The Parkinson's Perspective: 2022 Q3

The Parkinson’s Perspective

A Closer Look at Identity and Access to Care

PEGGY ROST (SHE/HERS) AND NIA JONES (SHE/HERS)

Here at PRO we are always thinking about ways to better serve our community. We love when innovation comes from members of the community and appreciate that PRO is open to change and new ways to help people living with Parkinson’s disease. An area of priority is exploring actions to increase diversity and inclusion within our services. We are committed to taking concrete steps to foster an environment where all members of the Parkinson’s community feel welcome, seen, and heard.

Of particular interest to us are the nuances and underlying systems that lead to disparities in our healthcare system. Individually and as a team we have been learning about inequities and the ways that different populations within the Parkinson’s community may experience support, care, and services differently.

In a timely publication this past fall,

the Oregon Department of Human Services released findings from their first survey of LGBTQ+ older adults. For those who don’t know, LGBTQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and more, including intersex and allies. The survey was designed to better understand the needs, the strengths, and the risks of the LGBTQ+ population ages 55 and older. This was a monumental survey as the aging and health issues of LGBTQ+ older adults have been largely ignored or underrepresented in services, policies, and research.

In highlighting some of the findings we hope to help raise awareness and understanding in our community. While this survey addresses those over 55, we understand that not all the people we serve are in that age range. Young onset people with Parkinson’s in the LGBTQ+ community face barriers to care as well.

About The Survey:

1,402 demographically diverse LGBTQ+ older adults participated in the survey; however, the data only reflects the lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) population as the sample size of transgender Oregonians was too small for analysis. Compared to their heterosexual peers, LGB older adults are more likely to be living at or below the Federal Poverty Level (42.5% vs. 36.6%), more likely to live alone (36.9% vs. 28.5%), and more likely to experience financial barriers to medical care (10.5% vs. 7.2%).1 Additionally, nearly 24% of LGBTQ+ older adults have experienced elder abuse in the last year.1

Of course, having Parkinson’s disease itself poses an incredible burden regardless of one’s gender, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation. Recognizing the ways that being LGBTQ+ can amplify obstacles in

Serving OR and S. WA

PeDal Support for Parkinson’s

LET’S RIDE TOGETHER!

PRO Invites you to get outdoors this summer and join us on July 30th with a special ride on the Banks-Vernonia trail. Ride for your own health. Ride for enjoyment. Ride and bring awareness to Parkin-

son’s disease. Whether you choose to start with lunch on us in Vernonia, or make Vernonia your turnaround point, there are options to fit most.

Participants will choose their own distance based upon individual experience and fitness level. Start in Banks, Beavercreek, or somewhere along the way. While we will provide all registered participants with a cell phone number to contact in the event of an

emergency - please note that you are expected to provide your own support and resources for the ride. Much of the paved trail is away from the road and thus may not have easy access for support or assistance.

Want to ride with others? Please just let us know! We will do our best to connect you with a fun companion or two for the day.

Registration and additional information: www.pedalsupport.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair: Kelly Sweeney

Vice Chair: Kristin Whitney

2nd Vice Chair: Justin N. Smith

Secretary: Todd Bauman

Treasurer: Gregg Giboney

Directors at Large:

Laurie Ayers Pino

Melody Boyce

Greg Chaille

Chris Cline

David DeFiebre

Barney Hyde

Jerry Hulsman

02/16/14 by April Curfman and Phil Beckett copyright all rights reserved

George Lee

Joseph Quinn, MD

Richard Rosenbaum, MD Ann Usher

A Closer Look at Identity and Access to Care

(Continued from Page 1)

accessing equitable care is essential to better understand how we might better serve our community. PRO is here to work with and alongside you. Our services are free to all to make resources accessible to everyone, no matter their ability to pay. As we aim to expand the referrals we provide to better cater to the needs of individuals, we look to other respected organizations that have been doing this work for decades.

In the LGTBQ+ community, two resources, SAGE, a national resource center on LGBTQ+ aging, and the Goldsen Institute, a research center at the University of Washington, are committed to addressing the inequities in healthcare and aging through research, advocacy, and culturally competent resources.

