Here are a few facts to ponder.
- This is a neurodegenerative disease where the cells responsible for producing dopamine die off
- Dopamne is essential for movement.
- It is a progressive illness
- It is the second most common neurological disease after Alzheimer's.
- About one million people in the US and 4 million people worldwide have the disease.
- Men are twice as likely to have Parkinson's than women.
- There is no cure, only medication to 'help' with the symptoms.
- ...and my personal input, it changes constantly and life becomes 'keeping up' with grace
Having a local group that cares and supports one another is a blessing. Durango is a world of healthy, exercising folks. Joe Williams is a local biker has Parkinson's. I have no idea of the path that led to the connection, but Joe has been the spoke person from Durango with the Davis Phinney Foundation. (https://www.davisphinneyfoundation.org) and because of his initial efforts Durango is now partnered with the Foundation.
The biggest fund raiser for this Durango group and supported by the Davis Phinney Foundation is the Iron Horse Classic: http://www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com This race is 30.3 miles with a 8992' elevation gain. (hurts me to think about it!)
Consider giving:
Go to www.my.davisphinneyfoundation.org. There you can find information on the home page about how to support PD through the Foundation.
I have said many times that it is important for all of us to think about life beyond ourselves. I believe everyone should 'give back', 'pay it forward', donate funds or time. I also believe we can't give to every organization that asks. We must pick an organization, person or group that speaks to our heart. Almost every day I see how the Davis Phinney Foundation has touched the people of our PD community. Because of the fundraising through the Iron Horse Classic, Durango has multiple exercise classes provided free to those with Parkinson's (remember, exercise is critical!). Today I attended the third professionally sponsored conference about PD this year right here in town. These have been invaluable to Russ and me.
If you think this might be a place you would like to support the fight against Parkinson's, please visit the site listed above and 50% of the donations will come right back to Durango. You can be confident that the funds provide crucial resources to those affected by this terrible disease.
Living the life of a person affected with PD or the caregiver is tough. Until those words "You have Parkinson's disease", you have no clue of the impact. The support I have gained by our PD community is sheer love, grace, concern and hope. It is encouragement. With every new stage, new decline, new challenge, there is someone who has a story to pave the way for us. These are folks who motivate and encourage one another to exercise. We are family and I praise Joe's efforts along with his team for blessing us.