The Parkinson’s Perspective
Coping with Parkinson's
CONTRIBUTED BY NELSON HAYASHIDA
There is a “Japanese way” of drinking tea. It is called wabi-cha. The elements or qualities of drinking tea are important, such as the silence, the richness of the tea, the simple pot, the measured cadence in pouring the tea, the delicate cup, even the seating arrangement on the floor. All are highly symbolic. Wabi-cha is about simplicity and beauty, patience and gratitude. In a world of luxury and waste, harshness and complications, wabi-cha offers much-valued reminders –the reminder to slow down, to take a deep breath, to be mindful of the elements and qualities of life, and in doing so, to be filled with gratitude. In fact, simplicity and beauty can be a way of life.
It was a couple of years ago when I began noticing signs of change in my body. I naturally attributed it to old age, but how can that be when I’m only 76? I began getting sore when sitting long in a chair. Did I get sore like this before? Then my knees would ache when ascending stairs. My balance was compromised with occasional falls or near falls. Were these signs of old age or something more? I finally saw a neurologist. She confirmed I had
Parkinson’s. I even had the DaT scan. This was early 2024.
Sandra and I decided to move from Austin, Texas to Portland in May. While we are still adjusting to life in Portland, being near our daughter and family is the reason we are here. As a nurse at OHSU Hospital, our daughter provides the medical counsel and the loving support we need.
We have discovered another family, too. That is the PRO family! We are slowly getting acquainted with the Program Director and the classes offered by PRO. Through these, we are making friends with kind (as in kindred) people who are wiser in navigating the symptoms and challenges of this strange disease. These courageous friends help me along. I have found genuine kindness, patience, and beauty in their friendship. I also know my own courage is important.
Wabi-cha reminds me that life has a lane for me. That lane is the lane with cadence. Measured cadence! Fast, hasty lanes are not good for my psychological, emotional and physical balance. Taking deep
breaths each day, by way of wabi-cha or not, and being reminded to see the inner and outer beauty in people and in the environment boosts my well being! I realize even more now than before, my brain needs oxygen, it needs to breathe, and in doing so, my whole body benefits. That means exercise. I know I am having a good day when my anxieties are tempered with silence and gratitude.
Wabi-cha!
Good medicine for Parkinson’s.
Nelson Hayashida
Life Beyond the Pills: Innovations in Treatment and Self-Care
PRO presents an inspiring, interactive and informative afternoon in Portland. Discover how both the art of improv and the latest “non-pill” therapy options can help improve life!
Speech Language Pathologist Ruth Jenkins and Patrick Short will lead a fun and energetic discussion about how improvisational strategies can be used to keep working on the connections between cognition, voicing, and movement.
We will then be joined by a panel of treatment experts from OHSU faculty. In this panel discussion, non-pill treatment including DBS, alternative delivery options - injections, pump, infusion, and patches - for those taking carbidopa/ levodopa, and High-intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) will be explained
Register at pro.eventbrite.com
Spring Fundraiser FORE PRO!
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of golf at Top Golf, where your favorite activity meets a great cause! Support PRO and enjoy a fantastic day of golf, food, and friendly competition.
Reserve your spot today to Swing FORE Parkinson’s Resources!
This exciting event offers range-style golf, fully protected from the weather, and a tasty buffet lunch with non-alcoholic beverages. Plus, we’ll have a special “Closest to the Pin” challenge with awesome prizes!
Teams or individuals are all welcome to join—whether you’re swinging a club or just cheering from the sidelines. Spectator tickets are available and include lunch!
• Individual Player: $100 (Golf + Lunch)
• Friends/Family Team: $1,000 (Reserve your exclusive bay)
• Spectator Ticket: $65.00 Includes lunch, for those just wanting to watch the fun!
Corporate sponsorships are available— contact jeannine@parkinsonsresources. org for more info.
Location: Top Golf – 5505 NE Huffman St, Hillsboro
Reserve your spot today, call PRO at 800.426.6806
We can’t wait to see you there—let’s swing FORE a good cause!
