MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT DECEMBER 2020

If COVID-19 went away with the end of 2020 I think we would all rejoice, but inasmuch as that doesn’t seem feasible, let’s just do the right thing, wear our masks, wash our hands, do social distancing, and stay to ourselves as much as possible... no crowds. It’s our charter, “Stay Healthy.”

What an incredible year. We turn 30 years old on the 17th of this month. In 30 years we went from the name of Children of Parkinsonians (1990-1995) to Parkinson’s Resource Organization; we went from “a” support group in West Los Angeles with no attendees, at times, to virtual support groups throughout the world, sometimes with attendance as high as 70.

We started with meetings specifically for spousal caregivers and adult children of people with Parkinson’s (the two roles I played in my life) and over time, created meetings for PWPS and their families and friends. We continually focus on “quality of life.” We went from small fundraising events to huge black-tie galas to—this year—no events at all. Our monthly Newsletters started as a one page description of what was talked about at the support group meeting, and although they are, and have been for a very long time, only eight pages, they still focus on information shared at support group meetings. We created an integrative website with a virtual resource directory called the Wellness Village, we incorporated one-on-one coaching and established focus groups.

The Organization was intended to be in existence for only seven years because we were told 30 years ago that the cure would be here within five years. I believed them! I said I would work for seven years, just to help those who may have been too advanced to be cured.

I went from a single woman engaged to marry a man with Parkinson’s, to the wife of that man, and then the widow of that man (2007). Alan Rosen, an internationally renowned architect, was an incredible man who lived through the indignities this disease causes. His 18 years with the disease compelled me to continue my efforts to find the greatest quality of life possible for families affected by Parkinson’s, even if that family was one, and that one was the person with Parkinson’s always while looking for the cure.

During 2021, which we are very much looking forward to, we promise to continue bringing our goodness, acknowledging, supporting and promoting those who help us, those whom we help and we will continue to motivate those still sitting on the fence. I am totally proud of the accomplishments Parkinson’s Resource Organization has made over these 30 years, none of which was done alone. 

The UPDATE ON THE ROAD TO THE CURE is definitely a current issue. 

Our other PROvocative articles and informative news items are:

5 STEPS TO DECLUTTER YOUR HOLIDAY DÉCOR
LIFT-UP: WHEN YOUR LOVED ONE FALLS DOWN AND CAN’T GET UP
6 TYPES OF LIGHT THERAPY FOR SEASONAL DEPRESSION
IT’S ALL IN THE SOCKS

In addition to considering donating, join us in becoming a part of our advocacy efforts. Contact us to “Get Involved”. Make monthly donations at ParkinsonsResource.org/donate, or mail your donation to our office in Palm Desert, CA. 

Until next month, REMEMBER Giving Tuesday on the 1st, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on the 7th, Hanukkah starts on the 10th, Super Saturday on the 19th, Winter Solstice on the 21st, Christmas Eve on the 24th, Christmas Day on the 25th, Boxing Day and start of Kwanza on the 26th, the last day of 2020 or the Eve of 2021 on the 31st. The flowers are the Narcissus & Holly, and the Birthstones are Turquoise & Blue Topaz.

Happy New Year from all of us at PRO!  

ALWAYS remember to CELEBRATE YOU and PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS!

 Love,
Jo Rosen
Founder & President