As someone who has lived with Parkinson’s disease for 15 years and spent much of that time working to educate others about the disease, I applaud Maureen Ruble’s work to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s disease and appreciate the Albert Lea Tribune’s coverage of it.

Since April has been designated as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month by the U.S. Senate and by Gov. Mark Dayton, I thought that Tribune readers might appreciate hearing about some of the additional resources and events in Minnesota.

The American Parkinson’s Disease Information and Referral Center of Minnesota, coordinated by nurse Joan Brandl, provides educational materials to individuals as well as about 30 support groups around the state. For more information, call toll-free: 1-888-302-7762.

Struthers Parkinson’s Center, a National Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence in Golden Valley, provides comprehensive services for patients and caregivers. The center offers a team approach to Parkinson’s care, in which doctors, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, social workers and others work with patients to create and implement a treatment plan. Struthers also has two outreach staff who visit support groups throughout Minnesota, the Dakotas and western Wisconsin. For more information, call toll-free 1-888-993-5495.

The National Parkinson Foundation Minnesota, a local chapter affiliate of the National Parkinson Foundation, works to improve the lives of people affected by Parkinson’s disease by raising funds and awareness. For instance, the respite care program is a grant program that allows caregivers to apply for $500 grants to be used to hire licensed in-home or care facility providers so that the caregiver can take a break. The grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

There are two upcoming events that I believe will be of interest to people in the Albert Lea area.

Moving Day is a signature event created by the National Parkinson Foundation. Because Parkinson’s disease is about movement — either being unable to move or moving too much — Moving Day will be more than a walk. There will also be what’s called a “Movement Pavilion” where those who aren’t able or don’t want to do the walk can take part in dance, tai chi and other workshops. Walkers can be on a team or walk as an individual. Prizes are awarded to the team that raises the most money, the individual who raises the most, and other categories. Moving Day is May 12 at Hilde Park in Plymouth. Call 763-545-1272 or visit www.parkinsonmn.org/events for more information.

“2012 Minnesota Parkinson’s Disease Forum: Coming Together for ‘Parkinson’s-Friendly’ Communities’” is a two-day collaborative, patient-centered conference. It will be held at McNamara Event Center, University of Minnesota on Minneapolis June 11-12. The cost is $15 for one day or $25 for both days. This includes continental breakfast and boxed lunch both days plus conference materials. Travel stipends will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. For application information, email foruminfo@parkinsonmn.org. For other conference information, visit www.parkinsonmn.org/events/forum.

Thank you again for helping raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease. I hope readers find this information helpful.

 

Jackie Hunt Christensen

Golden Valley