MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT DECEMBER 2017

I wonder how many years it has been since we said “WOW! I can’t believe we’re already in the last month of the year.” Saying it again just ratifies how fast time flies, unless of course, you’re waiting for a cure for a disease that can be totally debilitating, cost a tremendous amount of money to maintain a lifestyle that is with far less quality of life than anyone could have anticipated and, if you have a family, can create tremendous stress physically, emotionally and financially.

So, you say, “Why start a last month of the year newsletter with such a downer first paragraph?” To let you know that we work feverishly every day of the year to heighten the quality of life for as many people affected by Parkinson’s as possible. We work so that no one is isolated because of the disease and we pray every moment that the cure will come to the people sooner than most think possible. We give you this along with our Box Full of Kisses on Page 7.

We are SO GRATEFUL to all who donated on GIVING TUESDAY, and especially those who donated through Facebook early in the morning to help us be eligible for the matching funds being given by the Melinda and Bill Gates Foundation. They matched the first $2M donations up to $50K per charity. We will know the result by mid-month.

We have our year-end campaign cards being sent out in the next couple of weeks, please remember us during this time of year as well. Nearly half of our entire year’s budget is received during the last two months of the year. We are so appreciative.

In the spirit of giving we are keeping the DVD prices of this awesome Symposium “On The Road To The Cure” at the discounted price of $29.95 through the end of the year. (Which includes the bonus of an audio CD.) See Page 7. Only a limited number of the DVDs were produced, so fulfillment is on a first come, first served basis. If you missed this incredible, educational symposium, you MUST buy this DVD.

In addition to wishing all of you Happy Holidays through the innumerable holidays we have before us, we want to let you know that we’re going to take the month of December preparing for NEW and WONDERFUL experiences at Parkinson’s Resource Organization beginning in 2018.

For instance:

• Launching the new website. During December we will be testing it to make sure that all the bells and whistles work for you.
• Preparing to celebrate our 28th year which begins December 17th.
• Filling the Wellness Village on our website with resources in your neighborhood.
• Adding informative and helpful videos to the website to make your life easier and healthier.
• Filling the support groups with speakers that you’ve asked for.
• Watching and reporting on the real-time science we’ve called “The Road To The Cure.”

For your reading edification this month we’re proud to present to you SWALLOWING DISORDERS (DYSPHAGIA) IN PARKINSON’S(ISMS) PAY ATTENTION THIS SEASON on page 1, WHO CHANGES THE LIGHT BULBS? LIVING ALONE WITH A CHRONIC ILLNESS on page 2; MEDICAL MARIJUANA DECREASES SYMPTOMS FOR MANY on page 4; THREE PIECES OF ADVICE I WOULD GIVE MY YOUNGER SELF also on page 4; 9 DISEASES PEOPLE KEEP SECRET; and our inspirational story A BOX FULL OF KISSES on this page.

Thank you all participants for your tax-deductible donations giving us the opportunity to help MORE – to help MORE people, MORE often, MORE timely, with MORE information in a MORE compassionate way. We know we are providing valuable information and support in the Parkinson’s community. Keep giving, we continue to appreciate your monthly or general donations through our safe PayPal donation page or by mail to our office in Palm Desert, California.

Communicate with us through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. There’s no reason not to stay in touch with us now.  We would love to receive your social media handles so we can be more easily in touch with you as well.

Until next month, remember: Pearl Harbor Day on the 7th, Hanukkah is the 12th through the 20th, Winter Solstice on the 21st, Christmas on the 25th, Boxing Day and Kwanzaa on the 26th. The flowers are the Narcissus & Holly, and the Birthstones are Turquoise & Blue Topaz. ALWAYS remember to CELEBRATE YOU and PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS!

Love, Jo Rosen

Founder & President