Message from the President - June 2023

Wow! June already? We can hardly believe it. Summer has arrived in the Desert, with its baking sun and long, hot days. Our snowbirds have fled to their cooler, sweeter summer retreats... and parting is such sweet sorrow, but with weekly virtual support groups, we never really have to say goodbye! 

Well… that’s not exactly true. As many of you know, I lost my own beloved, Alan Rosen, to Parkinson’s in 2007. He is in my heart and on my mind every day. I know I am not alone in this grief journey. That’s why we spent the end of May with our annual Week of Remembrance. We profiled members of our Memorial Wall, had a powerful discussion with Wellness Villager Glendon Geikie about getting a grip on the end of life, shared resources to navigate end-of-life decisions, and conducted a powerful and somber recitation of names, where we read out nearly 700 names on the Memorial Wall. Please also remember that we have a twice-monthly Grief Group that explores both anticipatory and bereavement grief. 

Speaking of support groups, we are thrilled to announce we are the recipients of a very special grant to fund our virtual support groups, which are free to attend, but cost over $600 to run! You’ll read more on that inside.

Enjoy the articles this month, starting with the UPDATE ON THE ROAD TO THE CURE on this page. Check out PRO WINS SPOTLIGHT GRANT on page 2; APPS FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH PARKINSON’S on page 3; Q&A ABOUT DATING WITH A DISABILITY on page 4; HELSINKI UNIVERSITY MAKES PARKINSON’S BREAKTHROUGH also on page 4; THE GIFT OF HOPE DONOR PROGRAM on page 5; VETERANS AID & ATTENDANCE on page 6, and; DID YOU KNOW? on page 7.

Thank you for all you do for PRO. Your donations keep us whole. Until next month, REMEMBER National Trails Day on June 3rd—Visit a local park!—Flag Day on June 14th, Father’s Day on June 18th, Summer Solstice on June 21st, and International Widow’s Day on the 23rd. The flower is the Rose and the birthstone is the Pearl. 

ALWAYS remember to CELEBRATE YOU and PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS!