CONNECTICUT CHAPTER COMMENTS
By Gladys Tiedemann, Chapter President
 "Time flies when you're having fun!" It's hard to believe we are already well into the New Year. I am sure that living with Parkinson's certainly presented challenges to you in 2007. However, many of you worked hard to have a positive outlook and be proactive by attending support programs, taking fitness classes, participating in educational conferences, attending picnics, boat rides, coffee klatches, and more. And, in the process, we all had some fun!
A review of our ambitious list of activities underscores all the hard work folks put forth to help APDA reach its goal "to ease the burden and to find the cure."
Let me highlight some of the recent successes of our Chapter:
- We once again celebrated the annual worldwide recognition of Dr. James Parkinson's birthday last April. A luncheon and lecture program was held at the Courtyard Marriott in Shelton with support from TEVA Neuroscience. Featured speakers were John Murphy, MD from Associated Neurologist, Inc who provided an update on PD advances, and Susan Imke, RN from Texas, who outlined the "Ten Commandments of Living with Parkinson's."
- Our new and innovative "Road to the Cure" membership drive this summer was very well received. (Inside is an explanation on how you can become a Chapter member and receive the special benefits offered.)
- Thanks to you, our fundraising efforts were once again at an all time high. Look inside these pages for photos from our first-ever "Family and Friends" Festival and Walk-a-thon held on the beautiful shoreline campus of the Village at Mariner's Point. The day included Parkinson fitness and aquacise demonstrations, entertainment, kids' activities, lectures, a hotdog roast, and--of course--our Walk around the Village in East Haven. Special thanks to our local sponsors: The Village at Mariner's Point--a Benchmark Senior Living Community, H. Pearce Realtors, VNA Community Healthcare for the Shoreline, and Valeant Pharmaceuticals. Combining the funds from the walk with proceeds from other fundraiser as well as generous memorial and "in honor of" gifts and bequests, the Chapter raised substantial monies earmarked for research and local supportive services. These services include our active Lifeline subsidy program, respite care initiative, fitness program, and I & R Center outreach.
- Beyond our Connecticut borders, in July I attended the biennial national APDA convention in Boston. Donna Diaz, from the I & R Center, was instrumental in coordinating this event. I was invited (and privileged) to be a speaker and addressed some of our state's unique activities. In December, I also had the opportunity to attend APDA’s national yearly board meeting as New England’s regional representative. Here at home, I continue to have the pleasure of working with our Chapter governing board as well as support group leaders. They are a great group of dedicated community members.
Donna and I are always looking for volunteers to help us further the mission of the American Parkinson Disease Association. Call or write me (203-288-0546 / gladkt@hotmail.com) if you would like to help our Connecticut APDA Chapter during 2008!
Find out about Charitable Donations
Stay well and stay in touch! |
