community. The mission of YOPA is to serve all young-onset Parkinson’s patients, particularly the recently diagnosed, by actively searching for them and providing them with empathy, information, an affiliation with others like themselves, a connection with the young onset community, and a larger voice in advocacy. YOPA utilizes multiple tools to accomplish this mission, including: * brochures placed in neurologist’s offices * internet message boards and chat rooms * radio and TV outreach * yearly symposia * participation in forums and fundraisers across the country * local and national Parkinson’s Unity Walks In addition, we are actively seeking and developing alliances with other Parkinson’s organizations and corporations to advance our mission, as well as supporting the raising of funds for research leading to a cure for Parkinson’s. Most importantly, YOPA believes the greatest resource for people with Parkinson’s is other people with Parkinson’s. The “rubber meets the road” when information, advice, caring, and empathy come from those who have walked where the newly-diagnosed person with young onset Parkinson’s is now walking. The friendship and love shared with one another in this community is profound and life-changing. .