This summer we are embracing opportunities to raise awareness about obstacles specific to the LGBTQ+ community, as well as how to make our services more inclusive. Two PRO staff members attended Oregon Project Visibility: Person-Centered Inclusion and Care for Oregon’s LGBTQ+ Older Adults. The

efit from these tools for creating inclusive environments.

If there is a take-away message from the report and subsequent training, it’s the importance of ensuring that no one is left behind or excluded. To that end, we invite you to share your experiences and to join us in a

interactive training for service providers helped us understand how the “hidden” stories of LGBTQ+ older adults shape needs and access to care and support. PRO staff incorporated the learned insights into the Support Group Facilitator training so facilitators can also ben-

spirit of inclusion and equity.

Fredriksen Goldsen, K., Kim, H.J., Jung, H. H., Davis, A. & Emlet, C.A. (2021). Oregon LGBTQ+ Older Adult Survey Report. Seattle, WA: Goldsen Institute

Support for Spanish Speakers

PEER GROUP MEETINGS

Like Parkinson’s Resources (PRO), the Northwest Parkinson Foundation (NWPF) is a local focused independent PD support organization – only they concentrate on greater Washington, Idaho, Montana and Alaska! (www.nwpf.org).

We are pleased to share information about their PD support group for Spanish language speakers! Facili-

tated by Nicol, the group meets monthly online.

Please help share the word if you know someone who could benefit from peer support and would be most comfortable with a Spanish language experience.

“RECOGNIZING BARRIERS TO EQUITABLE CARE IS ESSENTIAL TO UNDERSTANDING HOW WE MIGHT BETTER SERVE OUR COMMUNITY.”

Energizing Life with Color

CONTRIBUTED BY JUDITH LYNNE

The art of sewing was basic training for young girls growing up in the Midwest of the 1950s. In my mother’s eyes, sewing and typing were important survival skills. Passing on the family traditions, she ensured I was outfitted with a reliable sewing machine and the skills to use it. My love of sewing, embroidery and quilting accompanied me along with my Sears Kenmore as I ventured into the greater world in the early ‘70s.

In the early 2000s, I lived in Hawaii, where I taught voice, led sound healing workshops, recorded, swam with dolphins and sang with whales. While swimming and diving, I noticed that I couldn’t coordinate the left side of my body with the right. Extreme fatigue set in, unexplainable aches and pains made walking difficult and general stiffness took over. I was finally diagnosed with PD in October of 2009, bringing radical change to my life. I relocated to Portland and became very active in various support groups locally and internationally. I was doing all I could to find a miracle cure. After several years of attending and presenting at numerous events, I burned out. It was “all Parkinson’s, all the time” and I just couldn’t do it anymore. My diminishing energy demanded that I explore how to live a productive, all-inclusive life with Parkinson’s.

My daughter’s pregnancy kindled my urge to make a quilt for the new baby. Unsure of how my sewing abilities were affected by PD, I consulted with an accomplished quilter friend, who helped me with a simple pattern and some basic instruc-

tion and with a little help, I finished the quilt in time for his first birthday.

Along the way I discovered that hand stitching was almost impossible for me, my cutting skills were unreliable, and my stamina for sitting at the machine was variable. Fortunately, there’s been a revolution in the world of quilting - PRECUTS! Fabric design lines are bundled and cut into a variety of sizes. I can start with a pre-cut package and develop my piece from there. Sometimes I stick with a pattern and sometimes I explore a free-form method.

Accuracy in the ability to sew a 1/4” seam is essential in making a technically perfect quilt. The lay of the quilt design is affected by the ability to sew straight and to iron in a way that doesn’t stretch the fabric. Places in the design where corners meet need to be carefully nested so that the resulting quilt piece doesn’t bulge. A sewer needs a certain amount of dexterity to accomplish this. Thanks to PD, I do not have that dexterity.

As PD slowly makes its way with me, my awareness turns to the impermanence of all things in the physical world. It helps to let go of the need for perfection in its many forms - the perfect body, the perfect fashion statement, the perfect vocal performance, the perfect presentation, the perfect relationship. Everything is in the process of falling apart. If there is any hope for happiness, then I must look deeper to discover a place of peace-filled connection.

