ARTICLE
Private Showing of “It’s Just Parkinson’s” to debut in Sarasota featuring John Cullen, Competitive Powerlifter and a Person with Parkinson’s during Parkinson’s Awareness month. Contact Name: Traci Willingham Contact Email: traci@neurochallenge.org Contact Phone Number: 9419266413 In honor of April being Parkinson’s Awareness Month, Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s will be hosting a private screening of the documentary “It’s Just Parkinson’s” with special guest, John Cullen, at Cinebistro in Sarasota on Wednesday, April 12th. Check-in opens at 5:00pm, arrive by 6:00pm to place dinner selections, the film will begin at 6:30pm and be followed by Q & A with Mr. Cullen. “John Cullen was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015. An avid athlete his whole life, John has participated in over 100 running and cycling races, and over a dozen obstacle races. After his Parkinson’s diagnosis, physical exercise became crucial. In 2019 John started powerlifting. To his surprise he discovered that lifting heavy weights stressed his central nervous system, which helped set back some of his Parkinson’s symptoms. Although not a cure for Parkinson’s, John finds that frequent powerlifting exercises allow him to control some of the symptoms associated with the disease. John founded “It’s Just Parkinson’s (IJP), a movement to help people from all walks of life. John sees IJP's mission is to be a rock for those who are facing a battle, to be a light for those lost in the dark, to bring hope to those who feel defeated. John explains, “Each day brings new challenges; some days we are faced with circumstances that feel overwhelming. If we don't continue to fight our fight, then we have given up and all hope to live is lost for eternity." John is featured in the documentary, “It’s Just Parkinson’s” written by Mary Dartis and Directed by Diane Akim. The film profiles Cullen, 62, an athlete who refuses to let his Parkinson’s define him as he chases after epic goals with his incredible mindset in a story about grit, perseverance and never giving up in the face of insurmountable odds. Link to film trailer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yW5vcEriKM843pwQZ-Rl9Wodc_9wZxi3/view?usp=share_link “The staff at Neuro Challenge had the opportunity to view the documentary about Mr. Cullen’s Parkinson's journey, back in December and we are thrilled for the chance to share this raw, yet uplifting, documentary with all of you!” explains Dr. Sara Grivetti, Chief Executive Officer. “Mr. Cullen’s inspiring keynote message at our recent gala, taught us all to never settle, find your inner strength, and rise to the occasion of the obstacles before you. We are grateful to John and his continued fight to help raise awareness of Parkinson’s Disease.” For more information visit www.neurochallenge.org/events or call 941.926.6413. At the time of this release the film screening is sold out. If you have any questions about this event or other ways that you can help to further our mission, please reach out to Jennifer Bushinger Ortiz at Jennifer@neurochallenge.org. About John Cullen: John Cullen is 62-year-old Florida man with a warrior mindset battling Parkinson’s disease with grit, courage, and grace. A lifelong athlete, Parkinson’s has slowly taken Cullen out of many athletic pursuits. Yet, after being introduced to powerlifting and incorporating it into his workouts, the improvement to his mobility was staggering. This was the impetus for John to found www.ItsJustParkinsons.com. About Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s: Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers today. Neuro Challenge provides individualized Care Advising and monthly virtual and community-based education, therapeutic and support programs in Sarasota, Manatee, Pinellas, Highlands, Marion and Charlotte counties and beyond. All Neuro Challenge essential services and programs are offered at no cost to people with Parkinson’s disease and their loved ones. For more information visit www.NeuroChallenge.org. 722 Apex Road, Suite A, Sarasota, FL 34240 • 941-926-6413 • www.neurochallenge.org