Barbara Risser, George M. Ewing Canandaigua Forum / October 14, 2026
The George M. Ewing Canandaigua Forum hosted a program titled, “Facing Parkinson’s: New
Science, New Strategies, Real Lives,” at the Fort Hill Performing Arts Center on Sunday, Oct.
11. The event combined the latest scientific research with a deeply personal account of living
with Parkinson’s disease. It was informative, moving and, as the standing ovation at its
conclusion demonstrated, deeply appreciated by the audience.
Featured speakers Dr. Ray Dorsey, neurologist, researcher and co-author of “The Parkinson’s
Plan,” and Dr. Sara Ann Whittingham, physician, military veteran, elite athlete and Parkinson’s
patient, challenged the audience to think differently about the disease — both in terms of
preventing it and living fully after a diagnosis.
Whittingham shared her personal journey with Parkinson’s, describing the emotional challenges
of receiving her diagnosis and the nearly yearlong process of coming to terms with what it meant
for her future. She emphasized the importance of refusing to let a diagnosis define one’s identity
or limit one’s possibilities.
An accomplished athlete who completed marathons and the Ironman World Championship in
Kona, Hawaii, after her diagnosis, Whittingham spoke about the critical roles exercise, gratitude
and a positive outlook have played in her life. She also discussed her military service, including
time spent at a base later found to be contaminated with toxic chemicals, raising questions about
possible environmental contributors to her disease.
Whittingham introduced her new book, “Oh Crap! It’s Parkinson’s: A Rebel’s Guide” which
focuses on living a full and meaningful life with Parkinson’s rather than allowing the disease to
become the defining feature of one’s existence.
Dorsey delivered an equally passionate message, arguing that Parkinson’s disease is not simply
an inevitable consequence of aging but a disease that can, in many cases, be prevented by
reducing exposure to environmental toxins.
He highlighted research linking Parkinson’s to certain pesticides and industrial chemicals,
including substances used in agriculture and on golf courses. Dorsey pointed to efforts in
Vermont and other states, including New York, to restrict or ban chemicals associated with
increased Parkinson’s risk.
He urged audience members to contact their state legislators and demand action to eliminate
exposure to pesticides known to contribute to the disease. Drawing comparisons with European
countries that have adopted more stringent restrictions, Dorsey argued that public policy can play
an important role in reducing the burden of Parkinson’s.
The discussion was moderated by Maggie Kuhl, head of patient engagement at The Michael J.
Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Kuhl guided the conversation with probing questions
and insights from the foundation’s work advancing research, improving treatments and pursuing
a cure. Her contributions helped connect the latest scientific developments with the experiences
of people living with Parkinson’s.
The program concluded with an enthusiastic standing ovation for all three participants, reflecting
the audience’s appreciation for a conversation that was at once informative, moving and a call to
action.
The event was the second program of the Ewing Forum’s 15th season, continuing its mission of
bringing leading voices and thought-provoking discussions on issues of regional, national and
international importance to the Finger Lakes community.
The Ewing Forum’s 15 th season will continue on March 7, 2027 when General Tim Haugh,
Former Director of the NSA and Commander of US Cyber Command, will speak on “Defending
the Digital Frontier: Understanding Today’s Cyber Risks and Tomorrow’s Solutions.” Michael
O’Hanlon of the Brookings Institution will moderate.
