The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) was founded in 1961 and is headquartered in New York. It is the largest grassroots organization in the US serving the Parkinson's community. APDA's mission is to provide information on services for those with Parkinson's and fund research for new treatments and a cure. The author's grandfather was diagnosed with Parkinson's 8 years ago, which saddens them and is why they support APDA. APDA funds research grants and centers for advanced research through donations and annual fundraising events.