COORDINATOR'S NOTES

By Donna Diaz, R.N., M.S.,
Information and Referral Center Coordinator

It is a pleasure to write to you as we welcome in the enjoyable weather that the upcoming months has to offer. Here at the Center, I am planning for a full agenda for the remainder of 2010 with Gladys Tiedemann, our Chapter President, our support group leaders, our Board, and other dedicated individuals.

As you know, the only APDA supported resource Center in Connecticut is located here at the Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven.  The Center's outreach is statewide and beyond. This is accomplished through the dissemination of sound information about PD as well as through appropriate referrals across the region. Calling our Center Helpline puts you in touch with these resources.  In addition, the Center offers subsidies towards services such as Lifeline, an emergency button system, in-home Respite Care, and Parkinson Fitness Programs.  (All of these are supported by the Chapter's fundraising efforts.) 

The Center also sponsors many educational programs.  Mark your calendars for our numerous lectures and social events.  Highlights include an  April Parkinson Awareness Month Celebration with a "not-to-be'missed" lecture and luncheon series featuring Frontline PBS Producer Dave Iverson (Parkinson person, family member, , writer, and broadcaster) to be held on Tuesday, April 13th, at The Watermark - 3030 Park (located on the Bridgeport / Fairfield line near Sacred Heart University)  as well as our 2010 APDA Family & Friends Walk-a-thon and Festival to be held on Saturday, May 22nd  along the shoreline in East Haven. For these and other programs, watch your mail for our newsletter and "reminder" postcards or check for updates on this in the Events Section.

The increasing brightness of the daytime and the melody of birds chirping are mesmerizing.  Let's use this spirit to enjoy all that the Parkinson community has to offer here in Connecticut!  And, remember, I appreciate your phone calls and emails, so feel free to contact me at the Center. (203-789-3936 or toll free at 1-877-282-7328 / ddiaz@srhs.org)

I look forward to seeing you during my travels throughout the state over the next few months!

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