About

Our Story

Parkinson’s Orange County was born from a local website, PDBuzz.com, created by Lauren Simmons, an Orange County resident living with Parkinson’s. In 2016, Lauren was diagnosed at age 54. She left her doctor’s office with a diagnosis—but no hope, no guidance, and no clear resources.

Hearing similar stories from others in the community, Lauren made it her mission to help newly diagnosed individuals connect with the many programs and services available in Orange County. PDBuzz.com went live in 2018, providing vital information and support.

After six years of growth, it was time to become an official nonprofit. Parkinson’s Orange County is that organization today, led by Erin Angelo, our Executive Director, continuing the work Lauren started.



Our mission remains the same: to connect people to resources as soon as possible after diagnosis. You are not alone, and we are here to take this journey with you.

"No one should leave a doctor's office with a life-changing diagnosis and no resources for local support in their hands."

Lauren Simmons

Co-Founder Parkinson's Orange County