GAPS is…

a community of people
standing together in the
fight against Parkinson’s disease.

For almost 15 years, GAPS has led the way to a better
life for people in the Georgetown area affected by Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.

Our mission

GAPS mission is to unite individuals, families, care partners and professionals
in the fight against Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders.

Our vision

GAPS envisions a vibrant community that inspires hope, provides support and resources, and empowers those affected by Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.

The Story of GAPS

The exact year and date of the beginning of GAPS is a bit of a mystery (early 2000’s), however it all began with a small number of people here in Georgetown coming together monthly to do life together with Parkinson’s Disease. They were supported by CAPS (Capital Area Parkinson’s Society) in Austin and the first known leader of the group was Beverly Edwards, a Georgetown resident who’s son-in-law was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. That initial group met together in a room at the Scott & White clinic until 2011, when they outgrew the small room they were using. Mary Jane Berry, a Georgetown resident who’s husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, began attending the group in 2007.

Today, GAPS remains a leading local and national organization in providing comprehensive care, resources, and community for those living with Parkinson’s disease, their families and caregivers. Through its various classes, group meetings and education luncheons, GAPS continues to build upon its work of uniting individuals, families, care partners and the professional community in the fight again Parkinson’s Disease and other movement disorders.

Beverly and Mary Jane began a relationship with the Georgetown Health Foundation in 2011 and the group began meeting at their location the same year. Mary Jane began working alongside Beverly to help run the group and in 2012 became the official “facilitator” of the group. As Mary Jane would tell the story, at first her husband Dave didn’t want her to be part of the group, much less lead it on account of him not wanting anyone to know he had been diagnosed. However, the group realized they needed a formal facilitator and Dave agreed that Mary Jane should be the leader, given that she would make sure the group was fun and lively.

In 2012, through a collaboration with the Plummer Movement Disorder Foundation at Scott & White, GAPS began providing exercises classes to the community, at first Tai Chi and Yoga and later a dance class. GAPS remained in partnership with Plumber Movement Disorder Foundation through various classes and fundraising galas through 2019, when PMDF gave way to a new group in the area, Central Texas Advocates for Parkinson’s (a registered non-profit organization). CTAP was located in the Belton-Temple area and GAPS would continue to partner with them moving forward.

The pandemic greatly affected the work of both GAPS and CTAP through 2020 and 2021. While CTAP struggled to continue their work, GAPS was able to quickly adapt and continued to offer group meetings without interruption through the entirety of the pandemic. In March of 2021, CTAP made the difficult decision to suspend their work and offered their non-profit designation to GAPS. With help from Patty Rooney-Lingo, a dear friend and care partner to her husband diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Mary Jane and Patty began the process to transform GAPS into an official non-profit organization. With additional help from Vic Figurelli and the Williamson County Institute for Excellence in Nonprofits, GAPS became official on July 15th 2021 and held its first meeting of the Board of Directors.