As some of you are aware, I have a vested interest in the fight against Parkinson’s disease. My husband, Ray, was first diagnosed with this degenerative disease in 1989. Since then, we learned to live with many of the symptoms it entails.

Three years ago I helped establish a support group for those suffering with Parkinson’s and their families here in our area. We were amazed at the outpouring of interest ranging from right here in Alden, to those living in surrounding counties. Over 1 million Americans are living with Parkinson’s and approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed each year. Parkinson’s is a movement disorder that is chronic and progressive. Unfortunately, there is no cure.

The Southern Minnesota Parkinson’s Group meets at 9:30 a.m. on the fourth Tuesday each month at the Albert Lea Senior Center. We try to have interesting speakers at each meeting, and we allow plenty of time for people to simply share their experiences with others who understand. All people suffering from Parkinson’s and their caregivers are welcome to attend.

This month has been declared National Parkinson’s Awareness Month by Gov. Mark Dayton. We are so fortunate that the American Parkinson’s Disease Association has decided to host their spring conference right here in Albert Lea. The conference will be April 12 at America’s Best Value Inn. Registration begins at 10 a.m. There is no cost for the conference, although donations will be accepted at the door. Lunch will be served.

The conference features speaker Okeanis Vaou, M.D. at Noran Clinic in Minneapolis. She will speak on pain with Parkinson’s and new advances in Parkinson’s disease. Following lunch there will be a presentation on LSVT BIG and LOUD, proven therapies for Parkinson’s people: Sarah Krenik-Hoffman, MA CCP-SLP and Darcie Rinnie, PTA.

A 1:15 p.m. we are so fortunate to have Ted Bowman, M.Div., author, poet and international speaker. He will speak on Parkinson’s and “Changing Future Story: Balancing Shattered Dreams, Resiliency and Hope.”

This conference is provided in memory of Glen and Maureen Ruble — neighbors, community organizers, leaders, educators and friends of the Parkinson’s community. Maureen, in particular, worked tirelessly to reach out to people in Freeborn County and beyond to educate people about Parkinson’s. She was instrumental in the establishment of the Southern Minnesota Parkinson’s Support Group. She and her wonderful husband, Glen, are sorely missed.

Space for this conference is limited. Reservations can be made by mailing name, address and phone to Joan Brandl at ADPA I&R Center, United Hospital, MR 63201, 333 N. Smith Ave., St. Paul, MN 55102.

Questions? Call Brandl at 651-241-8297.

 

Anne Troska

facilitator

Southern Minnesota
Parkinson’s Support Group

Alden