Parkinson's Disease and Awareness

It’s April and that along with showers will bring May flowers or is it spring flowers? I never can remember that one, but most importantly it is also Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month. I can’t think of any rhyme for that. If you do, please post it in comments.

Back to the post, apparently this is the time of the year we try to let everyone know we exist. This is very important because like the old question goes, “if a tree falls in the woods and there is no one there to hear it, will it get the funds it needs for research?” I think not. People cannot help those of us with Parkinson’s if they are unaware of us and this terrible disease we are challenged with. Parkinson’s is a disease of solitude. As movement becomes more and more difficult, we start to stay home more where our surroundings are comfortable and familiar, and where our dignity is not challenged by the stares of strangers. We lock ourselves in a fortress of anonymity where we are safe, where we have become silent trees.

Our voices soften and it is hard to be heard. Our steps shorten and slow, and we stay behind. What can we do in this month of Parkinson’s awareness? We come together. A thousand voices, even though softened, brought together is a choir singing a song of hope that all can hear. A thousand feet walking slowly together is an army that is marching towards a cure. We have all been burdened with a great task -- to do our part in making a nation and a world aware of us.

All of the major Parkinson’s organizations are organizing events throughout the month of April and in October the World Parkinson Congress will convene in Canada. Go to their web sites and find out how you can do your part to help yourself or loved one by raising awareness.

World Parkinson Congress
Parkinson's Disease Foundation
Michael J. Fox Foundation
National Parkinson Foundation
Davis Phinney Foundation