New Board Member: Scott Herring

Welcome Scott Herring!

Scott is PACF’s newest board member. He is the Chief Financial Officer at Florida Citrus Sports and will serve as Treasurer on the PACF Board of Directors. Scott is married to Debbie Herring and they have three sons, Brett, Sean, and Kendall. His hobbies are playing and watching sports especially the Steelers, Penguins and the Pirates. Scott heard about the Parkinson’s Association through a close friend, and current board member, John Gabriel. John encouraged Scott to join the board and assume the position as Treasurer. Scott wants to help those living with Parkinson’s, their caregivers, and families so everyone can live life to the fullest.

Donation to the Michael J Fox Foundation

The Parkinson Association of Central Florida donates $8,000 to the Michael J Fox Foundation in support of two Central Florida community members, Rose Babcock and Tonya Walker.

Rose Babcock and her husband Chris organize the Pints for Parkinson’s event to raise money for Team Fox. The event is held at the World of Beer in Dr. Phillips and includes a variety of assorted raffle items. Tonya Walker hosts The Art of Fashion where many clothing styles are presented as well as art items created by local artists.

Both events help raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s research. The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and to ensuring the development of therapies for those living with Parkinson's today.

 

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Webmasters Concurring Parkinson’s Disease Together

Meet Chuck and Marsha Melvin. They are the webmasters who have created a website featuring information on how to improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Both of them live, research, and constantly update the information on the website, and together work as a team helping to support each other.

In the fall of 2010, Chuck fell and seriously injured himself and needed 13 stitches on his forehead. Soon after his fall, Chuck’s primary doctor sent him for an MRI and then to a Neurologist. Meanwhile, Chuck was having troubles with talking, balancing and struggled to remember Marsha’s name. It was the visit to the Neurologist where Chuck was officially diagnosed with Parkinson’s and was prescribed medication. Quickly after the first dose of medication he saw his symptoms improve and was able to remember Marsha’s name.

Marsha and Chuck have been married for 40 years and for the past 7 years have grown closer since Chuck’s diagnosis. The couple exercises together, attends the support group, and has participated in other Parkinson’s specific programs.  For example, when Chuck attended the LSVT Big program Marsha learned everything Chuck had to learn and was able to better help him continue his exercises.

“Trying to improving your symptoms by yourself is impossible. Marsha and I have developed a way to communicate to make my Parkinson’s better,” said Chuck. Together they enjoy staying active, stretching, attending pedaling class and continue to have a positive attitude.

Chuck believes that his mind has improved because of working on their website. Researching, writing, taking pictures and posting them are all things to make the website successful. The Melvin’s encourage others with Parkinson’s to write about their progress. They believe sharing stories helps inspire future readers and empowers others to stay active.

Continue to learn about the Melvin’s and their Parkinson’s research by visiting their website. 

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Pedaling For Parkinson’s Group Celebrates 5 Years!

On Saturday, June 10 the Pedaling for Parkinson’s group met to celebrate the groups 5 year anniversary. Debbie Apple helps coordinate the group at the YMCA in Winter Park every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2:00-3:00pm. They have about 30 cyclers and promote the exercise as a way to help with PD symptoms by staying active in a fun and supportive group environment.

The program began when Debbie’s husband, Howie Apple was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Howie was an avid cyclist and through some research found clinical data supporting cycling as recommended exercise for those with Parkinson’s. The couple then took the Pedaling for Parkinson’s program to the YMCA and together the cycling program began.

The program starts out with a free 8-week session offered to people with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers.  The 8 week timeline allows the individual to get a good sense of whether the class is a good fit or not. The class uses upbeat rock ‘n’ roll music to encourage a fast pace.Each individual is able to start out at a level they are comfortable with and gradually increase speed and distance. With a trained cycling instructor, the class is able to provide a supportive environment where each person can improve. With the common goal of fighting back against the progression of Parkinson’s disease the group sends a powerful message to keep active as a way to stay healthy.

