2025 was another busy but also successful year for the Demoucelle Parkinson Charity, in which we intensified our efforts to increase awareness, raise funds, and support promising Parkinson’s research, particularly in Belgium.
Key to the success of these efforts has been a strong emphasis on cost-effectiveness and the remarkable dedication of an expanding community of volunteers and ambassadors.
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PROMOTING AWARENESS
We continued to invest strongly in high-quality, meaningful awareness initiatives that combine honesty about the realities of the disease with hope, insight, and empowerment. Throughout the year, we produced and shared a series of interviews aimed at deepening understanding of Parkinson’s disease, what it means to live with the condition, and how research is progressing. These conversations featured a wide range of voices, including that of Patrick Demoucelle, people living with Parkinson’s, their loved ones and caregivers, as well as leading national and international researchers.
While these interviews do not shy away from confronting the often difficult reality of Parkinson’s, they are always framed with positive and constructive takeaways. Personal stories offer insights into resilience, coping strategies, and adapting to life with Parkinson’s, while researchers share professional perspectives on what patients and families can realistically expect going forward, as well as reasons for optimism linked to scientific progress. Together, the interviews help to humanise the disease, reduce stigma, and provide reassurance that no one is facing Parkinson’s alone.
In parallel, DPC maintained an active and consistent presence on social media. On both Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we continued to share interview content, educational material, updates on research, and news about our activities. Social media have been and will remain a powerful tool to reach a broad audience, engage supporters, and keep Parkinson’s disease visible in the public conversation.
RAISING FUNDS
Last year, we also organised several major fundraising initiatives. The 10th edition of ‘Run, or Walk, for Parkinson’ turned out to be the most successful edition ever. This was made possible thanks to the extraordinary commitment of participants and the loyal support of our corporate sponsors. Their long-term engagement is deeply appreciated and plays a crucial role in the sustainability of our work.
A second, longstanding fundraising activity is ‘Tulips for Hope’, our annual sale of tulip bulbs. For the first time last year, we sold big, organically-grown bulbs and they proved to be a big hit. Centred around the international symbol of Parkinson’s disease, ‘Tulips for Hope’ continues to resonate strongly with the public and remains a powerful way to combine visibility with fundraising.
A new activity last year was the organisation of our first-ever gala dinner, held at the iconic Brussels restaurant ‘De Ultieme Hallucinatie’. The evening brought together patients, researchers, and other friends of the Demoucelle Parkinson Charity for a memorable event that combined fundraising with awareness-raising and community building.
Beyond these DPC-led initiatives, we were once again deeply touched by the many activities organised by others in support of our mission. Some created initiatives specifically for DPC, while others chose to leverage personal milestones or achievements — weddings, birthdays, or sporting challenges — to raise funds for Parkinson’s research. These gestures of solidarity demonstrate the strength and generosity of our wider community.
Throughout the year, we also engaged in meaningful discussions with individuals and foundations seeking to give an extra boost to Parkinson’s research. Their interest and trust in our approach and their targeted donations can make a significant difference and enable us to support high-impact research projects.
ADVANCING RESEARCH
Advancing scientific research toward better treatments for Parkinson’s disease, and ultimately a cure, remains the central objective of the Demoucelle Parkinson Charity. In 2025, we continued our close collaboration with The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, a partnership that ensures rigorous project selection and maximises the impact of the funds entrusted to us. During the year, we decided to support two additional research projects through this collaboration.
At the same time, we reaffirmed our long-term commitment to investing in the next generation of researchers. We awarded our second Master’s thesis prize and our second PhD grant, providing young scientists with both recognition and the resources needed to pursue innovative Parkinson’s research. Supporting early-career researchers is essential to sustaining scientific progress over the long term.
We also significantly increased our engagement with Belgian research in particular. Through active dialogue with the scientific community, we identified eight promising Belgian research projects that we aim to support going forward. By focusing on home-grown talent and innovation, we seek to strengthen Belgium’s contribution to global Parkinson’s research and ensure that promising ideas have the opportunity to develop further.
COST EFFECTIVENESS
Being responsible stewards of the funds we raise is a fundamental principle of the Demoucelle Parkinson Charity. Therefore, when organising events, we consistently aim to keep costs as close to zero as possible. For the gala dinner, for example, DPC’s costs amounted to only 2.2% of the total proceeds, and for ‘Run, or Walk, for Parkinson’ this was just 1.3%.
We achieve this efficiency by relying on our fabulous volunteers, carefully reviewing every cost item, and actively seeking top-quality suppliers willing to support us pro bono or at a very significant discount. In many cases, we are also fortunate to have sponsors who cover specific cost items directly, rather than having these expenses borne by DPC. This ensures that the vast majority of funds we raise are channelled directly into research.
AN ENGAGED COMMUNITY
2025 was once again marked by the extraordinary commitment of our volunteers and ambassadors. Around 50 volunteers supported the Demoucelle Parkinson Charity throughout the year, contributing their time, skills, and energy with remarkable generosity and enthusiasm.
Some volunteers were involved year-round, including individuals who have supported DPC for many years as well as others who joined the core team more recently. Others contributed on a more ad hoc basis, helping with specific initiatives or events. In addition, several ambassadors helped by spreading awareness and mobilising their own networks in support of our mission.
As our activities continue to expand, we warmly invite others to get involved. Whether you can offer time, expertise, or advocacy, your support can make a real difference. We would be delighted to hear from you through charity@demoucelle.com and to explore how you might contribute to the work of the Demoucelle Parkinson Charity.