April 11th was World Parkinson’s Disease Day, and advocacy groups around the world hosted activities to raise awareness about progress made in the fight against Parkinson’s disease. An iconic building has been lit up in blue to ‘brighten the night’ to raise awareness for Parkinson’s disease.
Drivers traveling near or over the Mario Cuomo (Tappan Zee) Bridge saw a flash of blue light in the night sky. The bridge’s lighting was arranged by Parkinson’s Wellness Project, a unique Rockland County-based group founded in 2019. The project helps people with Parkinson’s disease and their carers learn about the best treatments, improve their lives and stay up to date with the latest research. The Parkinson’s Wellness Project collaborated with advocacy groups around the world for World Parkinson’s Day.
The Parkinson’s Wellness Project was honored by the county on April 11 at Clover Stadium in Pomona, New York. Local dignitaries, people with Parkinson’s disease and carers who have benefited from the group’s work gathered in a box overlooking the field at Clover Stadium to hear the presentation. The declaration was issued by Rockland County Executive Ed Day, Councilman Annie Paul (District 14), and Ramapo City Supervisor Michael Specht, along with Parkinson’s Wellness Project CCO Susan Rust and Executive Director Maurice Rust. It was handed to Mr.
In his address to the audience before announcing the declaration, Day also recognized April as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, saying: “Today, as we reflect on World Parkinson’s Disease Day, we are reminded of the importance of this complex condition. It is essential that we not only raise awareness but also stand in solidarity with people living with Parkinson’s disease.” people who are affected by it. Let’s recognize the incredible resilience of individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers and loved ones. ”
The declaration submitted by Paul was signed by Parliament Speaker His Royal Highness Jay Hood Jr. and recognized the work of the Parkinson’s Wellness Project on behalf of people living with Parkinson’s disease. “The Parkinson’s Wellness Project provides up-to-date information on the latest research and treatments, promotes best practices in diet, exercise, and social well-being for people with Parkinson’s disease, and helps people with Parkinson’s disease live the best life possible. The Parkinson’s Wellness Project is dedicated to helping you demystify Parkinson’s disease and help you overcome the physical, mental, and emotional challenges it poses, alleviating stress and fear. We are also working on
In Ramapo City, Mr. Shushto’s proclamation naming April 11, 2024 as National Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Day, states that the Parkinson’s Wellness Project will “harness the power of technology and communication to create a meaningful and meaningful way through in-person meetings in the new tri-state.” “It will bring exciting events.” Online webinars are available anywhere in the York City area. ”
The program also recognized former Rockland County Councilwoman Harriet Cornell and Rockland County Deputy Executive Michael Hoblin. Cornell first became involved with the Parkinson’s Wellness Project because she had a friend with Parkinson’s disease and recognized the need for a dedicated advocacy organization in Rockland.
Hoblin was caring for her father, who had Parkinson’s disease. He first met Rust at the launch of her initiative, which she started at Clover Stadium, to plant a large garden of colorful tulips, the official flower of Parkinson’s disease, and immediately appreciated the value of her work. Admitted. He arranged for the Mario Cuomo (Tappan Zee) Bridge to be lit up that night. “Susan is doing so much and so quickly to raise her awareness of Parkinson’s disease,” he said in a phone interview with Jewish Link. “She brings people together and helps change the story of finding a path to a cure, rather than just accepting and living with Parkinson’s disease.” We appreciate the hard work that the Disease Wellness Project is doing.”
In her speech, Rust said all the programs she offers, including workout classes, educational events, referrals to doctors and therapists, and a new program for women caring for a spouse with Parkinson’s disease, will help improve Parkinson’s disease. He talked about overcoming fear and prejudice. disease. Parkinson’s Wellness Project events help people with Parkinson’s disease feel less alone and give them the opportunity to form new and meaningful friendships. In a conversation after the event, Rust said, “We’re grateful that the county is recognizing us and helping us reach more people living with Parkinson’s disease.”
Dr. Phil Schneider, a speech-language pathologist who treats people with Parkinson’s disease and who himself was diagnosed with the disease nine years ago, told Jewish Link, “The Parkinson’s Wellness Project is about helping people understand who they are. “Our mission is to help people,” he said in a phone interview. . “Parkinson’s disease is isolating by nature. It draws you inward, so you don’t feel like being around people. This group has pushed me. My tendencies… It opened doors and gave me a whole new specialty of helping people with Parkinson’s disease.”
Schneider said the classes and workshops the group conducts with experts give people new tools to help themselves. “One Sunday I attended a class with an expert on sleep issues. I came away motivated to make changes, as well as breathing techniques. I had never thought about Parkinson’s disease. There are many things I wouldn’t have done if it weren’t for Parkinson’s Wellness Project. In addition, the organization provides kosher food to Orthodox Jews at its events, with separate sections for men and women. We have a program ready.”
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder in the brain caused by the loss of cells that produce dopamine. Loss of this neurotransmitter causes instability in posture and balance, difficulty walking, stiffness or stiffness in the arms, legs, and neck, overall slowness of movement, and tremors and tremors. Other symptoms include depression, mental confusion, writing difficulties, and speech difficulties.
Parkinson’s Wellness Program includes two programs open to the public at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Suffern, New York. “Discovering Mount Sinai’s Interdisciplinary Approach to PD” will be held Sunday, May 5th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and “Columbia University Medical Center’s Patient Empowerment, Research, and Advanced Treatment Discovery” will be held in June. It will be held on Thursday the 6th from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.30:30pm
For more information about Parkinson’s Wellness Project, visit parkinsonswellnessproject.org.
Bracha Schwartz is special sections editor at Jewish Link.
