MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (September 2024)

September always brings a rush of activity here at PRO. We return to our full Support Group schedule after a summer lull and often introduce new programs we’ve been cooking up all summer. At the same time, business activity ramps up as colleagues return from vacations and the heat subsides. This September is no different… we have new programming to share with you, old favorites back on the Support Group schedule, and no less than six community outreach events scattered throughout the month. 

And we have another change up our sleeves, which you might have already noticed... PRO is very excited to reveal our new PRO Logo and branding! Over the last three decades, we have built a strong legacy of emotional support and practical resources for people with Parkinson’s and caregivers. The new brand reflects our evolution as an organization. It honors our history—you’ll notice that familiar teal color—while signaling our readiness to meet the challenges of the future.  

Unveiling a big change like this is nerve wracking... change itself is nerve wracking. The future unknowns have certainly kept me awake many a night. But change is also necessary, inevitable, and often beautiful. I’m really proud of the work we put into the new PRO branding; it was done with great intentionality and with you, our beloved constituents, in mind. 

On that note, we have another change for you this month. I am beyond thrilled to welcome the return of in-person programming to the PRO Support Group schedule. We are adding an in-person Round Table Support Group at our PRO offices on the second Thursday of every month at 1:00 pm. This will be a chance to share what’s on your mind, learn from others, and get to know some of the faces you’ve seen only through Zoom screens for the last few years. But that’s not all. 

This month we’re also launching the PRO Social Club, a monthly opportunity to hit the town for a creative, active, educational, or otherwise fun event with others navigating Parkinson’s as either people with or caregivers. Our first event is a pottery painting class at Old Town Artisan Studios on Wednesday, September 25th. If that’s not your scene, join us in October for a Palm Springs Art Museum Tour, in November for a Nature Walk with Friends of the Desert Mountains, or December for a holiday party at the PRO offices.  

So yes… September brings a rush of activity. As always, our programs are guided by your feedback and your needs. Let us know... what do you think of our new schedule? New activities? New logo? What are we doing well? What can we do better? How can we better serve you?

Until then, read on about:

EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE PRO REBRAND

 MORE THAN 1 IN 4 AMERICANS OVER 50 ARE NOW CAREGIVERS

WHAT TYPES OF EXERCISE ARE BEST FOR PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE?

PARKINSON’S DEMENTIA MAY BE LESS COMMON THAN ONCE THOUGHT 

HOW TO HIRE A CAREGIVER FOR IN-HOME HELP HOW TO CHOOSE A MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEM

Until next month, REMEMBER Labor Day on September 2 and Patriot Day on September 11. The flower is the aster or morning glory, and the birthstone is the sapphire. 

ALWAYS remember to CELEBRATE YOU and LEAD WITH LOVE.