Want to learn more or interested in joining this group? Contact Debbie Apple at 321-356-7899 or at debapple@aol.com. 

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What's Shakin'?

Florida Hospital’s Parkinson’s Outreach Center has developed a program specific for children ages 9-13 who have a parent or grandparent with Parkinson’s. What’s Shakin’ is an expressive arts group for children to share and express themselves through play, art and other forms of dramatic expression.

Living with a chronic condition such as Parkinson’s has an effect on the entire family. Often children have worries, concerns and feelings about their parent or grandparent but don’t know how to express them. What’s Shakin’ was developed as a pilot to help answer questions and provide children an environment to share and express themselves through forms of dramatic expression.

What’s Shakin’
Thursday, June 15 | 6:00 pm
Florida Hospital Parkinson’s Outreach Center
1685 Lee Rd. Ste. 110

Please call to register (407)-303-5295

Below is a video showing the importance of addressing a child’s perspective on Parkinson’s disease. This program is offering an outlet to understand the complexities of Parkinson’s.  

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Celebrate National Senior Health and Fitness Day

May 31 is National Senior Health and Fitness Day! There is a growing consensus amongst researchers about the short- and long-term benefits of exercise for people with Parkinson’s disease. From dance- and theater-inspired groups to spin classes, visit our website and explore our Parkinson exercise programs available across Central Florida.

Not sure what wellness activities are in your area? Check out our website with listings of programs you could become involved in!

PD Golf Program: This group meets once a month with PGA Master Professional, John Hughes as he provides tips and tricks to help improve your golf game. He is dedicated to helping inspire individuals with Parkinson's to continue exercising and enjoying the great outdoors.

PWR! Parkinson Wellness Recovery: Florida Hospital Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation offers a Medical Fitness Program that is safe and effective for people with Parkinson’s disease. The focus of this program is on improving movement, balance, and coordination through group-exercise sessions.

Art’s The Spark: This program exercises imagination and creativity by providing a fun and expressive environment for members of the community who may struggle with memory, but not their imagination. This event is held at the Orlando Museum of Art once a month and is held during non-public hours, offering an experience designed to use fine art as a catalyst for discussion and reminiscing.

Movement As Medicine: Modeled after the Dance for PD® program, Movement as Medicine addresses issues of flexibility, balance, spatial awareness and a sense of confidence through the use of creative and therapeutic movements and dance. Participants are empowered to explore movements with music that address these concerns in ways that are enjoyable, stimulating and creative.

Living Out Loud: Living Out Loud is a fun, interactive speech therapy group for those who have PD and have completed the LSVT Loud speech therapy. This is a monthly group, led by licensed SLP, and is offered at the Florida Hospital Church.

CHEER>DRAMA Therapy Group: This group uses laughter as exercise and Focuses on mood, movement and voice. This program is for both people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers.

Pedaling for Parkinson’s: Is a Parkinson’s-specific indoor spin class on stationary spin bikes that offers high-cadence cycling which has been proven in research to improve/impact motor function.

Rock Steady Boxing: This program is offered in two locations in Orlando. One is Central Orlando, at the Wadeview Community Center, and the second one is located in Longwood. Both programs help improve the quality of life of those suffering from Parkinson's disease and focuses on balance, strength and agility while incorporating boxing exercises.

KOPD – Knock Out Parkinson’s Disease: KOPD is a collaborative effort of TITLE Boxing Club, Florida Hospital and the Parkinson Association of Central Florida. Using four different TITLE Boxing Club locations, these classes are offered with reservations.

