About the West Virginia Movement Disorder Alliance
No one should have to figure out life with a movement disorder on their own. WVMDA began when local doctors and families came together to build the kind of support they wanted patients and caregivers in this area to have. Today, that work reaches communities across West Virginia, eastern Kentucky, and southern Ohio.
Our Mission
The West Virginia Movement Disorder Alliance is a grassroots nonprofit built to
be a local resource for patients with movement disorders in West Virginia, eastern Kentucky, and southern Ohio.
We recognize that people with different diagnoses often share many of the same day-to-day needs,
and we are here to provide education, support, and research close to home.
Many movement disorders have large national organizations working to find cures and advance treatment.
WVMDA supports their work while focusing on the day-to-day needs of patients and caregivers in our area.
How We Help
Patient and Caregiver Grants
Costs can build quickly when someone is living with a movement disorder. Depending on the request and available funding, a WVMDA grant may help with transportation, copays, physical therapy, power chairs, scooters, mobility equipment, or a ramp at home.
Research
WVMDA helps fund movement disorder research in West Virginia. Our support includes work related to the West Virginia Parkinson’s disease registry, resident research sponsorships, and other local research projects.
Education
It is not always easy to know where to look for trustworthy information or local help.
WVMDA shares educational resources, support-group information,
community activities, and links to organizations that focus on specific conditions.
We also hold a Parkinson’s and Movement Disorder Symposium in different parts of West Virginia.
Patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals can hear from speakers,
learn about treatment and therapy options, and find out what resources are available nearby.
Leadership
Heather Pinckard-Dover, MD
Leah Frye
JD Scritchfield
Matthew Burton
Volunteers
Richard Stewart, CPA
Carolyn Neff, MD
Ann Murray, MD
George Manahan
Sue Chapman
Emily Taylor
Kristine Karner
Teresa Sexton
Nicole Riedel
Annie Stewart
Britni Courts
Amy Gregory
Sophia Anton
Alexa Pigliacampi
Marlena Pigliacampi
Nicholas Royce
Want to Be Part of WVMDA?
There is always more work to do, and volunteers, donors, sponsors, and community partners make much of it possible. If this mission matters to you, we would be glad to help you find a way to take part.