MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT APRIL 2016

April is Parkinson’s Awareness month, or is it? People with Parkinson’s, their caregivers and families are aware of Parkinson’s every minute of every day. Parkinson’s Resource Organization is too. Being aware is one thing, outwardly demonstrating your interest and support for those dealing with Parkinson’s gives all of us hope and energy. Supporting our efforts to ease the pain, the struggles and unbelievable heartbreak felt by so many is the fuel that keeps us going and fills our hearts with overwhelming gratitude. So we applaud you and appreciate you as you join a walk, a run, a bike ride or whatever activity is in your neighborhood and know we are right there with you raising awareness of a world of dear people hanging on by a thread, seeking hope and help from us at PRO and you our supporters. It begins with AWARENESS and continues with ACTION…Thank you, Thank you for raising your voice and stepping up.

This months articles are a testament to our WELLNESS VILLAGE members who give so much to the community. To understand what it has done for a community member, read THE BENEFITS OF THE WELLNESS VILLAGE A TESTIMONIAL LETTER.  We’ve covered BIG MOVEMENTS By Stacy Hennis, PT, C/NDT, LSVT BIG certified and PREVENT ASPIRATION PNEUMONIA WITH A HEALTHY SWALLOW By Lucy Sanchez, M.S. CCC-SLP certified in LSVT LOUD. One of our newest Wellness Village members submitted USING YOUR NEUROMUSCULAR SYSTEM TO CHANGE BRAIN CHEMISTRY By LeAnn Brightwell, CM Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner (CM) Be sure to read  WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE HIRING A HOME CARE AGENCY by Kerry Goss – Owner - Senior Helpers of the Desert  and YOUR LIFE HAS CHANGED By Robert Grove, PhD. Co-owner of Desert Psychology and NeuroScience Center.

As you check out the current #DWTS on nighttime television, we happily tell you about our WINNERS of DANCING WITH OUR STARS – A Dance Experience Benefiting Parkinson’s Resource Organization. As we go about upgrading our technology that we can help more people with Parkinson’s and their families in better ways, we need your support. We will be sending out our request for support (financial and technology, if you happen to be so inclined) this month and thank you from every person and family we serve. Please keep us in mind when you make your donations to the Parkinson's community as you walk, run, pledge and advocate support. Join us in making a difference in your life or the life of a loved one this MONTH by making a donation. Supporting us is simple: Make monthly donations through our safe PayPal donation page or mail your donation to our office in Palm Desert, CA.

ntil next month, REMEMBER April Fool's Day on the 1st, World Health Day on the 7th, Tax Day on the 15th, Earth Day on the 22nd, Passover begins on the 23rd, Arbor Day (plant a tree) on the 29th. April’s birthstones are Diamond and Crystal. Its birth flowers are Daisy and Sweet Pea. It’s also National Poetry Month, send us a poem. ALWAYS remember to CELEBRATE YOU and PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS!

Love, Jo Rosen

Founder & President