Vanderbilt’s, a western apparel and workwear retail store with nine Kansas locations, continues to saddle up by sponsoring the keynote speaker for Empowered LIVE! Since 2018, David and Jan Vanderbilt have helped create a wonderful evening for people affected by Parkinson’s (PD), care partners, family, friends, and others interested in learning. This year, the speaker is Angela Halpern, a speech-language pathologist and Chief Clinical Officer for LSVT Global. Based in Tucson, Ariz., LSVT develops innovative treatments that improve the speech and movement of people with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions.

Angela is a distinguished expert in voice and speech disorders and truly embodies her passion about empowering individuals with Parkinson's disease to regain their sense of self through improved communication. Angela has another gift of empowerment, and that is for professionals. As part of LSVT, Angela has seen, and delivered, the power of LOUD and BIG therapy. This therapy is research proven in improving communication and movement for people with PD. Additionally, Angela trains, guides, supports, and encourages other speech-language pathologists to do and be their best. She has been an amazing mentor to me for many years, and I am honored to have her meet our fabulous community.

Empowered LIVE (LOUD & BIG), takes place Friday, Aug. 23, at Holiday Inn at the Campus. Attendees can view a variety of art and craftsmanship created by people with Parkinson’s, VIPDs (Very Important People with Parkinson’s disease), from 5 to 6:30 p.m. During this time, guests may engage in conversation, visit with the VIPD artists, and a couple of pharmacy vendors. A sweet and savory dinner buffet is also available during this time frame with tickets for adults costing $20 and children costing $10. Angela will then share her presentation titled “Unleashing Potential: Empowerment through Communication and Movement for Parkinson’s” from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Guests do not have to purchase a ticket for the buffet if they simply want to tour the artist and vendor booths and/or listen to Angela’s presentation.

To purchase your ticket, contact Michelle or Katie at (785) 323-3899 or click here to purchase tickets online. If space is not sold out prior to the event, tickets may be purchased at the door. If you would like to have transportation to and from Meadowlark, please sign up in the Blue Book at the Hospitality Desk.