Making quilts has provided an ex

I let go of the need for perfection, I focus on the colors and the feeling of the quilt being created. Sometimes the quilt “talks” to me, informing me of who will receive the quilt. If the quilt is intended for a specific person, I might receive messages about the person. As the quilt comes together in both its perfections and its imperfections, I continue to focus on harmonizing the feelings that are being stirred up. At completion, I can see the imperfections and feel embarrassed by the mistakes. I do what I can to humbly offer the quilt even with its imperfections. Amazingly, the one who receives the finished quilt does not seem to see the “faults”, expressing their enthusiastic appreciation for the beauty of the piece.

The process of piecing together a quilt helps me to understand the essential nature of creation and to gracefully absorb and accept the Parkinsonian process of falling apart and piecing life back together in its adjusted form until it re-enters another creative cycle.

Designs for Independence

LOOKING FOR INNOVATIVE FASHION IDEAS - CONTEST LAUNCHED!

Important Dates:

August 1, 2022 - Design, sketch, and submission forms deadline

August 2, 2022 - Raffle Drawing from completed submissions

Dressing can be a challenge for many suffering from Parkinson’s disease. People living with MS, ALS and Alzheimer’s disease face similar hurdles – the ability to make simple movements, hand dexterity, range of motion and fatigue all contribute to a gradual decline in function. This community strives to maintain independence but things as simple as buttons and tying shoelaces can quickly become insurmountable sources of frustration.

While there are some products on the market to support independent dressing, we want more options addressed with mainstream design and product lines! The Parkinson’s community ranges in age from late 20s to the elderly. Men and women. Active, and over time, more significantly disabled.

This Spring PRO began the planning for Patterned for Parkinson’s to bring attention to the need for inclusive fashion. The initiative will culminate with a luncheon and adaptive fashion showcase this fall on November 3rd at the World Forestry Center in Portland. Along the way, we are gathering stories from clients, researching brands and some fun solutions, and compiling resources to share.

Calling Designers and Innovators! Whether you have experience as a designer or seamstress, or simply have a vision for a garment or accessory that would enhance your independence, we invite you to participate in our Patterned for Parkinson’s design contest.

We know once you get started, the creativity will flow - so if you have multiple concepts - that is ok! We are accepting more than one submission as long as all the basic elements have been addressed.

You will need to articulate how your vision addresses a challenge you (or others) face, and have sketches to illustrate your vision. All complete entries will qualify for a raffle drawing and up to 5 designs will receive a cash award and opportunity to showcase at the luncheon.

August 15, 2022 - Finalists announced

November 3, 2022 - Completed finalist designs will be showcased at Patterned for Parkinson’s luncheon.

Want to learn more?

https://tinyurl.com/patterned4PD

Calendar of Events

REGISTRATION AT WWW.PRO.EVENTBRITE.COM

Some details are still being finalized as we go to print. Please check our website (parkinsonsresources.org) or the event registration site (pro. eventbrite.com) for the latest information! It is critical that you register, even for free programs so that we may email you the custom link to join the virtual programs. If you aren’t sure if a program is in-person or virtual, please ask!

Want to stay current with updates and new program additions that occur between the quarterly print publication? Sign up for our emails! We send two emails a month with a focus on activity and services that are targeted for your interests and local geography. Call PRO if you aren’t receiving email from us, 800426-6806.

WELLNESS

Communication Skills - VIRTUAL New session starts July 22ndFridays, 11 am - Join at any time. PD can take a toll on voice strength and clarity – research shows that people with Parkinson’s speak about 60% less than similarly aged people without Parkinson’s! Join us to see if practice might help you avoid this situation.

This virtual series is led by Julia Robinsons, Speech-Language Pathologist from Legacy Health. Julia leads the group through voice exercises, memory activities and discussions. Just as you exercise your body to maintain movement, participating in voice exercise will help to maintain your voice clarity, volume and breathing! This class is great whether you have participated in speech therapy or not, practicing within a group setting allows for some fun

social connection as well! Offered in partnership with Legacy Health. Donations encouraged.

