The first Parkinson’s Congress in Fuerteventura, organized by our Association in collaboration with Alex Kerten and Elisabeth Ildal, has just come to an end.
It was an intense and meaningful experience that brought together people living with Parkinson’s from Israel, Florida, Puerto Rico, Georgia, Denmark, Italy and Spain.
The central theme of the congress was CHANGE.
What happens in our brain and body when living with Parkinson’s?
What happens physiologically and psychologically when we begin to take our health and our health potential into our own hands?
What changes can we make in our daily lives to maintain and restore psychophysical well-being and counteract the progression of Parkinson’s?
Participants experienced two complementary approaches: the GyroKinetic approach developed by Alex Kerten and our own Parkinson No Limits Method, created by Francesca De Bartolomeis. Two approaches that work in strong synergy with one another.
The experience was further enriched by the presence of neurologist Nicola Modugno, advisor to the Association, with many years of experience working with people with Parkinson’s and their families. In addition to the classical medical approach, he shares the holistic perspective of our method, integrating traditional therapies (physiotherapy, speech therapy, psychomotricity, art therapy, etc.) with complementary activities (dance, theatre, Qi Gong, Shiatsu, homeopathy, surfing, boxing, etc.).
The theoretical-practical sessions, always dynamic and never purely lecture-based, took place in the mornings.
During these sessions, a key contribution came from participants who chose to share their direct experience with Parkinson’s, offering valuable support to others attending the meetings. The dialogue between those who had been living with Parkinson’s for many years—true “veterans”—and those more recently diagnosed, together with therapists and the neurologist, undoubtedly added great value to this initiative.
Afternoons were always spent outdoors, experiencing complementary activities and therapies alongside members of the Association’s team.
In particular: Psychomotricity, Qi Gong and the Ocean’s Emotions Experience (a boat journey with cetacean observation combined with psychomotricity and art therapy on board).
Listening to oneself, willpower, self-determination, self-affirmation, prioritizing oneself, health potential and change were the notes that composed the soundtrack of these afternoons. A soundtrack brought to life by the beating hearts of the participants, driven by their emotions. Together, we followed this rhythm and danced a vibrant, colorful dance in harmony with the extraordinary nature of Fuerteventura.
The waves of the ocean also supported us throughout this process of change. Each participant was able to feel the power of transformation within themselves—like a wave to be respected, observed and understood. They felt it flow within, and chose to ride it, making a real and meaningful change in their lives.
