In 2007, at just 36 years old, mother, wife and podiatrist Dr. Beth Hochstein was diagnosed with young ­onset Parkinson’s disease. Hochstein was devastated but, after the initial shock, she decided she was going to be proactive in managing her life with PD. It was a simple recommendation from her doctor that she begin an exercise regimen that kicked off her personal journey — leading to the creation of Dance Party for Parkinson’s, Inc.

Hochstein began dancing when she was just 2­ years­ old and didn’t stop until she was in college. So going back to dance, after her diagnosis, seemed like a natural fit — and something she ended up doing regularly and with a fierce passion. Dance was back in her life in a big way. She started dance classes and soon fell in love with Zumba®. A friend sent her an article from the New York Times about The Mark Morris Dance Group and their Dance for PD® program. She was amazed to learn of the physical and mental benefits that dance offered people with PD.

Beth soon became a Team Fox member and with the support of family and friends, began fundraising for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research. In May of 2011, she organized her first fundraiser, “Dance Party for Parkinson’s,” which raised $42,000 for Parkinson’s research. Two subsequent dance events followed, raising another $40,000. Beth had been fortunate to have support from Zumba® Fitness, the organizer of an 800 person Zumbathon® event at Roseland Ballroom in 2013.

Beth continues to fundraise for Parkinson’s research and helps to bring awareness to Young­Onset Parkinson’s disease. With the help and support of family and friends, on December 23, 2015, Beth started Dance Party for Parkinson’s, Inc.— a non­profit organization that raises money for Parkinson’s research. She will not stop until a cure is found.