Movement Classes w/LauraLouVIRTUAL

New sessions start first week of July Now offered three times a week, our chair-based program instructed by LauraLou is on Monday, Wednesday or Friday. Registration for each day is separate. These virtual classes are ideal for those who are unsteady on your feet or who feel safer seated - but still provide a full range of movement as well as communication support. Sliding scale registration with scholarships available.

Movement Class in McMinnvilleIN-PERSON

PRO Movement classes have begun again in-person in McMinnville. We are working with Bill Wilson on the weekly program. Register online at www.pro.eventbrite.com

Summer Hikes

Beaverton/Portland Hikes with Sukhee So Chinn, Physical Therapist and longtime volunteer. PRO hikes give you a chance to interact with your peers and be active! Hikes are self-paced.

• July 20th 10AM– Garden Home Fanno Creek

• August 10th 10AM– Tryon Creek

Eugene area hikes - Contact Libby at 541.345.2988 for the schedule and meet up locations for the Lane County PD hiking group.

Breathing Yoga - VIRTUAL Mondays, 5:30 pm

Pranayama yoga is the practice of breath control and synchronizing breath with movement. It provides a method to help manage PD symptoms such as anxiety and tremor.

Sign up for the link to join us for the weekly sessions. Sliding scale options available.

Mindful Meditation - VIRTUAL Thursdays at 12:15 pm This class is about befriending the mind so that we can, to the best of our ability, work with the stressors in our life. Using the breath as our guide allows us to discover our innate capacities of compassion and wisdom to work with our lives.

Instructor Martha McJacobs has been a mindful practitioner and teacher for over 40 years. Her passion is to help people experience life in the present moment with courage and kindness.

Carepartners are welcome to attend. Thank you to Washington County for sponsoring.

EDUCATION

August 15 th and August 22nd Advanced Care Partner Workshop – Online

This two-part educational workshop is designed to prepare family members and caregivers to approach the advanced stages of the disease with more confidence. While recognizing every family situation is unique, the program will educate caregivers about common issues and decisions to be made that can have a significant impact on quality of life.

We hear time and again from families how the care needs of their loved one seem to have crept up, seemingly unannounced. Even with a complete understanding that Parkinson's disease is progressive, it is hard to be prepared as change typ-

MORE INFO! (800) 426-6806 - WWW.PARKINSONSRESOURCES.ORG

ically advances slowly. This great unknown has the effect of adding to stress on families who may soon be called upon to provide or arrange for a greater level of care. While all family caregivers are welcome, the content and curriculum of this two-part program is designed for those whose loved one with Parkinson’s has begun experiencing noticeable challenges such as requiring assistance with two or more activities of daily living.

Living Well with PD - VIRTUAL September Thursday 8 th-15 th 2PM

Please join Parkinson's Resources of Oregon for an afternoon 2 two-part series workshop focused on practical lifestyle strategies to live your best life. Between visits to the doctor, your daily choices can help you manage symptoms. We will discuss the evidence behind recommendations about exercise, nutrition, provide strategies to manage healthcare information (including creating

a healthcare notebook), building your care team, and discuss available resources. This educational program is for those living with PD, their families, and care givers.

Long Term Care Training for Professionals - VIRTUAL 12-1pm on Thursdays in July July 7 - August 4 (5 weeks)

We’ve created a training syllabus for professional caregivers. If you work to provide support and care for someone with Parkinson’s (inhome or residential care), please join us for our Winter Series lunchtime program. Increase your awareness and skill managing the unique care needs of people living with Parkinson’s. The curriculum is specifically designed to be easily understood and applied in everyday situations.

Registration fee of $25/person includes course materials. Contact Libby@parkinsonsresources.org for on-site or group training rates.

SOCIAL

Table Tennis at PRO

There is strong evidence to support Ping Pong for Parkinson’s as therapeutic with benefits as a form of exercise and helpful with eye-hand coordination. Join us Wednesday afternoons for a session with our coach and a little friendly competition at the PRO Beaverton office.

