Parkinson’s support group to hold walk

Published 6:47 am Sunday, May 6, 2012

Column: Guest Column, by Maureen Ruble

Since January 2011, when three couples came together and began an effort to organize the Freeborn County Parkinson’s Support Group, we have learned so much.

It has been amazing the number of people with Parkinson’s who have come together to share challenges and just to share with others who understand their struggles.

Maureen Ruble

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Because we believe we have benefited so much from our support of one another, we want to be inclusive of people in our southern Minnesota area. We have changed our name. We now are officially the Southern Minnesota Parkinson’s Support Group, and we encourage all interested people to join us. We meet at the Albert Lea Senior Center the fourth Tuesday of each month at 9:30 a.m.

We have had many informative programs. One was a very interesting program, the story of Davis Phinney, a former cyclist in the Olympics and the Tour de France. After many years of competing successfully in those tough, demanding events, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. After his diagnosis, he formed the Davis Phinney Foundation to aid the more than 50,000 people in the United States who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease every year. Davis’ philosophy is: “Every victory counts!”

He says, “I can’t control that I have Parkinson’s, but I can control how I live with Parkinson’s.”

He encourages us to celebrate little victories: “a smile, a shared laugh, a sunny morning, a spring breeze, a scoop of ice cream.”

To quote him, “Parkinson’s disease is like a slow-growing vine that affects people in both physical and emotional ways. But slow is the important word, because unlike other acute illnesses, people with Parkinson’s can make decisions about living better with this disease. To live well requires attention to how to live and how to care for yourself today, at the same time keeping your sights on what is best for your future wellness.”

Parkinson’s disease is just one of many devastating diseases. There are so many worthwhile fundraisers happening. We know we are asking a great deal of our community, friends and families with yet another fundraising event; however, we believe that we can make a difference with the money we raise.

Our support group is sponsoring our first Walk for Parkinson’s Disease. It is set to happen in Albert Lea.

For the last 20 years there has been a Twin Cities Walk for Parkinson’s Disease, but because of distance and physical limitations, many people in our area are unable to participate.

Please join us from 9 a.m. to noon May 19 at Northbridge Mall. We would encourage families to form teams, make signs and posters to show support for a friend or family member with Parkinson’s disease.

Join us for fun, prizes, information, education and even some refreshments. If you cannot walk, there will be places to sit and visit.

Money raised is distributed to do research in finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease, respite care grants directly to families caring for Parkinson’s patients and to provide information, education and training for the nearly 100 support groups in Minnesota. Donations of any amount are welcome with checks made out to American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA) or National Parkinson’s Foundation Minnesota (NPFM).

For donations in advance or for questions please contact me: Maureen Ruble, 72778 County Road 46, Albert Lea, MN 56007. My phone number is 373-1808.

Maureen Ruble is the organizer of the Southern Minnesota Parkinson’s Support Group.