ParkinSINGs Program at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Center Receives Support from Parkinson’s Foundation

The Parkinson’s Foundation has awarded a $10,000 grant to Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute to support ParkinSINGs, a creative, therapeutic choir for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease that allows them to exercise and strengthen the muscles used for speaking and swallowing through singing, while also promoting social interaction, encouraging self-expression and enhancing quality of life. 

“Prioritizing mental health is vital to the overall well-being for people living with Parkinson’s Disease and the ParkinSINGs choir provides exercise and enjoyment,” said Janice P. Dibling, MS, CCC-SLP, manager of Acute and Inpatient Rehabilitation Speech Pathology, Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute. “Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, including anxiety, apathy and depression, are often overlooked or undertreated and can often negatively affect mood, cognition, sleep and more, impacting emotional well-being and worsening symptoms. We thank the Parkinson’s Foundation for their grant so we can further expand this important program!”

Generous grants from the Parkinson's Foundation over the last four years have enabled JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute to pilot ParkinSINGs and grow the program from 15 to more than 65 members and their care partners. Patients are able to participate at no cost and experience improvement in mental as well as physical symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. 

“We are so grateful for the Parkinson’s Foundation's wonderful support of our ParkinSINGs choir,” said Sheri Marino, MA, CCC-SLP, executive director of JFK University Medical Center Foundation. “This grant will allow our care providers to further expand our program by adding exposure to yoga, mindfulness, meditation and deep breathing exercises to help reduce stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges among patients and their loved ones. We are able to make such a difference in the lives of our patients through this program and expanding it will enable us to make an even bigger impact. ”

“Community-based grants can empower leaders of meaningful Parkinson’s programs who both understand and are equipped to handle the local community’s most pressing needs,” said John L. Lehr, president and CEO of the Parkinson’s Foundation. “These investments reflect the foundation’s continued commitment to making a difference in the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease from all walks of life.”

To learn about how you can support the ParkinSINGs program, contact Sheri Marino at sheri.marino@hmhn.org. To make a gift to JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, visit GiveHMH.org/JFKJRI.