Community group supports individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease.

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Parkinson’s Disease affects approximately 500,000 Americans and is the second-most common neurodegenerative disorder in the U.S., trailing only Alzheimer’s.

This condition significantly impacts motor functions, yet a local company has designed a program focused on helping patients regain their writing abilities.

Jennifer Hedgepeth, one of the co-founders of FITE for Your Write, emphasizes the program’s importance for those affected by Parkinson’s and other motor skill impairments. “It’s a vital resource for the Parkinson’s and neuro community, stroke patients, and individuals with essential tremors,” Hedgepeth stated. “This program helps them improve their fine motor coordination and regain their independence in handwriting.”

Practice is key to improvement. James Hogan, a participant, shares his experience with deteriorating writing skills since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2022 at age 74. “My hands shake,” Hogan lamented, reflecting on how this has impacted his ability to write, to the point that even his name became unreadable. “My wife couldn’t make out what I was writing; it would curve down in tiny letters.”

However, things took a positive turn when Alicia Artz joined the initiative. “You’re going to take the dry erase marker and trace the shapes,” she instructed Hogan. Artz co-founded FITE for Your Write and brings a wealth of experience from working with Parkinson’s patients over the past decade, including running a support group at Blake Hospital and utilizing her physical therapy background.

“This program enhances fine motor skills and strengthens the intrinsic muscles in your hand, which are crucial for handwriting,” Artz explained. Since beginning classes, Hogan has noted significant improvement; originally limited to using just his fingers, he now incorporates his whole wrist when writing. “You can see the progress he’s made,” Artz praised. “You’ve been practicing, Jim. You’re doing a great job.”

Hogan attends Artz’s classes once a month and also makes an effort to practice at home. He recently accomplished a milestone—writing his name again. “It feels better,” he reflected, acknowledging the challenges he continues to face while regaining his strength.

To further educate the community, an “Intro to Micrographia” event is planned for May 28, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Westminster Communities in Bradenton.