Parkinson’s Awareness Month: PRO's Commitment to Raising Awareness
This Parkinson’s Awareness Month, PRO is dedicated to supporting the Parkinson’s community by raising awareness. Together, we can make a difference and work toward a future with better treatments, understanding, and hope.
Spark
the Night on World Parkinson’s Day April 11th
This April 11th, in honor of World Parkinson’s Day, PRO joined forces with PD Avengers and hundreds of other organizations worldwide to illuminate the Morrison Bridge in Portland. This symbolic gesture is part of a global movement aimed at raising awareness for the Parkinson’s community. Together, we will shine a light on the challenges faced by individuals living with Parkinson’s and their families, demonstrating our solidarity and support for those impacted by the disease.
Advocacy
for Parkinson’s Disease Registry
PRO is committed to advocating for change in the Parkinson’s community. PRO is proud to advocate in partnership with Michael J. Fox Foundation and the patients, like Kevin Mansfield, who are tirelessly working toward supporting the PD community. We continue to support the Parkinson’s Disease Registry in Oregon, which plays a vital role in advancing research and better understanding the number of people affected. Share your story and use your voice in support of Oregon joining the 14 other states who already have a Parkinson’s registry.
Email melissa@parkinsonsresources.org if you want to share your story.
Dedicated
to Shining a Light on the Daily
Challenges that Caregivers Face
Did you know that #ParkinsonsDisease can affect more than just movement?
More to Parkinson’s is a new disease awareness campaign sponsored by Acadia with spokesperson and advocate Ryan Reynolds. More to Parkinson’s sheds light on the often-overlooked, non-motor symptoms, hallucinations and delusions, which are associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD). As a care partner, your role in recognizing and advocating for your loved one is crucial. To learn more, visit MoretoParkinsons.com for videos and educational materials.
Professionals Making a Difference: Dance for PD Training
At PRO, we recognize the importance of creative and therapeutic interventions in improving the lives of individuals living with Parkinson's disease. Dance for PD® has been transformative in helping people with Parkinson’s engage in movement and community.Dance for PD® April 10 & 11th at Lakewood Center for the Arts with facilitators David Leventhal and Shawn Roberts.
We invite you to join us in these efforts—whether it's by participating in local events, learning more about Parkinson’s disease, or supporting advocacy initiatives.
Call us today, 800.426.6806 Together, we can make a lasting impact.
Calendar of Events
REGISTRATION AT WWW.PRO.EVENTBRITE.COM OR
Some of the details on these (and other programs) 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, so that we may plan materials and send links in time for virtual programs.
Want to stay current with updates and new program additions that occur between the quarterly print publication? Sign up for our emails! Call PRO if you aren’t receiving email from us at 800426-6806.
WELLNESS
Communication Skills Group Fridays at 11 AM New session starts April 4 - Start any time.
-------- VIRTUAL
Parkinson’s 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 Robinson, Speech-Language Pathologist from Legacy Health. 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!
Thank you to Legacy Health for your support and partnership with this program.
Sing-Along 4th Thursday of the month at 2 PM -------- HYBRID --------
All are welcome. We’ll have a Zoom link to share for those who are not able to join us in person at the PRO offices in Beaverton. Participants who join the fun virtually will also receive a song list and lyrics in advance of the group.
You will sing along with our gifted and beloved volunteers, Michelle Garratt, Jill Williams and Kera Magarill!
Movement Classes w/ Anne Cooper
*NEW DAYS AND TIMES* Tuesdays at 11:30 AM and Fridays at 1 PM
New sessions April 1 - June 27 -------- VIRTUAL
This exercise program is designed to increase flexibility, strength, balance, and coordination, improve communication, voice power and speech clarity. Drawing from yoga, tai chi, and dancing this seated exercise program focuses on doing movements with ease, moving intentionally and slow completion of movements one at a time. It is great for those concerned with balance, needing the support of a chair, or simply hoping to add to an existing exercise program.
