04/29/2026
𝑶𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓'𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒘𝒏 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒕𝒐𝒏 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅, Debra Rudnick Ellis! We invite the community to join us on Sunday, May 17 as we recognize Debra as part of the APDA 2026 Massachusetts Optimism Walk for Parkinson's. (Register: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/2026-parkinsons-walk-apda-boston-ma/)
Named after NHL Shawn Thornton, this award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the Parkinson’s community. Debra is a clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy based in Western Massachusetts and a dedicated advocate for people living with Parkinson’s across the state. She provides individualized, evidence-based care and leads group exercise programming for individuals with PD. Since 2009, she has coordinated a six-week exercise program developed at the Boston University Center for Neurologic Rehabilitation for community-dwelling individuals with Parkinson’s. She has also played a key role in developing community-based exercise programs at local YMCAs and has served as an APDA Massachusetts Chapter Advisor and Board Member since 2021.
In addition, she is an active member of the APDA Massachusetts Optimism Walk Committee, organizing a large annual team – 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 - from Western Massachusetts and coordinating transportation to ensure participation. Debra also facilitates a monthly support group for individuals with young onset PD and provides guidance and training to local clinicians serving the Parkinson’s community.
Debra’s dedication and steadfast support have made her an invaluable member of the APDA community and the broader Parkinson’s community. She embodies the spirit of the Shawn Thornton Service Award through her commitment to service, compassion, and leadership, bringing hope, connection, and meaningful support to individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s disease.
Shawn Thornton Foundation
