MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT -- NOVEMBER 2023

I just got back from my annual family Christmas celebration in Minnesota... Yes, you read that right.

Many years ago my family and I came to an agreement: I’ll make the long trek home for the holidays if they celebrate the holidays before the real cold comes. As a result, I always get a bit of a preview of the Holiday Season, with all its joy, laughter, tears, and drama. 

As we enter November we officially kick-off the holiday season and if I can impart any wisdom upon you, it’s this: don’t expect perfection. There will be joy. There will be laughter. Food will burn. Packages will get lost. Emotions will run high, and may boil over. If you’ve attended one of our many support groups you’ve heard me say that Parkinson’s is not a death sentence, it’s a journey. It’s a new way of life, and whether you are the person with Parkinson’s or the caregiver, this is your life! So enjoy it all – enjoy every messy drop.

Whether you are a family of 1,000 or a family of one, you need the occasional break. Join us at one of our support groups…maybe you want an extra dose of Mindfulness with Roger Moore, or maybe you’re a caregiver and need some space to vent at our Partner in Care meetings. The holidays carry great sadness for some, join our Grief Group with End-of-Life Doula Glendon Geikie. Thanksgiving is all about food, but don’t forget your Exercise: we’ve got you covered. Check out our full Support Group calendar on the final page of this newsletter. 

This month, read:

THE ROAD TO THE CURE

 MEDICATIONS TO USE WITH CAUTION

 THE HIGH STAKES OF MISDIAGNOSIS

5TH ANNUAL DON CAVANAUGH DAY 

PRACTICING YOGA BENEFITS HEALTH

NEW GUIDELINES TO MANAGE CONSTIPATION

SURPRISING SIGNS OF DEPRESSION

GIVING TUESDAY

Until next month, REMEMBER Election Day on November 7th, Veteran’s Day on November 11th, Caregiver Appreciation Day on November 13th, National Philanthropy Day on November 15th, Thanksgiving on November 23rd, and Giving Tuesday on November 28th. The flower is the Chrysanthemum and the birthstone is the Topaz. 

ALWAYS remember to CELEBRATE YOU and PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS!