Eric Acquino, Gray Strong Foundation was incorporated in 2018. After 12 yrs. of fundraising and raising awareness for individuals with cancer and their families. I was diagnosed with early Onset Parkinson's at the age of 40. Being the President of a nonprofit organization, and with the support of my family and close friends, We saw the need and opportunity to raise awareness for what him and more than 10 million people worldwide are living with PD are going through.

Q: When did Eric's Parkinson journey begin?

A: Although Eric Aquino was officially diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson's disease in 2018, he first started experiencing motor symptoms as early as 2016. His journey has been one of resilience and advocacy, helping indudiuvals and those who love them move forward with parkinson’s.  Eric uses his own experiences to raise awareness and support others affected by the disease.

Q: When and why did you start the Gray Strong Foundation?
A: “The Gray Strong Foundation was founded in the fall of 2018, shortly after I received the Parkinson’s diagnosis. Faced with a lack of local resources and support for Parkinson’s patients in the Lehigh Valley, I leveraged my experience as the president of the Pink Heals Slate Belt Chapter—a nonprofit supporting women battling cancer—to launch an organization that could provide much-needed resources and bring awareness to Parkinson’s disease. My unique position allowed me to create a platform that not only supports patients but also educated the community about the challenges faced by those living with Parkinson’s.

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Q: How is Eric feeling now?
A: “Fabulously Trembling as always,” says Eric. “Managing the best I can and living life to the fullest, despite overcoming the daily challenges of Parkinson’s.”

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Q: What did this honor mean to him?
A: Being honored at the HollyRod Foundation's Design Care 2024 event means more than words can express. For Eric, this recognition validates his efforts to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and provides a platform to highlight the needs of those affected. It is also a personal victory, as he continues to turn his own challenges into opportunities for advocacy and support.

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Q: What's his hope for upcoming events? 
A: Eric hopes that the Design Cares event with Holly Robinson Peete will help put a new, diverse face to Parkinson’s disease. He wants to show that the condition affects people from all walks of life and to broaden the public's perception of those living with Parkinson’s, especially Young Onset Parkinson’s. 

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