April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month

During April, many individuals and groups will be participating in Parkinson’s Awareness Month.

April was chosen to commemorate the birth of Dr. James Parkinson who formally identified the disease 200 years ago.  The energy created during this month empowers individuals and their families, healthcare providers, and researchers to work together to help end this disease.  In 2010, the Senate of the United States designated Parkinson’s Awareness Month as a national event.  It is hoped that this observance will create more media coverage, which in turn will lead to better therapies for the over one million Americans fighting Parkinson’s.
  

While living with Parkinson’s isn’t limited to one month of the year, this month gives us the time to recognize and celebrate the brave character of those battling Parkinson’s.  I have learned about the power of the human spirit.  We do not have to look any further than our neighbor next door to find a true Hero.  I am inspired every day by people living with Parkinson’s with their strength and resilience. There are many people living with and thriving despite this disease.
 

During this month, I encourage you to join a Parkinson’s event or hold your own event with friends, family, and colleagues. The Unity Walk in New York City is a great event.  It is being held on Saturday, April 27^th.  Peter Northrop, a CAP member, is serving as Team Captain for our contingent of members walking in the Parkinson’s Unity Walk in New York City at Central Park (join here: http://bit.ly/CAPUNITY1).  CAP members will unite as a team and walk along this course together.  In addition to raising awareness and monies for research, it is also a day of community and education.  You will also have the opportunity to visit informational booths with healthcare experts sharing information and resources

This month starts with you.  There has been significant progress in the last decade alone, and there is a significant reason to be optimistic. For this Parkinson’s Awareness Month, learn how you can get involved and help us find a cure.  I truly believe concerted efforts like these help move the needle forward at a much greater rate.  

CAP is here to serve you.   If you or a loved one has never attended a CAP support group meeting, we would love to see you there.  Contact information can be found on our website at www.parkinsonsct.org

Warm Regards,

Karl C. Hespeler
Chairman 
860-490-0251
Karl@Parkinsonsct.org