THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN WHITTLER
April is Parkinson's Awareness month across the country. Locally, Mayor Rivera issued a proclamation making April Parkinson's Awareness Month in Colorado Springs. He called on the citizens of Colorado Springs to rally around our efforts to find a cure. We will be hearing about a potential cure during our May 3rd symposium from gene therapy researcher Dr. William Marks. So, cap off our efforts in April to raise awareness of our disorder by telling everybody around you to attend Dr. Marks' discussion on this approach to cure Parkinson's. After you mark your calendar for: 1st April Tulip delivery, 5th April Support Group Meeting, 6th April RUN, and 19th April community out-reach at Wal Mart, continue on to 3rd of May for the symposium. You will be glad you participated in all these activities.
And, finally, some good news about one of our favorite people, Vickie Stegner. Vickie has been volunteering in our kitchen assembling our potluck for over twenty five years. Her husband had Parkinson's and passed away twenty years ago. She is one of the only people left in our group who knew founder Jeanne Taylor and remembers the first meeting in Penrose Hospital to help teach the staff about caring for PD patients. She remembers the first meeting at Otis Park Community Center when the fledgling group
needed a facility with a kitchen. She is the lady who brings the cups, soda, napkins, etc to every meeting and helps clean up the kitchen after our potluck. Vickie has missed a few meetings because she had a complete hip replacement surgery. She is still in pain but up and around. She is planning on being with us at our April 5th support group meeting. She is a hero to me.
See ya' in April…several times! MARK THOSE CALENDARS!! Ric
The earlier you arrive to pick up your bouquets, the fresher you tulips will be, so consider arriving well before noon!!!
If you are not going to be able to pick your bouquets up by noon, please call Jill Reid at 338-4042 before April 1st so we can make other arrangements.
For sale: Alberta Davis has 2 dark teal lift chairs in great condition. She will have them cleaned for the buyer. $300 each. 590-7051.
COLORADO PARKINSON'S
For more information or to register, log on to www.parkies.org
Many thanks in advance to Dan Harding and his crew for what promises to be an awesome event. See you there on April 6th!
See the online newsletter version for a copy of Allen's flyer for the garage sale. There will also be copies of the flyer at the April meeting.
Four getaways are planned this year: one each month June-September. We are not trained in respite care, but we view this effort as a way to make a contribution to the cause.
You can just sit and/or lay around inside or outside, read, watch TV or movies from our DVD collection or soak in one of our two hot tubs. Or you can be as active as you'd like with hikes, exploring local historical ruins (old stage route, gold diggings, old cabins), search for artifacts with the metal detector, wild flowering, bird and wildlife watching, pine nut collecting (in season), rock/gem hounding, fishing at the lake, ATVing or a trip to Westcliffe for shopping, museums, historical buildings tour, etc. At night, star gazing by naked eye or telescope is magnificent - no light pollution here!
You have a choice of various accommodations. We will supply the meals (also free of charge) including a cowboy cookout. Soft drinks, beer, wine and margaritas will be available. If you have a special diet, bring what you need. Bring casual comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes and bathing suit if you want to use one of our hot tubs. Bring a coat and hat for our cool evenings. Don't forget the camera!
You must provide your own transportation. The drive from Colorado Springs is approximately 80 miles/two hours drive time. We will provide excellent directions all the way to the cabin but can meet you at the Cody Park Development entrance to guide you the last 7 miles to the cabin.
If you are a Parkinson's caregiver and are interested in the Two Gulch Ranch get-a-way submit a request specifying: (1) name, address, phone, (2) month/dates you're interested in, and (3) guest information if you're bringing one. Submit requests by April 30 to Laurie Fellabaum, P.O. Box 1548, Westcliffe CO 81252. If there are two or more requests for a month we'll randomly draw names. Caregivers will be notified as to their status by May 15.
Editor's Note: Caregivers who plan to take advantage of this very generous offer can apply for a grant with JTPSG to pay for a caregiver to take care of your Parkinson's spouse/partner while you are away.
If a sleep-inducing medication causes sleep-walking, melatonin may bring sleep without the side-effects. Much used by travelers on long flights to manage jet lag, melatonin can bring sleep within a half-hour. Always read labels and check with your physician to be sure it's OK with him.
Once again, the question of driving safely rears its ugly head. Driver Safety Consultants, 4727 N. Carefree Circle, 80917, Tel 277-0001 will take you and your car into normal traffic to evaluate your performance. It's the responsible thing to do if you're in doubt as to your driving capabilities.
One of our members is taking the Strong Women, Strong Bones exercise class at the Senior Center on Hancock and feels it's excellent for anyone fending off osteoporosis.
Currently, the main approach for treating Parkinson's disease is to replace dopamine that's lost when the cells that produce it die off and cause the disorder. With this new research, scientists can better work toward 'neuroprotective' therapies that actually block dopamine cells from dying off in the first place.
Parkinson's disease occurs when some nerve cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra die or become impaired. Normally, these cells produce dopamine - a vital chemical that allows smooth, coordinated function of the body's muscles and movements. When about 80 percent of these dopamine-producing cells die or are damaged, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease begin to appear. These include tremors and shaking, slowness of movement, rigidity and stiffness, and difficulty with balance.
