead singer, David Jacobson, shares a personal connection to the cause, having lost his father to the disease. (Tickets can be purchased directly through Ticketmaster, where a 20% discount can be achieved by unlocking code GREEK50.)
Earlier this year, the organization expanded its outreach to those living with Young Onset Parkinson’s through its weekly ‘Hope in Motion’ blog series. Published each Tuesday, the platform features candid, first-person stories from contributors around the world, offering insight, connection, and inspiration through shared experience.
Drive Toward a Cure has also announced new partnerships in 2026, including a collaboration with professional race car driver Pippa Mann. Mann will lend her voice and platform to raise awareness for younger individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s, bringing a unique perspective shaped by her career centered on movement, strength, and independence.
In addition, the organization has joined forces as a media partner with the Illinois-based Pedal for Parkinson’s team, who will embark on a 30+ -day recumbent bicycle journey along historic Route 66 from Chicago to Phoenix, culminating at the World Parkinson’s Conference this May.
“Relationships are the seeds of awareness,” said Pollack. “What began as a small, personal mission has grown into a community that bridges the automotive world with a broader audience united by compassion. Parkinson’s touches nearly everyone in some way—and when people come together, their impact becomes deeply meaningful.”
About Drive Toward a Cure
Drive Toward a Cure is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that blends cars and camaraderie to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s disease. Founded in 2016, the organization has raised more than $1.5 million to support research, patient care, and outreach through distinctive automotive and lifestyle events nationwide. The foundation also administers its own Access to Care and Special Assistance grant programs, providing direct support to individuals and organizations in need.
For more information, visit www.drivetowardacure.org.
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