McMinnville Movement Series - In person
Thursdays 11 AM | McMinnville Senior Center
New sessions April 3 - June 26 -------- IN PERSON
The focus is on mobility and safety, with movements that improve strength, balance, endurance, and flexibility. Classes are designed to accommodate varying degrees of ability and limitations. Movements include gentle stretching, both seated and standing exercises, and hand-eye coordination. The class is a light-hearted, friendly environment of camaraderie where all are welcome with open arms! We share moments in life that bring a smile and a laugh! Instructed by longtime local fitness trainer Bill Wilson, BA, CPT-CSCS (ret.) who brings many years of expertise working
with neurological challenges.
Breathing Yoga - Ongoing Mondays 5:15 - 5:45 PM (daylight savings)
New sessions April 7 - June 30 -------- VIRTUAL
Practice breath control and synchronizing breath with movement. Just 30 minutes helps energize the body and mind and reduce stress. This practice may benefit those with tremors, improve memory and cognitive functions, help with sleeping disorders, provide mental-emotional stability, build confidence, and improve quality of life.
Mindful Meditation Class
Wednesdays at 12:15 - 1 PM
New sessions March 12 - April 16 -------- VIRTUAL
If you are feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed, we offer Mindfulness FREE. Mindfulness activates brain circuits that help with feeling happy and regulate emotions. 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.
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Life Beyond the Pills – Innovations in Treatment and Self-Care
April 16 (Wednesday) 12:30 PM - 4 PM
Mittleman Jewish Community Center, Portland
$10 Registration fee
Scholarships available upon request. Pre-registration required.
-------- IN PERSON
Parkinson’s Disease: More Than Motor Symptoms
Presented by PRO Annual Sponsor
Acadia
April 23 (Wednesday) 11 AM -------- VIRTUAL
Did you know that about 50% of people with Parkinson’s experience hallucinations and/or delusions during the course of their journey with PD? Sherrie Gould, MSN, NP-C, who is a nurse practitioner with the Division of Neurology, Movement Disorders at Scripps Clinic Medical Group in La Jolla, CA, will introduce these non-motor symptoms and explore how to discuss symptoms with your healthcare team and establish a treatment plan.
Lift Workshop - Vancouver
May 8 (Thursday) 2 - 3:30 PM Boomerang Therapy Works, Vancouver, WA -------- IN PERSON
During this hour-and-a-half program, Emily Kaemmerlen, PT, DPT and owner of Boomerang Therapy Works will lead you through the proper and safe techniques to transfer your loved one who has mobility issues due to Parkinson’s disease. This is an interactive workshop for family caregivers only, space is limited.
An Invitation to Learn More About VYALEV
Presented by PRO Annual Sponsor Abbvie
May 15 (Thursday) 1:30 PM -------- VIRTUAL --------
Michael Vitti, Abbvie Neuroscience Account Executive for Oregon, Alaska and Utah will lead this discussion about a new medication option. Michael will explain how VYALEV works, discuss the VYALEV pump, and share one patient’s experience with VYALEV.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
May 19 (Monday) 4pm - 5:30pm St. Anthony’s Hospital, Pendleton -------- IN PERSON
Join us for an informative session with Carey Allison, Principal Field Clinical Representative with Boston Scientific, as he discusses Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) as a treatment option for Parkinson’s disease. This session will cover the basics of DBS, who may be a good can-
didate, and what to expect from the procedure and recovery. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, gain insights, and connect with others exploring DBS as part of their Parkinson’s care plan. May Mobbs, program coordinator with PRO, will also be there to share information about local services and resources. Whether you are newly diagnosed, have been living with Parkinson’s for years, or are a care partner, we welcome you to attend.
Managing Anxiety – What Is It and What To Do If I Experience It?
May 20 (Tuesday) 11 AM -------- VIRTUAL --------
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, but people living with Parkinson's and their care partners experience it at a higher rate than the general population. This talk will be led by Joan Laguzza, MSW, LCSW, who is a mental health therapist specializing in working with older adults and people with chronic and complex medical issues. Joan will help you learn to identify symptoms and sources of anxiety and how it can impact your overall sense of well-being. You will discover various strategies for managing anxious feelings and understand what coping skills work best for you, as well as how to adapt them to individual situations.
Let's Talk: Communication & Swallowing in Parkinson's Disease
May 22 (Thursday) 4 PM
Legacy Salmon Creek Adult Rehab Clinic, Vancouver, Washington -------- IN PERSON
In this discussion led by Speech Language Pathologist Jessica Vanasse, MS, CCC-SLP, you will learn how Parkinson’s can affect communication and swallowing, and the important, proactive, steps you can take to manage these issues and live well with PD.
Engage Eugene Health and Wellness Fair
June 6 (Friday) 2 - 4 PM
Merrill Gardens, Eugene -------- IN PERSON --------
This is a health and wellness fair for people with Parkinson's and care partners. Learn about local resources. Listen to any of the snack-sized lectures. Watch demonstrations. Engage with our fitness instructors. Sign up for something new. Meet new people and catch up with people you've not seen in a while. Leave inspired with tools to live better with this disease.
SOCIAL, COMMUNITY & FUN
Newly Diagnosed Meet Up
April 2 (Wednesday) 4 – 5 PM
Hilyard Community Center, Eugene -------- IN PERSON --------
When you are newly diagnosed, you may be feeling a bit like a fish out of water. Change can be difficult when you don’t have people by your side. The goal of this event is to provide a place and space for people to make connections with others navigating similar changes. We welcome those who have been recently diagnosed, care partners, and family to join us for a meetup. Learn about local resources. Meet PRO staff.
Central Oregon Meet & Greet, Bend Open House
April 3 (Thursday) 1 - 3 PM -------- IN PERSON --------
Spring into Parkinson’s Awareness Month and stop by for a warm welcome! Meet your Program Coordinator, May, and connect with the local Parkinson’s community. Our office doors will be open for an afternoon of refreshments, prizes, and great conversations. We can’t wait to see you!
Memorials and Tributes
In Memory of
Barbara LeRoy
Bill Elder
Bob Kollas
Carl Anderson
Carlos Kemper
Charles Wiren
Charlie Arvidson
Chuck Finegan
Dale Fulk
David Croll
David Crowell
David Marx
David Wind
Debora Andrews
Deborah Davis
Dwight Berning
Helen Campbell
Herb Chereck
James Heltzel
James Lushina
James M. Johnson
James McMullen
Jana Bauman
Jane Hytowitz
Jeanette Petalo
Jim Marvin
Joe Paul
John Barker
John Kerrigan
John Millison
John Minnick
John Moser
Jon Conger
In Honor of
Amy Lavalee
Ann Usher
Bill MacMorris
Adix
Carlotta Richard
Christian Johnson
Christopher Redmond
Daniel Brown
Darrell Jordan
Debra Young
Fran Schlieski
George Lee
Gloria Hale
Helen Shafran
Holly Chaimov
Jane Rosevelt
Janelle Chorzempa
Jeanette Chaffee