Scientists have long known that a key protein called alpha-synuclein plays a role in the development of Parkinson's disease. Alpha-synuclein is found throughout the brain - but in some people, the protein clumps together causing the death of the dopamine-producing cells, which then causes Parkinson's to develop. Researchers discovered that dopamine itself actually plays a role in destroying the cells that produce it.
In the process leading to Parkinson's disease, dopamine is converted into a highly toxic chemical called DOPAL. Using test-tube, cell-culture and animal models, the researchers found that it is DOPAL that causes alpha-synuclein protein in the brain to clump together, which in turn triggers the death of dopamine-producing cells and leads to Parkinson's.
Exercise classes with Barbara Willis meets on Thursdays at 10:30 am at Spectrum Rehab, 8TH Street
Colorado Parkinson Foundation, Inc. (www.co-parkinson.org
The Jeanne Taylor Parkinson's Support Group (part of CPF) meets the first Saturday of each month at 10 AM monthly (except January & July, other exceptions to be noted in The Whittler) at Otis Park Community Center 731 N. Iowa St (at Dale St). Meetings followed by potluck lunch. Other useful websites: PAR (Parkinson Assn. of the Rockies) www.parkinsonrockies.org
If you wish to be removed from mailing list
SEE PAGE 4 FOR CAREGIVER GETAWAY OPPORTUNITY
AWARENESS RUN
Sunday, April 6th, 9 Am - 12:30
America the Beautiful Park
Dan Harding 265-9035
The Fun Run / Walk is rapidly approaching. See the enclosed application form for a plethora of information about this event. All members and their families are encouraged to attend, even if they do not choose to Walk or Run. Many military folks have volunteered, so no additional volunteers are needed. There will be a special Kids' Run at 11 AM for a small donation. There will also be a "Bouncy Castle" for the kids.
PARKINSON'S AWARENESS DAY
Allen Killebrew 540-6360
JTPSG will be having informational tables at the Parkinson's Run on April 6th and at the 8th Street Wal Mart on Saturday, April 19th. We have volunteers for the Parkinson's Run table on the sixth, but still need a number of volunteers to man the tables at Walmart on April 19th in 2-hour shifts from 8 AM to 4 PM. You can call Allen at the number above, or sign up at the April 5th general meeting. Thanks in advance for your help.
ABOUT OUR MEMBERS . . .
We are happy to report that Janet Harris will be our new chaplain. If you are in the hospital or are homebound and would like her to visit, please call her at 593-8363.
THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN WHITTLER
APRIL 2008, PAGE THREE
Marie and Roy Duerksen would like to thank everyone who provided meals to them in the aftermath of her arm surgery. “Getting the meals
was a tremendous help. We really appreciate it, and that's the gospel truth!” Her recovery has been very slow and they could probably use a few more meals. If you wish to help, call Allen Killebrew at 540-6360 for details.
And if you find yourself in the same kind of situation as the Duerksens, please let us know so we can get the word out.
2008 SYMPOSIUM
(See Symposium Web Pages in Coming Events for a copy of the Flyer)
~ Education for Parkinsonians, their Family & Caregivers
What: The JTPSG 2008 Symposium
When: Saturday, May 3, 2008
Registration: 8:00 - 8:55 am
Main Events: 9:00 - 12:00
Where: Colorado Springs Senior Center (1214 N. Hancock Ave)--centrally located, lots of parking, “user-friendly” floor plan
Details: Agenda? Who's speaking?…Please see the enclosed Flyer for all the information
Your Job: REGISTER NOW PLEASE so we don't run out of food and can plan for you and your family members!
Please join us for a fantastic morning of education, information and friendship - it's only $5.00 per person for this great opportunity! CU there!
J
Mary Kellerhals, Symposium Chair, 574-9205
CHAIRMEN NEEDED FOR JULY 5TH AND AUGUST 2ND PICNICS
Donna Deis 578-9728
We need 2 co-chairmen for the July 5th picnic and 1 co-chairman for the August 2nd picnic. The picnic sites have been reserved but we need someone to tie up the details: Get the picnic flyer to Cindy Stempson (newsletter) and Frank Deis (webmaster), order and pick up main dish (in past we have had KFC and BBQ), and get volunteers for setup/cleanup, etc. from list of people signed up to attend picnic. For more information or to volunteer, contact Donna Deis (578-9728 or fddeis@comcast.net
GARAGE SALE MAY 10TH
START GETTING YOUR UNWANTED ITEMS TOGETHER!
Allen Killebrew 540-6360
Please start collecting unwanted items to donate to our garage sale on Saturday, May 10th. We can use household items, yard and garden, pet supplies, electronics and lots more . You can either donate your items to the JTPSG sale area or reserve your own space for $15 and keep the sales proceeds of your sold items. Starting in May you can take your “treasures” to Fishy Business, 2395B Academy Place (637-1159), who is letting us use their parking lot for the sale.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT GROUPS
Westside Resource and Support Group: Friday, April 18, 10 AM at the Broadmoor Community Church on Lake Ave.( on the left just after the Bank at the Broadmoor and several blocks before the Broadmoor itself.) Caregivers meet in one room and patients in another with Dr. Ira Rosenbaum. For more information call Pat or Bill Hudson at 520-1154.
