Anyone affected by PSP, CBD or MSA knows the importance of advocating for yourself. After years of limited awareness, 2024 marked a turning point for PSP, CBD and MSA advocacy with the historic passage of the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act. From Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton’s announcement of her PSP diagnosis to the numerous messages that our community members sent to their local representatives, several factors emerged to create the momentum necessary for this landmark moment. 

To reflect on how we got here and what comes next, I spoke with two of CurePSP’s most dedicated advocates: Jessica Shurer, director of clinical affairs and advocacy, and Julie Balasille, longtime volunteer and macro social worker with extensive professional experience in legislative and community advocacy in both the US and Canada. We discussed strategies for empowering the community, lessons from previous legislative successes, the influence of Rep. Wexton’s advocacy, highlights from this year’s efforts and key moments to look forward to in the future.

For the latest updates and ways to get involved, visit CurePSP’s advocacy page here.