Parkinson Association of the Rockies

 

Betty

Join us in Raising Awareness and Enhancing Lives!
Over one million Americans are living with Parkinson's disease. Seventeen thousand of them live in Colorado. For the month of April, National Parkinson's Awareness Month, our community is hosting community awareness and fundraising events to benefit the Parkinson Association - and we hope you'll join us for these opportunities.

There are many other programs, seminars and activities taking place in April to honor National Parkinson's Awareness Month. Details listed below.

Upcoming Events
 
April 17: Non-Motor Symptoms Mini-Series Session III
April 20: Clinical Research Forum
April 27: The Doctor Is In - Roaring Fork Valley
April 30: Hand in Hand: Financial, Legal and Life Planning For You and Your Family

May 4: The Doctor Is In - Grand Junction
May 21: Care Partner Mini Series Session I (Evening)

June 2
: Register Today!
11th Annual Vitality Walk in Denver, CO & Longmont, CO

For more information or to register, please call
(303) 830-1839 or email [email protected].

Talent Search
Are you a balloon artist, face painter or entertainer for kids? We need your talent at the Vitality Walk Kids Activity Area. Please consider volunteering for the Vitality Walk on Sunday, June 2nd from 8:00 - 9:30am in Wash Park, Denver or Sandstone Ranch, Longmont.

If you are interested or want more information, please call (303) 830-1839 or email [email protected]
In This Issue
Thank You
Clinical Research in Colorado
Parkinson's in the News
Thank you to our Volunteers
What is Palliative Care?
Colfax Marathon
Community Events
Quick Links

Classes 

Find a Support Group 

Find a Neurologist 

Upcoming Events 

Donate Today 

 

Support the programs of the Parkinson Association:

$50 for one dance class.

Donate Today!  

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Thank You Rick Rick Schwartz
 We want to thank Rick Schwartz for his outstanding service to the Parkinson Association of the Rockies as President of the Board for the past seven years. Rick Schwartz is a hero in local Parkinson's advocacy. Using his expertise as a former newscaster for FoxSports, Rick has strengthened public awareness of Parkinson's disease and the Association. Rick is devoted to helping others thrive with Parkinson's. His willingness to meet others when and where they are comfortable, and spend quality time discussing concerns and questions about PD, speaks volumes of his commitment to make a difference. Rick's vision has brought visibility and stability to the Association. Undaunted, he has faithfully led the Parkinson Association through difficult times; providing the groundwork for the Association to emerge as a strong and innovative organization that provides much needed services to the Parkinson's community. Over the years, his talent to recruit board members and develop strong relationships nationally with the Michael J. Fox Foundation has taken the organization from obscurity to prominence. Rick has accomplished all of this while ensuring that the Parkinson Association remains independent, allowing the organization to focus on its mission of supporting, strengthening and empowering the Colorado Parkinson's community.

"It has truly been an honor to serve as Board President of the Parkinson Association of the Rockies over the past seven years. I have had the privilege of working with dedicated board members and the Association staff in making our organization more visible and viable in the community. I am proud that the Association has a reputation as THE organization that supports, with compassion, people with Parkinson's and their care partners during all phases of the disease. I am confident that under the leadership of our new board president, Mark Mitton, the Association will continue to grow and be innovative as science learns more about the disease and its effects on individuals with Parkinson's." - Rick Schwartz

While Rick is stepping down from the position of President of the Board, we are grateful and honored that Rick is taking on a new board position as Past President. He continues to be a shepherd and an advocate of the Parkinson Association; and is a key-member in creating a vital new respite care services to be offered by the Association.

We also want to welcome the new President of the Board, Mark Mitton, CEO/Founder of Carbon8. The Parkinson Association of the Rockies is thankful to have someone of Mark's caliber, passion and commitment to fill Rick's shoes.  Mark's generosity of time and talent has been instrumental in developing the Association's website and social media opportunities. Mark's strong leadership will ensure that the Association continues to grow in services and innovation to support, strengthen and empower the Colorado Parkinson's community.
Clinical Research in Colorado
The Parkinson Association of the Rockies in collaboration with Colorado Neurological Institute, Davis Phinney Foundation, Parkinson's Disease Foundation and the University of Colorado invite you to explore the inroads being made in Colorado towards new treatments and therapies that may redefine care for Parkinson's disease. By attending the Clinical Research Forum: Parkinson's Research in Colorado, you will have the opportunity to learn more about available clinical trials for various modalities of treatment including medications, alternative therapies and surgical treatments.

