The Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness in Farmington Hills has announced a $30 million philanthropic campaign called Inspiring Hope.
The campaign will expand access to evidence-based movement and cognitive wellness programs, education, and community support for people and families affected by Parkinson’s disease.
Currently, $15.5 million has been raised toward the $30 million goal, providing significant momentum for the next phase of KGC’s growth.
Since opening in October 2025, KGC has more than 1,200 members who are participating in specialized programs, far exceeding the center’s original projection of reaching 800 members by the end of 2026.
Membership is expected to reach more than 1,500 by year-end, and nearly double again over the next few years. The response demonstrates both the growing need for Parkinson’s specific wellness programs and the impact of KGC’s approach.
Parkinson’s is the nation’s fastest growing neurological disease, which is progressive in nature and can affect movement, balance, cognition, independence, and quality of life. Yet many individuals face barriers to accessing consistent, specialized exercise, and wellness programs.
KGC is helping change that by offering all programming free of charge and creating a community where people with Parkinson’s can remain active, connected, and engaged throughout their journey.
Early member outcomes are encouraging. As participants complete their six-month and one-year reassessments, they are reporting improved function, greater confidence, stronger social connections, and increased hope for the future.
“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,” says Mary Lynn Foster, CEO of the KGC. “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.”
With an urgent need to expand capacity, the center is planning for a future in which thousands of individuals and families can benefit from programs that were once difficult or impossible to access.
Inspiring Hope will provide the resources necessary to responsibly scale KGC’s high-impact programs while maintaining the quality and individualized experience members have come to expect.
“This campaign is about much more than adding classes or expanding a facility,” says Steve Annear, CEO of the Kirk Gibson Foundation. “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.”
Philanthropy already has played a critical role in making the center’s opening possible. The $30 million campaign will provide the resources needed to support mission delivery over the next decade as KGC builds a diversified revenue model anchored by ongoing annual fundraising and a future endowment.
The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s was formed by former professional baseball player and iconic Detroit Tiger Kirk Gibson after his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease in 2015. Gibson spends his time supporting his mission and vision of spreading awareness for Parkinson’s and providing inspiration and hope to others who are living with Parkinson’s.
The mission of the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s is to improve the quality of life of those living with Parkinson’s through the development and delivery of activity-based programs. Over the years and through fundraising events, the foundation has had the goal of opening a center focused on that mission.
This mission became a reality in October 2025 when the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness officially opened. It is located at 31440 Northwestern Highway in Farmington Hills. The wellness center is a world-class facility where those impacted by Parkinson’s can access a range of activity-based programs, completely free of charge.
To learn more about Inspiring Hope or to support The Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness, visit kirkgibsoncenter.org.
