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2014: A Whirlwind Year!
 
A Note from the Executive Director

Alas, we are nearing the eve of a new year. On behalf of the Parkinson Association of the Rockies I would like to thank the Parkinson's community for the incredible year we are now ending.  2014 has been a year of growth, generosity and goodwill. Individuals with Parkinson's and their families, friends, neighbors, colleagues, healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies and other non-profit organizations have come together to support, strengthen and empower the entire community.

 

2014 was a whirlwind year for the Parkinson's community and hence the Parkinson Association. We leapt out of the gate with successful educational opportunities including the Toast to Hope; Thriving with Parkinson's Disease and Essential Tremors and the greatly acclaimed Global Community Conference at the Keystone Conference Center. Programs continued to grow with the Clinical Research Forum and our highly regarded e3: educate*empower*energize conference. We reached into the rural areas with our Chat with the Pros programs in Grand Junction, Roaring Fork Valley, Pueblo and Northern Colorado. Mini-educational programs filled the gaps between conferences. Thank you to all who attended these programs, evaluated the success of these educational opportunities and made recommendations for future programs. You are instrumental to the growth and visibility of the Parkinson's community.

 

Speaking of visibility, the community showed up in mass at the Vitality Walk, Party for Parkinson's events and community fundraisers. While these events raised significant dollars to support and build programs, they have also raised critical community awareness. Thanks to your participation, Parkinson's disease no longer walks in the shadows of Colorado's Mountains, it is in full view. This is a significant step. We have seen new movement disorder specialists move to Colorado, Parkinson's research based in Colorado has increased and there has been a surge in media coverage. This perfect storm is the result of a strong Parkinson's community that is active, involved and determined to beat this disease from every angle whether it be finding a cure, finding a way to personally thrive with Parkinson's or contributing to the effort to ensure that essential Parkinson's resources, programs and services are abundant throughout Colorado. 

 

The Association statistics speak to the growth of the Parkinson's community.  Participation in educational programs increased by 35%; Event revenue and participation increased 38%; In-home visits and phone consultations by our Licensed Clinical Social Worker increased 25%; 3 new weekly exercise programs have been added; Support groups continue to expand in numbers with the addition of care partner groups in Longmont and Broomfield as well as a new group in Pueblo.

 

The Parkinson Association of the Rockies is proud to be a part of this vibrant Parkinson's community and is privileged to support, strengthen and empower the community through the innovative programs and services that you have asked for and demanded from us. 

 

We wish all of you a joy-filled and prosperous new year. Here at the Association, we pledge a new year filled with programs and services which will continue to provide meaningful outcomes for our community to thrive with Parkinson's.

 

Thank you and a Happy New Year to all.

 

Cheryl Siefert, MNM
Celebrate Courage - Thriving with Parkinson's and Essential Tremor 
February 11 | The Wildlife Experience, 10035 South Peoria St., Parker

Join the Parkinson Association of the Rockies for our annual premiere educational event, where special guest speakers will share how they are thriving with Parkinson's and Essential Tremor. This year's event will also include presentations from multiple Colorado Neurosurgeons on the newest data and research in Deep Brain Stimulation. 

To RSVP contact the Association by email or call (303) 830-1839.
Parkinson Association Community Updates 

 

Exercise Classes Cancelled for Holidays

All exercise classes offered by the Parkinson Association will be cancelled for the holidays and will resume on January 5.

 

B.E.A.T. High Intensity Exercise Cancelled   

The Tuesday B.E.A.T. High Intensity Exercise class located at 1290 Broadway, Suite 520, Denver has been cancelled until further notice. 

 

NEW! Parkinson's Care Partner Support Group 

3rd Friday of the month at 12:00pm

InnovAge Cody Center, 8405 W. Alameda Ave., Lakewood

 

All exercise classes have a fee associated with them and require a waiver. 
Contact the Parkinson Association at (303) 830-1839 or email for more information.
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