POP invests $250k in the VCU Parkinson’s Center for continued excellence in research
Press Release
Richmond, Virginia – The Power Over Parkinson’s Foundation ("POP"), a public foundation supporting those with Parkinson’s Disease in Central Virginia, today announced that they have made an additional investment in their strategic partnership with the VCU Parkinson’s and Movements Disorders Center (PMDC) within the Department of Neurology at the VCU School of Medicine.
​
The purpose of POP continued alliance and investment is to support the Rogliano Family Endowed Chair, currently held by Dr. Leslie Cloud, who directs the PMDC’s Parkinson’s disease program. Dr. Cloud has a reputation for excellence in clinical care, research and education, and she has helped build a comprehensive Parkinson’s disease program that holds a Center of Excellence designation from the Parkinson’s Foundation.
​
With this newest investment of approximately $250,000, POP has created the Power Over Parkinson’s Fund for Parkinson’s Disease, which aims to support research and patient care in the PMDC. This fund is dynamic and others are invited to contribute to it.
​
Resources will be allocated at the discretion of Dr. Leslie Cloud, Rogliano Family Endowed Chair, and in alignment with the original mission of the Chair. POP intends to support a variety of projects in an array of Parkinson’s-related areas with this investment, underscoring the Foundation’s dedication to the success of the PMDC and Dr. Leslie Cloud’s work.
​
POP President, Margaret Preston, is thrilled about the funding the Foundation provides to the PMDC.
​
“Since our inception as a foundation, we have closely aligned with the VCU Parkinson’s and Movement Disorder Center,” Preston said. “We know firsthand the clinical excellence they provide to each patient, as well as the transformational research led by its clinician-scientists. We are honored to support Dr. Cloud in her efforts to continue conducting impactful Parkinson’s research.”
​
Dr. Cloud shared her gratitude to have the opportunity to fill gaps in care throughout the community. “Tremendous thanks to POP and the Rogliano family for their incredible generosity, trust, and tireless work they do every day to benefit our local PD community. I think our partnership works so well because we are so tightly aligned in our goals. This generous gift will be used to support the development of unique clinical and research programs at VCU addressing unmet needs for Parkinson’s patients and their loved ones. This is just the beginning, so stay tuned!”
Gary Rogliano, who founded POP after his own Parkinson’s diagnosis, echoed Preston’s enthusiasm for this investment.
“This is an exciting time for Power Over Parkinson’s as we continue to execute on our strategic vision to help those affected by Parkinson’s disease. As I conveyed when we established the Rogliano Family Endowed Chair nearly five years ago, the opportunities for partnership, support and strategic alignments are plentiful between POP and the PMDC. Dr. Cloud and her team impact the lives of so many, and Power Over Parkinson’s is proud to fund additional areas of research.”
About Power Over Parkinson’s
​
POP is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt foundation supporting the use of exercise, wellness, education to reduce the symptoms and/or slow the progression of Parkinson’s Disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Additional information can be found on their website: www.poweroverpd.org.
Contact
​
Power Over Parkinson’s
7201 Glen Forest Dr., Suite 205 Richmond, VA 23226
804-708-2246
​
VCU Parkinson’s and Movement Disorder Center PO Box 980539
Richmond, VA 23233
804-628-2022
​
To donate to the fund, please contact Allie Betts at bettsa@vcu.edu or 804-828-6407.