Learn how you, as a clinical trial participant, are protected. Join the open discussions with trial participants and family members about how they decided to participate in clinical trials. Learn how to register for the Fox Trial Finder through a representative from the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Talk with the research coordinators one-on-one to learn more about the available opportunities to join the initiative towards better treatments and the eventual cure for Parkinson's disease.

When: Saturday, April 20 | 8:30am - 1:15pm
Where: Mile Hi Church, 9077 W. Alameda Ave., Lakewood, CO 80226

To register please visit bit.ly/coloradoclinicalresearch or call (303) 830-1839.
Thank You to Our Volunteers
The Parkinson Association relies on a variety of volunteers throughout the year. Recently two new volunteers are helping out at the Association office - Ted and Memorie. We would like to extend a special thanks to them for all of their hard, behind-the-scenes, work that is critical in providing services to the Parkinson's community.

If you are interested in volunteering in our office, please email [email protected] or call (303) 830-1839.

What is Palliative Care?

When the doctor first utters the words hospice or palliative care, many people freeze. No one wants to hear those words used in reference to their loved one. It's scary and often families have no idea what this means. Instead of feeling relieved and empowered, families often feel anxious. Many people don't actually know what palliative care is and how it can help a loved one live a better quality of life. Read More 

Attention Colfax Marathon ParticipantsColfax Marathon
You're participation in the 2013 Colfax Marathon, May 18-19, can support the Parkinson Association
of the Rockies and Parkinson's disease research.

Once again the Parkinson Association is a Colfax Marathon DaVita Charity Partner. Participation in this event means that you will be a part of one of the nation's largest charity partner programs! For the first year we are partnering with 3 4 Fighting Parkinson's. 3 4 Fighting Parkinson's mission is to raise awareness of the long-reaching effects of Parkinson's, including its impact on the elderly, our loved ones and the population as a whole. All proceeds 3 4 Fighting Parkinson's receives through their events and community outreach benefit Parkinson's disease research. 

With this new partnership we will split all funds raised through the Colfax Marathon; 50% to enhance the programs and services of the Parkinson Association of the Rockies, and 50% to Parkinson's disease research.

There is a race type and distance for everyone: marathon, half marathon, 10 miler, 5K and marathon relay. We also need volunteers to help promote community awareness of Parkinson's disease. 

For more information and to register: www.RunColfax.org   
Not a runner? Support those participating in the Colfax Marathon: www.GivingFirst.org/Colfax4Parkinsons 
Thank you to those who have already signed up!
Community Events and News
Coping with Swallowing & Communication Challenges
Do you have questions or concerns about swallowing and communication changes, particularly in the later stages of Parkinson's disease or with so-called "atypical Parkinson's disease diagnoses" such as progressive supranuclear palsy or multiple system atrophy?

Listen in to a recent webinar for CurePSP with John Dean MA CCC SLP, Founder and Director of the Parkinson's Team at Summit Rehab in Longmont, Colorado. This lecture, entitled "Coping with Swallowing and Communication Challenges" is now available on demand.
To view the webinar, please visit
http://www.psp.org/news-and-events/webinars.html
New PERKS Exercise Classes

Dr.Larry Morries is heading the "PERKS" exercise class. PERKS stands for Parkinson Exercise Rehabilitation Klasses. This class will focus on general intensity. 

 

When: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday | 12:00 - 1:30pm  

Where: 220 S.Yarrow St (Light and Life Church), Lakewood, CO 80226

Cost: $10/Class  

 

To register or for more information please call (303) 986-2361.
Managing Parkinson's Disease
You are invited to attend a free educational program on Parkinson's disease. Whether you are a Parkinson's patient or caregiver, don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with others in your Parkinson's Community.

