THE PARKINSON’S PERSPECTIVE Newsletter Volume 36, Issue 6
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016
Serving OR and S. WA
WORLD PARKINSON’S CONGRESS Whew! What a fall it has been! In addition to our three Sole Support for Parkinson’s walks (see page 3) PRO maintained our regular calendar of programs and participated along with more than 4,500 delegates from 67 countries in the World Parkinson’s Congress (WPC) in Portland, OR. We recognized early on what an amazing opportunity it was for our community to be the host city for the 2016 Congress. We also recognized that the event would create one-of-akind opportunities for education and engagement, and so we set to work. With a couple of years of planning, we were able to create a scholarship fund that provided resources for 150 individuals from all over our region to attend. Our scholarship participants were PwP and carepartners, volunteer support group leaders, and also doctors, OTs, nurses and speech therapists – each committed to applying and sharing learnings back in their home towns!
(Our booth at the WPC became a gathering point for NW delegates) NOV/DEC 2016
(Making new friends and sharing skills) Another way we worked to support the WPC was by leading an effort to “Make Portland Parkinson’s Ready”. What does it mean to make a city Parkinson’s Ready? Starting last January, we assembled a committee of dedicated advocates to help design a curriculum and then assist with live training. In addition to PwP and family caregivers, our team included Lisa Mann from OHSU and Dr. Richard Rosenbaum and Dr. Kieran Tuck of the Portland Parkinson’s Program. This amazing group of volunteers provided education and awareness for key hospitality and customer service personnel at 10 hotels, the Oregon Convention Center, and TriMet. Additionally, we disseminated a training video for the Portland Police and Airport personnel. Medical staff at two area hospitals received PD specific training in the weeks leading up to the WPC and event staff also received a briefing. We have had very positive
feedback and it feels wonderful to know that the information provided will continue to have a benefit in our community for some time to come. Anticipating the great education opportunities, PRO arranged for our volunteer support group facilitators to attend the WPC as local delegates. Following a long day of learning at the Congress’ first full day, Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon hosted 200 Support Group facilitators from five continents as we gathered for food, drinks and to connect with one another. Those who attended were reminded of the importance of their work by Providence Movement Disorder Specialist Dr. Elise Anderson, and had an open time of sharing resources, ideas and support in their unique and often challenging roles. Participants with particular areas of interest were encouraged to connect with others with the same interests at “focus tables,” while others relaxed and connected informally. PRO staff and board members enjoyed joining in the fun and camaraderie, and helped encourage connections between facilitators. During my time
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