NEW in June! Table Tennis for PD at the West Linn Senior Center! Nia Jones (nia@parkinsonsresources. org) has all the details to share and help you get connected.

Table tennis opportunities exist for interested players in Bend and Eugene as well.

On the Road Again!

As many of you might know, PRO started over 40 years ago with a group of people gathering to share stories and compare their experiences of living with Parkinson’s disease. It only seems appropriate that as staff and volunteers are once again out in communities that we start right back where it all began!

It was clear from the success of the three Reconnect events this spring,

that connection is key! This summer and through the fall, we are going back to our roots and bolstering the heart of our organization with visits to our PD and carepartner support groups in Oregon and SW Washington! The Program Team is taking the to the highway and connecting with people at the in person groups throughout the community.

Whether you are part of a support group or not, we encourage you to join us, visit with peers and a member of PRO staff in your local community. Find an event near you by joining our email list, connecting with your local support group in town, or calling us directly! We can’t wait to see you.

“AS SOMEONE WHO HAS LIVED WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE IN MY HOUSEHOLD FOR MORE THAN A DECADE, I CANNOT BEGIN TO TELL YOU HOW MUCH MY LIFE HAS BEEN IMPROVED BY PARKINSON’S RESOURCES. YOU REALLY ARE MY LIFELINE!”

Sole Support is for YOU!

IT’S ALSO FOR YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY, WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE.

“I was fortunate to plug in with PRO shortly after receiving my diagnosis. The benefits that PRO offers have far exceeded any expectations I had. I have been able to connect with other people with a PD diagnosis, been given amazing resources, and learn of amazing research & phenomenal physicians. Connect ing with PRO gives me hope and helps me feel that I am not alone.”

I decided to take one of our collectable items and auction it with all the proceeds going to supporting PRO and local support services. In less than 72 hours, we raised over $1,000! People always surprise me with their generosity.”

Now that the weather has warmed up, we are all itching to get outside and enjoy the nice weather. It may seem that fall is far away, but it will be here before any of us know it! As we begin gearing up for walk season, we would like to share a few stories from individuals in our community that provide inspiration and drive our focus. Please read on to learn how Sole Support has become a meaningful part of their life and something they look forward to every year.

Larry Bradley, Eugene, OR Larry learned he was living with Parkinson’s Disease a few years ago. Shortly after receiving his diagnosis, he was connected with PRO. He heard about the Eugene Sole Support event at Alton Baker park only 2 weeks before the walk took place in 2021. In that brief time, Larry was able to raise over $5,000!

Kimberly Casey, Eugene, OR Kimberly tells us she has always been involved with raising awareness and fundraising for organizations that she is passionate about. When a beloved coworker shared with Kimberly that her husband had been diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s, she wanted to do what she could to help raise awareness and fundraise for PRO. Upon beginning her efforts, she was shocked to learn how many people in her network were touched by Parkinson’s Disease. Since 2018, Kimberly has been a constant supporter of PRO, and loves finding unique ways to fundraise.

“I love finding creative ways to fundraise and help others get involved. This year, my husband and

Krista’s father-in-law was diagnosed with Parkinson’s a little over a decade ago. The disease is something that is ever evolving not only for the PD patient but the family as well. Her family attended their first PRO event in 2021 and walked and fundraised together at Sole Support in Bend. The event was a nice reminder that they are not the only ones on this adventure, and there is a large support system out there.

“Sole Support is an important event to the PD community. It brings awareness to a misunderstood disease while making people with Parkinson’s comfortable. PRO not only provides multiple resources for the PD patient but the caregivers as well. My hope for Sole Support is that more PD patients, especially ones experiencing depression and anxiety, can step out meet some new people and realize they have a community wanting to support

them. We hope to see you in October!”

Sole Support is an amazing way to engage friends, family, neighbors and colleagues as your allies in PD awareness. Start a team today and invite your network of support to join you for our 2022 walk season. Registration is free of charge.

Of course, this event is a fundraiser, and we encourage all participants to partner with us as we work towards our goal of $350,000 for PD programs and support. We have lots of ideas to assist you in reaching your fundraising goals, from BottleDrop Drives to Car Washes, every bit helps.

