It is essential for people diagnosed with
Parkinson's Disease to have the resources
available to help them accept, understand and
adjust to living with Parkinson's. Rural areas in
Georgia are short on neurologist, movement
disorder specialist and outreach programs. This
leaves the patient unaware and misinformed of
valuable information concerning treatment,
medication and events.
Parkinson's In The Park is distinguished by an
ultimate vision. Establishing an outreach program
that will integrate knowledge with understanding
of Parkinson's Disease, encouraging family and
friends to participate in the treatment of the
Parkinson patient, building a strong support
system while helping them in their struggles to
understand why and how this happen to their love
one.
Parkinson's In The Park has designed several
unique awareness items for Parkinson's. In 2005 we
sold over 200 Parkinson's Sucks T-shirt. In 2006
we designed a tulip car magnet with CURE
PARKINSON'S. We have sold over 300. We had two
quilts made that featured butterflies made by
using your thumb prints dipped in paint. We keep
the local media informed of all issues related to
Parkinson’s awareness, research, advocacy and
events. Parkinson’s in the Park as been featured
on local television stations and newspapers.
The communities of Effingham County have always
supported their members. We have made a lasting
friendship with Brooke Edge and her class of
extraordinary young ladies who represent Effingham
County High School Career and Community Leaders of
America. These young ladies have volunteered to
help raise awareness of Parkinson in Effingham
County. In 2006 they held the first awareness
month in Effingham selling paper tulips and
butterflies; they also made the Butterfly Quilt
which has been displayed in DC, TN, VA and NC. Boy
Scout Troop 295, H.V. Jenkins High School Navy
JROTC, Effingham County JROTC, Benedictine
Military School,Girl Scout Troop 321 and the
preschoolers from Ms. Kathy’s Daycare have
participated in Parkinson's In The Park. It is
very important to educate our youth in hopes of a
better understanding and acceptance of those with
Parkinson's.
We will start a program to help law enforcement
recognize the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s
disease. To many times we are assumed drunk or on
drugs because of the way we appear. The added
stress bought on by assuming we are under the
influence makes the symptoms worse and the
situation can become out of control and dangerous
for the Parkinsonian.