"Today’s the day” is a powerful phrase in improvisation and storytelling. It calls us to the present moment, pulling our focus from the noise of the past and future to right now. This phrase reminds us that change begins today, that transformation starts at this very moment. It’s the kind of phrase that great films echo — those stories that stop us in our tracks, that make us forget the familiar and see the world through fresh eyes. Great stories leave us delighted, awestruck, and refreshed, showing us what’s possible.
With that in mind, today’s the day we invite you to join us in celebrating a classic film with our new Cinema Therapy program, Taking Parkinson’s Back to the Future. Together, we’ll explore one of the most beloved films of all time, Back to the Future, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. In this timeless story, we meet Marty McFly, a 17-year-old on the verge of being trapped in a life he doesn’t want. His journey raises relatable, thought-provoking questions: Are we victims of our genetic code? Do our actions and choices shape our destiny? Can we change the present by understanding and addressing our past? These profound ideas resonate with all of us, but especially with the Parkinson’s community.
The connection of Michael J. Fox (a.k.a. Marty McFly) is obvious. He’s the single greatest champion for Parkinson’s in today's world. Looking back at one of his most impactful film roles can help us look clearly at where Parkinson’s research was, is now, and where we’d like to see it in the future. The film challenges us to examine how we spend our time, how we frame our stories, and how we shape what's next. We invite people with Parkinson’s, their loved ones, and their caregivers to reflect on the value of time, to rewrite the narrative of what it means to live with Parkinson’s, and to find empowerment in their own stories to light the path to a better future for all of us. Nearly 200 years after the first paper was written about it, Parkinson's is still not very well understood. It's up to all of us to change that by exploring, discovering and telling our whole stories.
In previous blogs, we’ve discussed the power of dangerous stories — those narratives that limit us, hold us back, or make us feel small. But today’s the day we embrace a different kind of story: one of possibility, resilience, and hope through a practical, enjoyable and life-changing program. Join us as we take Parkinson’s Back to the Future, and discover how storytelling and community can transform lives.
Sign up now at www.yesandexercise.org. Your adventure starts today!
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