Fundraising is easy when you care about the cause. Here are 8 quick steps just to get you started. We are here to help and support all our walk family with ideas, materials and encouragement. So, go ahead. Set an audacious goal! Let’s work together to fund LOCAL.

8 QUICK STEPS

Register for the walk most convenient for you. Start a Team or sign up as an individual. www.sole support.org

Set a fundraising goal & customize your personal walker page.

If you use Facebook, create a FB Fundraiser right from your walk site.

Make the first donation yourself! People are more likely to give when they know you have also contributed.

Send an email to your connections near and far with a link to the walk. Ask them to join you! The more friends and family the better the experience and the quicker you will reach your fundraising goals!

Contact Rachel (rachel@parkinsonsresources.org) if you want custom postcards or flyers to share.

Repeat Step 5! It is a fact that we are all busy. Providing reminders and updates will help keep your request top of mind.

Celebrate! Share your progress and appreciation with your network. People like to be recognized for their generosity and you’ll deserve a little high-five as well!

Area Group Meetings

Our peer-led groups are meeting in person, online, and hybrid. If a group is hybrid, you can join via Zoom or in person. We also have PRO staff hosted meetings for all clients and carepartners needing support or engagement.

NOTE: Please note, PRO requires groups to follow current COVID-19 guidelines and the guidelines of the meeting place. Guidelines will vary by county depending on risk level. Please choose a Zoom or staff facilitated meeting if you are unable to comply. Thank you for understanding!

GENERAL INTEREST PD GROUPS

Albany - In Person 2nd Wed, 4:00 pm Lynn, 541.936.6154

Ashland - Zoom 3rd Wed, 3:00 pm Laurie, 650.575.8434 Gail, 479.420.8939

Astoria - In Person 2nd Mon, 1:00 pm Patty, 503.325.0074

Beaverton - Zoom 1st Thur, 9:00 am Charlene, 503.421.5058

Bend - In Person 3rd Wed, 2:00 pm Maureen, 513.678.6422

Corvallis - Hybrid 2nd Tue, 11:00 am Betty, 541.760.1737

Eugene/SpringfieldHybrid 2nd Tue, 10:30 am Dave, 541.686.8615

Florence - In Person 4th Thurs, 1:00 pm JoAnne, 541.633.3330

Gresham - In Person 2nd Tue, 2:00 pm Kevin, 503.278.0516

Klamath Falls - In Person 3rd Tue, 1:00 pm Ron, 541.591.0686 Kate, 541.882.3928

CARE PARTNER GROUPS

All Area Care Partner - Zoom 4th Wed, 1:00 pm PRO, 800.426.6806

Ashland - Zoom Care Partner Group

1st & 3rd Fri, 9:30 am Ann, 415.279.8754

Astoria - In Person Care Partner Group

4th Tue, 1:00 pm Patty, 503.325.0074

Bend - Zoom Care Partner Group 2nd Wed, 1:30 pm Nia, 971.727.3532

Dementia and PDZoom Care Partner Group 1st Thurs, 1:00 pm PRO, 800.426.6806

Early Stage Women’s - Zoom Care Partner Group

1st Tues, 11:00 am Martha, 503.830.7246

Lebanon - In Person 3rd Thurs, 3:00 pm Angela, 503.930.3123

Medford - In Person 3rd Sat, 11:00am Jim, 541.774.9812

Newberg - In Person 3rd Thurs, 10:00 am Marshall, 971.344.4384

Providence Portland - Zoom 2nd Tue, 10:00 am Theresa, 503.216.4903

Redmond - In Person 2nd Mon, 1:00 pm Ginny, 541.548.6310

Roseburg - In Person 2nd Mon, 1:30 pm Sandy, 541.430.1286

Salem - In Person 2nd Tue, 1:30 pm Jayne, 503.930.4239

The DallesIn Person 1st Thurs, 10:15 am Nia, 971.727.3532

Tillamook - Zoom 2nd Thurs, 2:00 pm Michael & Joanne, 503.655.0604

Vancouver, WAIn Person

3rd Fri, 1:30 pm Diana & Cal, 360.892.1985

Vancouver, WAIn Person Mondays, 1:00 pm Jan, 360.433.6400

All Area General Tele 4th Mon, 1:00 pm PRO, 800.426.6806

All Area GeneralZoom 1st Wed, 1:00 pm PRO, 800.426.6806

Eugene/SpringfieldZoom Care Partner Group 4th Tue, 1:30 pm Carla, 541-515-6604

Lewy Body Dementia - Zoom Care Partner Group 2nd Sat, 1:00 pm Kathy, 971.222.7526

