Conference
2013 World Parkinson Congress
in Montreal, Canada, October 1-4 First, let me state up front, that I had no idea what I was getting in for. I had never been to Canada, let alone a French speaking province. I had no idea if communication might be a barrier or how my ability to get around in such a large unfamiliar city would be. I’m an old dog and learning new tricks in French was going to be a challenge. Was I ever wrong! The committee organizing the Congress did a fantastic job. Most of the lodging they arranged was literally across the street from the convention center. If we left our room ten minutes before the first break-out session, you had time to get a cup of coffee and still be seated before the session started. The people throughout the city had a mastery of the English language, so my fears of a communication barrier were non-existent after the first half hour. The material covered in the breakout sessions ranged from practical, easily understandable information to the most detailed scientific studies you could imagine. All were clearly labeled in the program, so as a participant, you were never surprised or overwhelmed by the level of the information unless you chose to be. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the Congress for me was the sense of teamwork and hope that existed in every person I met. There were neurologists, movement disorder specialists, researchers, clinicians, heath care providers, therapists, students and of course, there were Parkinson’s patients and caregivers - nearly 3000 in all with over 900 diagnosed with PD. There was no big announcement about a cure having been found, but you could sense from every
Chapter Co-President John Krumbholz and Board Director LaDona Molander attend the World Parkinson Congress in Montreal Canada in October.
one you came in contact with that we are making progress in this battle. I can assure you that no one walked away feeling like people were not doing everything possible to put an end to this insidious disease. If I had to do it over again, the only thing I’d do differently would be to allow a little more time to enjoy the historic and beautiful city of Montreal. I guess I’ll just have to plan differently for the 4th World Parkinson Congress, September 20 -23, 2016 in Portland Oregon . I’ve never been there either, but I hear they speak English there! Hope to see you in Portland, John Krumbholz, Co-President of the Iowa Chapter of APDA
Kudos - East Sac Vball
The East Sac County High School Girls’ Volleyball Team from Lake View, Iowa hosts a “Grey Out” Night fundraiser every fall in honor of their volleyball coach, Dave Waggie, who is also science teacher at the High School and has Parkinson’s disease. This year the team raised over $3,000 for the Iowa Chapter of the APDA. Money was raised by selling T-Shirts and raffle items. Thank you to this wonderful group of young women at East Sac County High School!
Bonnie Hunter, Parkinson’s support group leader in Storm Lake, Iowa, presents Coach Dave Waggie and team with a recognition plaque for their fundraising efforts on behalf of the Iowa Chapter of the APDA.
Live it!
Winter 2013/2014
13