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Central Florida Represented at The Team Fox MVP Awards Dinner

Active in their efforts to raise awareness and funds, Tonya Walker, blogger for The Shoe Maven, and Rose Babcock along side her husband Chris are Fundraiser hosts for Pints for Parkinson’s. Both are Team Fox members and contributors to the Michael J Fox Foundation. These two teams work diligently to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s disease by planning and hosting events in the Central Florida Community. Earlier in the year, The Parkinson’s Association of Central Florida sponsored these community initiatives and donated money towards the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

The awards dinner is an event hosted by the Michael J Fox Foundation to recognize the efforts of those who raise money for Team Fox. “We had an incredible evening at The Team Fox MVP Awards with Pints For Parkinson's Orlando and the rest of our Team Fox family. Parkinson's awareness month is coming to a close, but the fight for a cure continues,” Tonya stated.

Both members of the community had a wonderful time and feel motivated to continue their work in hosting events to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s research. To continue following these events be sure to follow The Shoe Maven and Pints for Parkinson’s Orlando on facebook.

Faces of Parkinson's - The Importance of Nutrition

 

Meet Don Bartlett. He enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, boxing and growing vegetables at the community garden. Don has been married to his wife Rhonda for 17 years and has three children; Nicole, Kristen, and their son Lars. Nicole and Kristen both live in Florida and each have two girls of their own, giving them four beautiful granddaughters. 

As the Senior Director of Nutritional Services at Florida Hospital, Don is an expert when it comes to Nutrition. He has dedicated much of his time researching the importance of proper nutrition as the first line of defense in fighting off disease. Author Michael Pollan sums up proper nutrition in seven simple words… “Eat food.  Not too much.  Mostly plants.”  By food he means eat close to the ground, minimally processed foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables.  Even though good nutrition cannot cure Parkinson’s, it can certainly mitigate the symptoms and improve quality of life.

Don was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in early 2015 although he had noticed something was “different” a couple of years before that. Some early signs were shaking in his right hand, voice softening, and his handwriting became a little more difficult. When he was first officially diagnosed his Neurologist explained he may have trouble with constipation as it is a common side-effect of PD.  The doctor stated she would be happy to write him another prescription to help.  Don quickly declined stating, “with a few prunes each morning and fresh greens from our garden at dinner, I’m good to go!”  Don is convinced that adhering to good nutrition principles has staved off advancement of many PD symptoms.

After his diagnosis, Don went through the normal course of emotions. He immediately contacted Florida Hospital’s Parkinson’s Outreach Coordinator and discussed ways that he could get involved. Don attended the Brain & Beyond Conference then shortly after that was introduced to the Parkinson Association of Central Florida (PACF) and was invited to join their Board of Directors. Immediately after joining he felt motivated by the board members who either cared for or have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. The sense of community among board members and their own personal dedication inspired Don to educate himself and become an advocate for all affected by PD – the patients, their caregivers, and family alike.

PACF Sponsors Art's the Spark Program

PACF Donates to Orlando Museum of Art’s Program

The Parkinson’s Association of Central Florida sponsors Art’s the Spark, a program offered by the Orlando Museum of Art. This unique program is for those who are living with a memory, or neurological impairment, such as early stage Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease and welcome’s their caregivers to join in this exploration of creativity.

Offered once a month on Saturday mornings, Art’s the Sparks provides a fun and expressive environment for members of the community who may struggle with memory, but not their imagination. Creativity is expressed and is a forum for dialogue through looking at and making art.

Art’s the Spark is lead by an OMA professional educator who will guide a private tour of the art’s exhibits then transition the group into an engaging studio art activity while caregivers enjoy social time and coffee.

The event is held during non-public hours, offering an experience designed to use fine art as a catalyst for discussion and reminiscing. The program strives to provide a rich and satisfying experience for all participants. Reservations are required due to limited attendance for this free event. Donations of $5 are suggested.

For more information please visit their website at  or contact 407.896.4231 ext. 261 or email dmatteson@omart.org to register.

Saturday mornings 10:30am-12pm

2018 Dates:  January 13, February 10, March 10, April 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, August 11, September 8, October 13


Attire
Casual, comfortable clothing, sweaters or light jackets recommended
Parking
Free parking, close to OMA entrance

Thank you to our supporters