MSA/PSP - Zoom Care Partner Group 3rd Fri, 10:30 am PRO, 800.426.6806

New! Portland - Zoom Care Partner Group 1st Tue, 7:00 pm PRO, 800.426.6806

Tigard WomenZoom Care Partner Group 1st Wed, 3:00 pm Mary, 503.579.2792

Vancouver, WAIn Person Care Partner Group 1st Mon, 1:00 pm Jan, 360.433.6400

Vancouver, WAZoom Care Partner Group 2nd Fri, 1:30 pm Diana, 360.892.1985

MORE INFO! (800) 426-6806 - WWW.PARKINSONSRESOURCES.ORG

Area Group Meetings

Continued from Page 10

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

Alternative Approaches - Zoom

2nd Tue, 7:00 pm (alternate months) Tasha, 503.788.2333

Caring for a ParentZoom Care Partner Group 3rd Thurs, 5:00 pm PRO, 800.426.6806

Eugene/Springfield

YOPD <50- Zoom

3rd Tue, 6:30 pm Libby, 541.345.2988

MSA/PSP - Zoom 4th Sat, 10:00 am Akiko, 503.853.9584

Newly Diagnosed < 3 yrs - Zoom

2nd Wed, 1:30 pm PRO, 800.426.6806

PD without a Partner - Zoom 4th Thurs, 1:00 pm PRO, 800.426.6806

Portland YOPD Happy Hour - Zoom 3rd Fri, 4:30pm Jeff, 503.784.7069

Veteran’s PD GroupZoom 2nd Fri, 10:00 am Kristi, 503.220.8262 x58594

Women w/ PDZoom

1st Mon, 5:00 pm Nicol, 253.226.4069

PD & Healthcare Professionals Do you or a loved one work in the healthcare field and have a dx of Parkinson’s? Working in the healthcare field while navigating PD can be uniquely difficult. PRO is establishing a new support group specifically to address these challenges. Interested? Contact Nia Jones, Program Coordinator at nia@parkinsonsresources.org.

PRO IS GRATEFUL FOR THE ONGOING SUPPORT OF THE COMPANIES THAT HAVE COMMITTED TO YEAR-ROUND SUPPORT AND SPONSORSHIP OF OUR WORK. BE SURE TO STOP BY TO VISIT AT THE ABBVIE TABLE AT SOLE SUPPORT THIS FALL!

You Can Give Now (and Later) Why Many Supporters Establish Donor Advised Funds

Many PRO supporters have found that establishing and then making gifts from a Donor Advised Fund is an ideal way to maximize their charitable impact.

What is a Donor Advised Fund (DAF)?

Donors put money into a designated investment fund with a sponsoring institution (such as Vanguard, Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, etc.) and then recommend grants be distributed to a charity at a later point.

Donors get an immediate tax benefit when they invest in their DAF,

even if the money doesn’t immediately get distributed to the charity of choice.

A shift in tax policy in 2018 increased the standard minimum deduction, which created a situation where it is more beneficial for some donors to give a large sum of money at once to their DAF, then spread out their grants to favorite nonprofits over several years.

Donor Benefits of DAF

Receive an immediate tax benefit and support the charities you love now or over time.

Grow your donation, tax-free. Create an enduring legacy. Incorporate your DAF into your estate planning.

Learn More

Would you like information on how other donors are using their DAFs to make a big impact? Contact Holly at holly@parkinsonsresources. org or call our main office at 800426-6806 if you would like to know more or discuss the impact your philanthropy can have on local programs and services.