Joan Buse Rondeau
Joe Adrian
Joe Apodaca
Karen Anderson
Kathleen Kevrekian
Kevin Mansfield
Kim Cornilles
Larry Bradley
Larry Petrjanos
Laura Nelson
Laurie Merrell
Judy McAfee
Judy Spencer
Karen Owen
Karl Kehrberg
Keith Bornzin
Kevin Watts
Kirk McFarland
Leland Teraba
Lenetta Colbert
Leona Hoey
Lucien Burke
Lynetta Colbert
Marvin Abbe
Michael Lehrman
Michael Love
Michael Moorad
Mike Kneeland
Nora Layton
Pat Miller
Paul Budke
Paula Hurliman
Peggy Wood
Rob Bartoletti
Robert Velander
Robin Woodward
Roger Anderson
Sandy Ayers
Sharon Gilson
Steve Carlson
Teresa Hytowitz
Veena Joshi
Vernon Lang
Yew Chang
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair: Justin N. Smith
Vice Chair: Scott Philips
Treasurer: David de Fiebre
Secretary: Laurie Ayers Pino
Immediate Past President: Kelly Sweeney
Directors at Large: Kristin Whitney
Elise Anderson, MD
Todd Bauman
Melody Boyce
Larry Bradley
Barney Hyde
Jerry Hulsman
Melvin Stewart
Michele Bernstein
Michelle Jesse Martinez
Mignon Hamlin
Patsy Kohout
Paul Zulak
Peggy Rost
Peter Broffman
Phil Bernstein
Phil Hodapp
Reba Mones
Richard Romano
Roberta Schreck
Sabian Paul
Sandy Hendy
Sara Raedels
John Barker
Suzanna Haidri
Tami Alison
Ted Weitman
Tera Marie
Teresa Hytowitz
Tina Sawyer
Tom Dearborn
Tony Chamberlain
Uncle Richard
Virginia
Buck-Armstrong
William Burge
William Eisenbeis
PRO’s plans for 2025 are securely planted and already bearing fruit as we focus on support relevant to clients’ journeys at each stage of disease progression and cultivate our ability to provide a wide range of resources. Our upcoming Spring mailing (“blooming” a few more weeks from now) will invite you to engage with our programs and encourage you to contribute financially to help ensure that we can keep serving as many folks with PD—and their care
Chad Naganuma
Ann Usher
Joseph Quinn,MD
Linda Bryans
We are seeking passionate individuals to join our board or directors and help Parkinson’s Resources achieve our mission to empower individuals to meet the challenges of living with Parkinson’s disease through information, education, personal support and advocacy for a cure.
partners and family members—as possible.
Your Spring gift will have even MORE impact, because two generous donors have committed to matching all funds raised in our Spring fundraising campaign up to $20,000. No one should have to face diagnosis or living with Parkinson’s alone, and you and your fellow donors continue to create the community that makes this true.
Area Group Meetings
Groups are peer-led or facilitated by community members. Groups meet 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.
GENERAL INTEREST PD GROUPS
All Area General - Zoom 1st Wed, 1:00 pm PRO, 800.426.6806
Albany - In Person
2nd Wed, 4:00 pm Lynn, 541.936.6154
Ashland - In Person
3rd Wed, 3:30 pm Laurie, 650.575.8434
Astoria - In Person 2nd Mon, 1:00 pm Donna, 503.738.5295
Beaverton - In Person 2nd Wed, 10:00 am Caren, 336.202.6601
Bend - In Person
3rd Wed, 2:00 pm Nancy, 503.799.5311
Brookings- In Person 1st Thurs, 3:00 pm Teigan, 541.247.3074
Canby - In Person 1st Mon, 1:00 pm Shirley, 503.380.1712
Clackamas - In Person 3rd Tue, 3:00 pm Kim, 503.698.1600
Coos Bay - In Person 2nd Thurs, 1:00 pm Aaron, 541.808.1336
