A MESSAGE FROM BOARD VICE PRESIDENT: WILLIAM R. REMERY, ESQ.

It is with seriously mixed emotions that I join the countless souls Jo Rosen has touched over the last thirty-four years in congratulating Jo on her graduation from the day-to-day pressure cooker as executive director of Parkinson’s Resource Organization, to emissary-at-large and continuing voice of the Parkinson’s community.

I have been an elder law attorney for 44 years.  Over the years I have had the honor and pleasure of meeting many extraordinary people from all walks of life.  At the top of that list is Jo Rosen.  I first met Jo more than 30 years ago, when Parkinson’s Resource Organization (then known as “Children of Parkinsonians”) was in its infancy.  To my everlasting good fortune, Jo contacted me all those years ago and asked me to speak at the Parkinson’s support groups she had organized throughout Southern California, to provide information and answer questions about legal issues facing Parkinsonians and their care givers.  After a few years, and many support group meetings, Jo asked me to join the Board of Directors, which I was honored to join.

I cannot tell you what a profound influence Jo has had on me over the years.  Jo has inspired me, and countless others, to look beyond the limitations and medical challenges inherent in Parkinson’s Disease and find ways to improve the quality of life for both the Parkinsonian and those closest to that person, so that “no one is isolated because of Parkinson’s,” including the care giver.  Jo leads and inspires by example, encouraging others to step up and make a difference, not just by consoling the Parkinsonian and care givers, but by providing concrete support and practical information to them and, equally importantly, raising the consciousness of the public-at-large to Parkinson’s Disease and the need to prioritize public efforts toward research and support for those affected by Parkinson’s.

When I started working with Jo, PRO was reaching hundreds of people through the support groups, newsletters and person-to-person information and referrals over the telephone at the PRO office.  Due to Jo’s vision and perseverance, PRO now reaches tens of thousands of people throughout the country and throughout the world, bringing that hope, information and attention to the Parkinson’s community, through the PRO website and free on-line support group meetings.  As Jo moves on to the next chapter in her personal journey, she leaves PRO in able hands and I look forward to seeing how that next chapter unfolds.  I am sure that I echo the sentiments of everyone whom Jo has touched throughout these past three plus decades in wishing her the very best and look forward to “reading” the next chapter.