East Side Caregivers: Friday April 18th, 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Mary Kellerhals' house, 4640 Poleplant Drive, 574-9205
Young Onset Group: Meets the third Saturday of each month at 10 AM at Winslow Court, 3920 East San Miguel (just east of Academy Blvd.). Next Meeting: Saturday, April 19th. The group is for all people who were diagnosed with PD at a young age, even those early-diagnosed people who are now older. Call David Currin (266-1862) with any questions.
THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN WHITTLER
APRIL 2008, PAGE FOUR
DANCE, DANCE, DANCE . . .
Marvin Berkman 227-9909
If you're looking for a way to have fun and get exercise at the same time, come to the dances at the Senior Center at 1214 N. Hancock Ave. Several live bands take turns playing Big Band, country, Spanish, western and old standard songs. Come on Sundays or Thursdays from 1:30 to 3:00 PM, or on 2nd or 4th Fridays 4:30 - 9:30 PM. No admission charge - come have some fun!
CAREGIVER GETAWAY OPPORTUNITY
Hosts: Dennis Bockhaut
and Laurie Fellabaum 495-3124
Laurie and I would like to make our cabin available to Parkinson's caregivers free of charge as a get-a-way from their noble challenge. A time to rest, relax, and rejuvenate. Two Gulch Ranch, our mountain getaway, is close to the quaint little town of Westcliffe between the Wet Mountain Valley and Sangria de Cristo Mountains, and is beautiful, quiet, restful and serene. This getaway is for caregivers only and (if desired) one non-Parkinson's guest . The visit would typically be from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon, but other days are possible.
**A more detailed account of this offering is available in the online version of the newsletter. OR Call Cindy Stempson (548-8631) for the more detailed version, and she will mail you a copy.
GOOD SUGGESTIONS
COMING YOUR WAY
Pat Hudson
Have you ever wondered what is talked about at the East and Westside Support groups? Everything and anything. We're pragmatic people always on the lookout for practical solutions for
THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN WHITTLER
APRIL 2008, PAGE FIVE
everyday Parkinsonian problems, the problems of aging and how to make life simpler and less frustrating. Here are some examples:
It's easy to forget to take pills or take them at the proper time. Ask at Wal-Mart for the pill keeper that comes with a buzzer for gentle reminding.
One of our more industrious members keeps a briefcase by the door with bills to pay, letters to write, reading material. When her husband has a doctor's appointment, and she's driving, she goes through her briefcase and gets a lot accomplished.
We all know that exercise is key to delaying the progression of Parkinson's. For good, used (and new) equipment check the selection of devices at Play It Again Sports. This business has two locations: 5338 Montebello Lane, 1033 N. Academy Blvd, 81019.
Parkinson's Cause Identified
Advance - Researchers at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine and Washington University in St. Louis, MO have discovered the key brain chemical that causes Parkinson's disease - a breakthrough finding that could pave the way for new, far more effective therapies to treat Parkinson's Disease. (Acta Neuropathologica, February 2008).
"This is very exciting," Dr. Burke said. "This is the first time that anyone has ever established that it is a naturally occurring byproduct of dopamine that causes alpha-synuclein to aggregate, or clump together. It's actually DOPAL that kicks this whole process off and results in Parkinson's disease." Taken from Northwest Parkinson's Foundation, Parkinson's News Update, 3/7/08
THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN WHITTLER
MARCH 2008 PAGE
UPCOMING EVENTS: See Inside for Details
April 1 Tulip Orders ready for pick up, Colo. Spgs. Wholesale Florist, 548 E. Costilla
April 5 Regular Meeting, 10 AM, Otis Park at Iowa & Dale Streets. Topic: Jin Sin Jyutsu
April 6 5K RUN/3K WALK, America the Beautiful Park, 9 - 12:30
April 18 Eastside Caregivers 2-4 PM at Mary Kellerhals 574-9205
April 18 Westside Support Group, 10:00 AM, Broadmoor Community Church, 315 Lake Avenue,
Pat Hudson 520-1154
April 19 Young Onset Group; Winslow Court, 3920 E. San Miguel, 10 AM
April 19 Our Annual Parkinson's Awareness Day at WalMart on South 8th Street 8 AM - 4 PM
May 3 ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM, , Senior Center on Hancock, 8-Noon (SEE FLYER INSIDE)
May 10 Garage Sale, 8 - 4, at Fishy Business, 2395B Academy Place
and Arcturus
POSTMASTER: RETURNS ONLY
Cindy Stempson, Editor
7965 Needlegrass Lane
Colorado Springs, CO 80919-2935 First Class Mail
please write REFUSED above or on the label
and return it to your carrier. Use the following
address for donations and all non-newsletter issues:
Colorado Parkinson Foundation, Inc.
1155 Kelly Johnson Blvd., Colo Spgs, CO 80920
