April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month.
Every major disease has a special month. April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month.
More people are aware of Parkinson’s especially because of Michael J. Fox who is a beloved movie star and a sufferer of Parkinson’s. He has a website that collects donations to fight this terrible disease. The research his foundation has done has advance the treatment of Parkinson’s.
During this special month of April, people will pause and pay attention. Some will even walk, fund raise, wear a certain color or attend an event focusing on Parkinson’s. This is also the time to educate a broader audience about Parkinson’s.
You can Google Parkinson’s Disease and read all about the horrible crippling effects of this deadly disease. Here is a brief description from Mayo Clinic:
“Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves. Symptoms start slowly. The first symptom may be a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are common, but the disorder may also cause stiffness or slowing of movement.” There is no cure and the disease can progress slow or fast.
I’m encouraging you to do one of the following:
- Register for a VIRTUAL Optimism Walks and help raise funds and awareness no matter where you live!
- Know someone who is a care partner? Call them or stop by and see how they’re doing.
- Make a donation to one of the many organizations supporting research and care for patients. The more funds raised, the more people that can be helped, and in these challenging times.
- Be part of the solution.
So instead of playing an April Fool’s trick today, do something constructive and help fight this deadly disease, even if it is just spreading the word about it.
Thanks for listening!
Parkinson sign by Hay Demitry
Man with Parkinson's Hay Dmitry
Research team. Vitalik Radke
Students Igor Vetushko
4 comments:
Evidence of the effect of Parkinson's is hanging on my walls. My aunt, who lived 17 years after her diagnosis, was a talented painter. Her rendering of flying geese is hanging on our family room wall. In those days her fine motor control showed up in her paintings. I have several of her later paintings that depict outdoor scenes and a vase of flowers. The lines are not distinct, but shows a later talent. She did eventually have to stop painting, but left a legacy of art behind. I feel privileged to have some hanging in my house.
Barb,
I'm sorry about your Aunt. How nice to have art she had painted as a remerance of her.
I have a painting from my Great Aunt Gerry. She didn't have Parkinsons. It is nice to see it and remember the nice lady she was.
It's a terrible disease that strikes way too many people.
Thanks for stopping by.
Thank you for writing this inspirational and informative post, Diana. I made a donation to the Parkinson's Foundation.
Thank you Sarah!
That's so kind of you.
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