GREAT NEWS! We've just received five copies of the NEW LSVT LOUD "Homework Helper" DVD. Over 15 years of research have shown LSVT LOUD to be highly effective in improving the speech of people with PD and other neurological disorders. This DVD does not take the place of speech therapy by a certified clinician, but it is useful prior to treatment (as an intro to the voice and speech exercises), during treatment (as a guide for homework exercises) and after treatment (as a motivation to practice and keep the new LOUD voice for years to come!). You can come by and get a copy of this, or any other materials, during our Monthly Open House on Friday, September 25th from 10a-2p. We love the chance to visit with you and to share our newest resources!

You can help support PSCKY by taking two minutes this week to download & install a simple search toolbar from Goodsearch on your computer and then using it for your on-line searches! While each search generates just a few pennies, over the course of a year and with all of our wonderful supporters using the feature, this could generate thousands of dollars that PSCKY needs for high-quality programs and services. To install, visit the Goodsearch page. To the right, you'll see a place where you can select your charity. Type in Parkinson Support Center of Kentuckiana. Then, download the toolbar and begin to use it!

And, as mentioned last week, you can also help by sharing your story for our new website! We're asking for you to email us (Jinn@pscky.org) a brief story of how we've helped support you or someone you love. You can also call your story in, and we'll do the writing! (502.426.0888) Your story doesn't need to be fancy, or long. You don't need to be a "great writer". We'd just like a small paragraph about something we've done that has helped that you'll let us share with others. We do not need to use your real name, if you'd rather not share that, though we'd be honored if you'd let us use your name and your picture in these brief testimonials. Thanks for helping us with this project!

Registration is now open for the Parkinson's Disease Foundation's first PD ExpertBriefing. Sign up today to watch online or listen through a toll-free number.

The September 29th event, "Parkinson's Disease and its Treatment: Secrets, Myths and Misconceptions" will cover: What are the "invisible symptoms" of PD?  What causes PD symptoms to suddenly worsen?  What is the optimal way in which to take PD medications?  This 1-hour PD ExpertBriefing explores these questions and more - debunking myths and misconceptions about Parkinson's and sharing some lesser known secrets about the disease and its treatment.

If you haven't read "The Wooden Bowl", take a moment to read this inspirational short story of a "frail old man...whose shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult". It's a challenge to us all to remember that what matters in life is LOVE and SUPPORT. Thanks to Billie Ed Harris for sending us this gem.

We were also moved by this first-person story of "Finding New Ways to Cope", in which an artist talks about how he adjusted to his changed physical abilities after diagnosis, and found new "good reasons to get up in the morning. Reminds us of the quote for the week: "The realist adjusts the sails!"

Monday, September 14th, 1:30pm: Lexington Area Parkinson Support Group meeting; Chalice Hall at Crestwood Christian Church (1882 Bellefonte Dr, Lexington KY). The speakers will be Dr. John Slevin and Dr. Don Gash, speaking on Parkinson's medicines. For more information about the meeting, call Test at 859.278.2193.

Monday, September 14th, 5:30pm: Sure Steps for Care Partners support group. This month's meeting is at Tumbleweed (8609 Citadel Way 40222 off Hurstbourne Lane). Open to ALL care partners of people with PD. Call Debbie at 599-9461, 618-0658 or email dzbuckler@hotmail.com for more info or to RSVP to the meeting.

Monday, September 14th, 6:30pm: Shelbyville "Moving On" Exercise Group (Jewish Hospital Shelbyville Community Room (rear of hospital)).

Tuesday, September 15th, noon: Louisville "Chair Yoga" at Yoga at Crescent Hill for people with Parkinson's & care partners too!

Tuesday, September 15th, 1:30pm: Our Mother of Sorrows Parkinson Support Group. Dr. Olson is this month's speaker. (760 Eastern Parkway, in basement of school; Frank Eimer for more info: 458-6742)

Tuesday, September 15th, 6:30pm: Shelbyville Parkinson Support Group. (Jewish Hospital Shelbyville Community Room (rear of hospital)). Speaker will be Darla Novosel, speaking about PD & Nutrition.

Wednesday, September 16th, 1pm: Bardstown Parkinson Support Group (Nelson County Public Library Community Room; 201 Cathedral Manor; for info, Jane Swarts: 502-350-4458). Speaker will be from the LSVT BIG program, discussing and demonstrating the LSVT Big physical therapy program for people with Parkinson's.

Wednesday, September 16th, 4:30pm: Scott County Parkinson Support Group (Scott Memorial Hospital, Conference Room A, 1471 N Gardner Ave; for more information: 812-416-1054).

Wednesday, September 16th, 6pm: South Louisville Parkinson Support Group (St. Mary's Hospital; Kyle Pratt Resource Center (use main entrance/right); 1850 Bluegrass Ave). Topic will be "Tools to Help You Keep Track of your PD Symptoms and Improve Communication with Your Doctors."

Saturday, September 19th, noon: Louisville "Chair Yoga" at Yoga at Crescent Hill for people with Parkinson's & care partners too!

It is with sadness and regret that I have given my resignation as Director of Support Services with PSCKY. Family care-giving obligations have arisen which make it impossible for me to continue. I have loved doing this job and am very sorry to be leaving. I will miss it and you enormously. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to make a small difference in the local Parkinson community. As some of you know, my Aunt Ruth had PD, so I have been especially grateful for the chance to do work that is so significant and personally important. Thank you too for allowing me to get to know you. Your strength, determination and faith have been a great inspiration. I wish all the best for each of you.

Always a blessing, Michele

Executive Director Jinn Fuller Renfro adds:

I am grateful for Michele's work, and I know all of us will miss her dearly, while understanding that the priority of care-giving for family members takes precedence. I hold Michele and her family in my prayers.

Katherine Autin, past PSCKY board member and long-time volunteer, will be your new contact for support services. Katherine led the Tuesday, 6pm group for nearly four years, and is a care partner herself. Our groups will be held as scheduled (and we have some terrific topics this week!), and we'll have more information for you soon.