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Private Showing of “It’s Just Parkinson’s” to
debut in Sarasota featuring John Cullen, Competitive
Powerlifter and a Person with Parkinson’s during Parkinson’s
Awareness month.
Sarasota, FL – April 2023
In honor of April being Parkinson’s Awareness
Month, Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s will be
hosting a private screening of the documentary “It’s Just
Parkinson’s” with special guest, John Cullen, at Cinebistro
in Sarasota on Wednesday, April 12th. Check-in
opens at 5:00pm, arrive by 6:00pm to place dinner
selections, the film will begin at 6:30pm and be followed by
Q & A with Mr. Cullen.
“John Cullen was diagnosed with Parkinson’s
disease in 2015. An avid athlete his whole life, John has
participated in over 100 running and cycling races, and over
a dozen obstacle races. After his Parkinson’s diagnosis,
physical exercise became crucial. In 2019 John started
powerlifting. To his surprise he discovered that lifting
heavy weights stressed his central nervous system, which
helped set back some of his Parkinson’s symptoms. Although
not a cure for Parkinson’s, John finds that frequent
powerlifting exercises allow him to control some of the
symptoms associated with the disease.
John founded “It’s Just Parkinson’s (IJP), a
movement to help people from all walks of life. John sees
IJP's mission is to be a rock for those who are facing a
battle, to be a light for those lost in the dark, to bring
hope to those who feel defeated. John explains, “Each day
brings new challenges; some days we are faced with
circumstances that feel overwhelming. If we don't continue
to fight our fight, then we have given up and all hope to
live is lost for eternity."
John is featured in the documentary, “It’s
Just Parkinson’s” written by Mary Dartis and Directed by
Diane Akim. The film profiles Cullen, 62, an athlete who
refuses to let his Parkinson’s define him as he chases after
epic goals with his incredible mindset in a story about
grit, perseverance and never giving up in the face of
insurmountable odds. Link to film trailer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yW5vcEriKM843pwQZ-Rl9Wodc_9wZxi3/view?usp=share_link
“The staff at Neuro Challenge had the
opportunity to view the documentary about Mr. Cullen’s
Parkinson's journey, back in December and we are thrilled
for the chance to share this raw, yet uplifting, documentary
with all of you!” explains Dr. Sara Grivetti, Chief
Executive Officer. “Mr. Cullen’s inspiring keynote message
at our recent gala, taught us all to never settle, find your
inner strength, and rise to the occasion of the obstacles
before you. We are grateful to John and his continued fight
to help raise awareness of Parkinson’s Disease.”
For more information visit www.neurochallenge.org/events
or call 941.926.6413.
At the time of this release the film
screening is sold out. If you have any questions about this
event or other ways that you can help to further our
mission, please reach out to Jennifer Bushinger Ortiz at Jennifer@neurochallenge.org.
About John Cullen:
John Cullen is 62-year-old Florida man
with a warrior mindset battling Parkinson’s disease with
grit, courage, and grace. A lifelong athlete, Parkinson’s
has slowly taken Cullen out of many athletic pursuits. Yet,
after being introduced to powerlifting and incorporating it
into his workouts, the improvement to his mobility was
staggering. This was the impetus for John to found www.ItsJustParkinsons.com.
About Neuro Challenge Foundation for
Parkinson’s:
Neuro Challenge Foundation for
Parkinson’s is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to
improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s
disease and their caregivers today. Neuro Challenge provides
individualized Care Advising and monthly virtual and
community-based education, therapeutic and support programs
in Sarasota, Manatee, Pinellas, Highlands, Marion and
Charlotte counties and beyond. All Neuro Challenge essential
services and programs are offered at no cost to people with
Parkinson’s disease and their loved ones. For more
information visit www.NeuroChallenge.org.
722 Apex Road, Suite A, Sarasota, FL 34240 •
941-926-6413 • www.neurochallenge.org
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