Corvallis - In Person 2nd Tues, 11:00 am Debbie, 458.233.0453
Eugene/SpringfieldHybrid 2nd Tue, 10:30 am Dave, mwsdbs@comcast. net
Florence - In Person 4th Thur, 1:00 pm JoAnne, 541.633.3330
Gresham - Hybrid 2nd Tue, 2:00 pm Kevin, 503.278.0516
CARE PARTNER GROUPS
All Area Care PartnerZoom
4th Wed, 1:00 pm PRO, 800.426.6806
Ashland - Zoom 2nd & 4th Fri, 9:30 am Ann, 415.279.8754
Astoria - In Person 4th Tue, 1:00 pm
Donna, 503.738.5295
Bend - In Person Fridays, 9:30 am Mary Jo, 541.693.4488
Dementia and PD - Zoom 1st Thurs, 4:30 pm Libby, 541.345.2988
Hermiston - In Person 3rd Wed, 1:30 pm Sheila, 541.561.7576
Hillsboro - In Person 2nd Mon, 2:30 pm Mark, 503.718.7484
Hillsboro, East - In Person
3rd Fri, 10:15 am Tina, 971.803.8144
Klamath Falls - In Person 4th Tue, 1:00 pm Ron, 541.591.0686 Kate, 541.882.3928
La Grande - In Person 1st Thur, 4:30 pm Kate, 541.969.0883
Medford - In Person 3rd Sat, 12:00 pm Curt, 541.601.0602
Medford, Rogue Valley Manor- In Person 3rd Tue, 1:30 pm Meridel, 541.857.6605
Milwaukie, Rose Villa 2nd Tue, 10:00 am MaryHelen, 503.652.3044
Newberg - In Person 3rd Thur, 10:00 am Marshall, 503.550.7670
Newport - In Person 2nd Mon, 4:00 pm Marshall, 503.550.7670
Pendleton - In Person 3rd Mon, 4:00 pm Erika, 541.612.0146
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
Sherwood - In Person 3rd Thurs, 1:00 pm Dillon, 503.625.9481
The Dalles - In Person 1st Thur, 10:45 am Chad, swansoce@ah.org
Tillamook - Hybrid 2nd Thur, 2:00 pm Randy, 314.458.1970
Vancouver, WA - In Person 4th Mon, 1:00 pm Jan, 360.433.6400
West Vancouver -In Person
3rd Fri, 1:00 pm Hope, 518.265.0340 Pat, 360.823.6683
West Linn - In Person 2nd Thur, 1:00 pm Tiffany, 503.557.4704 Jan, 503.319.7062
Eugene/SpringfieldZoom
4th Tue, 1:30 pm Libby, 541.345.2988
Lewy Body DementiaZoom
2nd Sat, 10:00 am 4th Wed, 10:00 am Kathy, 971.222.7526
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
Alternative Approaches - Zoom
2nd Tue, 7:00 pm (alternate months) Tasha, 503.788.2333
Beyond Parkinson’sZoom
Libby, 541.345.2988
Caring for a ParentZoom
Care Partner Group
3rd Thurs, 5:00 pm Dakota, 702.682.0954
3rd Wed, 1:00 pm Libby, 541.345.2988
MSA/PSP - Zoom 4th Sat, 10:30 am Akiko, 503.853.9584
MSA/PSP - Zoom 3rd Fri, 12:00 pm PRO, 800.426.6806
Portland - Zoom 1st Tue, 7:00 pm PRO, 1.800.426.6806
Women Care Partners, AM- Zoom 1st Tues, 11:00 am
PRO, 800.426.6806
PD without a PartnerZoom 4th Thurs, 1:00 pm Sheri, 503.348.2665
Martha, 503.830.7246
Women Care Partners, PM - Zoom 1st Wed, 3:00 pm Mary, 503.332.1700
Vancouver, WA - In Person 1st Mon, 1:00 pm Jan, 360.433.6400
Jeff, jeff.lasley@gmail. com
Women with PD - Zoom 1st Mon, 5:00 pm Nicol, 253.226.4069
INTERESTED IN HELPING START A NEW SUPPORT GROUP FOR YOUR COMMUNITY?
Care Partner Loss Group 2nd Wed, 3:00 pm
Eugene/Springfield YOPD <50- Zoom
Newly Diagnosed < 3 yrs - Zoom
CONTACT PRO @ 1.800.426.6806 FOR MORE INFORMATION!
2nd Wed, 1:30 pm
Portland YOPD Happy Hour - Zoom 3rd Fri, 4:30pm
Coping with Parkinson's pg 1
Swing Into Spring with PROs TopGolf Fundraiser pg 2
Life Beyond the Pills pg 2
Supporting Parkinson's
Awareness Month pg 3
2025 Pedal Support pg 3
Calendar of Events pg 5
Memorials and Honorariums
pg 6
Area Group Meetings pg 7
Sole Support pg 8
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