The Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness has launched a $30 million philanthropic campaign aimed at expanding access to evidence-based wellness programs, education, and community support for people living with Parkinson’s disease and their families.
The campaign, called Inspiring Hope, has already raised $15.5 million toward its $30 million goal.
The Farmington Hills, Michigan-based center opened in October 2025 and has grown more quickly than originally projected.
More than 1,200 members are currently participating in its specialized programs, surpassing the center’s initial projection of reaching 800 members by the end of 2026.
Membership is now expected to exceed 1,500 by year-end and nearly double again over the next several years.
The center said the rapid growth reflects strong demand for Parkinson’s-specific wellness programs focused on movement, cognitive health, education and social connection.
All programming at the Kirk Gibson Center is free.
The organization is designed to help people living with Parkinson’s remain active, independent, connected and engaged while providing families with additional education and support.
Parkinson’s disease can affect movement, balance, cognition, independence and quality of life, while access to consistent programs designed specifically for people with the disease can remain limited.
The Kirk Gibson Center is attempting to address those barriers through a combination of activity-based programming, professional guidance and community engagement.
The organization said early outcomes among members completing six-month and one-year reassessments have been encouraging.
Participants have reported improvements in function and confidence, stronger social connections and greater hope about their ability to manage life with Parkinson’s.
The Inspiring Hope campaign is intended to provide the resources needed to increase capacity while maintaining the individualized experience currently offered to members.
The center expects continued growth to create demand for additional programs, services and infrastructure as thousands more people and families seek access over time.
Rather than focusing solely on expanding the number of classes or physical capacity, KGC is positioning the campaign as a longer-term investment in the health, independence and resilience of the Parkinson’s community.
The $30 million campaign is expected to support the center’s mission over the next decade.
KGC plans to build a diversified long-term funding model supported by ongoing annual fundraising and the development of a future endowment.
The campaign builds on philanthropy that helped finance the center’s initial launch.
The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s was founded after former professional baseball player and Detroit Tigers standout Kirk Gibson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015.
The foundation’s mission focuses on improving quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s through activity-based programs.
That mission culminated in the opening of the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness in October 2025.
Located at 31440 Northwestern Highway in Farmington Hills, the center is described by the organization as the first facility of its kind in Michigan focused on delivering Parkinson’s-specific wellness programming at no cost to participants.
With demand already running ahead of initial expectations, the Inspiring Hope campaign is intended to support the next stage of the center’s development while broadening access to its programs.
KEY QUOTES:
“Our Members are showing us what is possible when people living with Parkinson’s have access to Parkinson’s specific programs, expert guidance, and a community that understands their journey. Inspiring Hope will allow us to build on this momentum, reach more people earlier, and ensure that KGC can continue delivering improved quality of life and meaningful impact for years to come.”
Mary Lynn Foster, CEO of the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness
“This campaign is about much more than adding classes or expanding a facility. It is an investment in the health, independence, resilience, and hope of an entire community. Our responsibility is to grow thoughtfully so that every Member continues to receive the exceptional experience that defines KGC.”
Steve Annear, CEO of the Kirk Gibson Foundation