When: Wednesday, April 3rd | 6:30pm   

Where: Little America Hotel, 2800 W. Lincolnway, Cheyenne, WY 82009  

Speaker: Dr. David Ewing

 

When: Thursday, April 11th | 6:30pm   

Where: Hilton Garden Inn, 1150 N. Poplar Street, Casper, WY 82601 

Speaker: Dr. Evan Black

 

When: Friday, April 12th | 12:00pm   

Where: Valley View Villa, 815 Fremont Ave., Fort Morgan, CO 80701  

Speaker: Dr. David Ewing

 

All programs are free and a light meal will be served.
To register or for more information please call (303) 830-1839.
Emerging Therapies for Parkinson's Disease and Essential Tremor
New Data on Deep Brain Stimulation in early stage Parkinson's disease!

Keeping up with new, effective treatments for Parkinson's disease and essential tremor can be overwhelming. Join our neuroscience specialists to get the facts about treatment options for these movement disorders.
  • Neurologist Avrom Kurtz, MD, of Foothills Neurology Associates
  • Neurosurgeon Kara Beasley, DO, of Boulder Neurosurgical & Spine Associates
These physicians will discuss new data, patient results, current treatment options, new promising therapies that are in clinical trials, and deep brain stimulation (DBS) which is an innovative, surgical treatment option.

When: Friday, April 05, 2013 | 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Location: Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, 4005 Kipling Street, Wheat Ridge

Seating is limited. Please RSVP | Registration is from 11:30 am - Noon
This event is free and lunch will be served | Sponsored by Exempla Healthcare

To register call (303) 689-4595 or visit
http://Aprilemergingtherapies.eventbrite.com
New Bootcamp Classes Beginning

Gary Sobol is offering a new Boot Camp class at the Arapahoe YMCA in Lafayette beginning on April 8th.  

 

When: Monday's | 3:15-4:15pm  

Where: Arapahoe YMCA, 2800 Dagny Way, Lafayette, CO 80026 

Patients and Caregivers Regional Colloqium
If you or someone you help care for is affected by Parkinson's disease (PD), we invite you to join this discussion of what's new in treatment options and support services. Presentations and discussions are led by physicians who specialize in the treatment of PD. The meeting will also provide an opportunity to share your experiences with others affected by this condition.
  • Learn about PD and current treatment options
  • Meet the experts and interact with others affected by PD  

Featured Speakers

  • Neal Hermanowicz, MD Movement Disorder Specialist Irvine, CA
  • Michael Rezak, MD, PhD Movement Disorder Specialist Winfield,IL 

When: Friday, April 12th | 9:00 - 11:30am 

Where: The Brown Palace, 321 17th St., Denver, CO 80202

A complimentary breakfast will be included
To register visit www.mededreg.com and use the invitation code AZLHLXRC13.
   Or call 800-308-8834 and reference invitation code AZLHLXRC13.
New Classes Beginning: Jump Start and Stretch It
Stretch It: Stretch class to improve posture, breath control and balance. Find your state of equilibrium. Begins, Monday, April 15th.

Jump Start: A high intensity balance and agility class. Kick it up a notch and give the kids a run for their money this summer. Begins Thursday, April 18th.

When: Stretch It | Monday's | 12:15 - 1:00 pm
When: Jump Start | Thursday's | 12:15 - 1:00pm
Location: Movement and Neuroperformance Center of Colorado
499 E. Hampden Ave, Suite 250, Englewood, CO 80113

To preregister call (303) 781-0511 or email [email protected].
Parkinson's Resource Fair | Longmont
The Parkinson's Team at Summit Rehab will be hosting their 2nd Annual Parkinson's disease Information Fair at their facility.

The keynote speakers this year will be Dr. Monique Giroux, MD and Sierra Farris, PA of the Movement and Neuroperformance Center (www.centerformovement.org) . Both Monique and Sierra are nationally recognized experts in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and have recently started their new practice in the Denver metro area. Other talks will feature members of the Davis Phinney Foundation and the Parkinson Association of the Rockies.

When: Wednesday, April 17 | 1:00 - 3:30pm
Where: 2451 Pratt St., Longmont, CO, 80501

For questions or to get additional information,
please call (303) 684-5755 or e-mail [email protected].