The Parkinson’s Perspective Finding Connection through The Peer-To-peer Mentoring Program
Have you heard about PRO’s Peerto-Peer Program? If not, let us fill you in!
It started when PRO recognized that while there is great value in the community that is built and the knowledge that is shared in our support groups, a group setting is not necessarily for everyone. Some people find comfort and connection through more personal, one-onone conversations. That’s why we launched the Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Program in the summer of 2022. The goal was simple - to create a meaningful connection and space where individuals who might be more newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s, or were experiencing changes in their symptoms, could connect one-on-one with a peer mentor to ask questions, get advice, and share common experiences with someone who “gets it.”
Phil Bernstein is a mentor that “gets it”. After his own diagnosis, he remembers feeling uncertain and needing direction. Through his own determination and resilience, he found resources, connected with PRO, and joined a Rock Steady Boxing program. When someone close to him was diagnosed and turned
to him for help, something clicked. “This is something I’m good at,” he said. “Helping people figure out where to go, who to talk to, and how to move boulders out of their path.” That’s when he reached out to Mike Mulligan and joined the Peer Mentoring Program. “I really love doing it,” he says.
Phil's approach to mentoring is grounded in encouragement and action. Drawing on his background in long-distance biking, he remembers a saying “It’s not hard to ride a long distance—it’s hard to get on the bike.” For him, it’s all about helping others take that first step. By breaking challenges into manageable steps and offering encouragement. Phil helps his mentees “get on the bike” and keep riding.
Thanks to mentors like Phil, we believe Peer-to-Peer has been a success by making a meaningful impact. Many mentors and peers have formed strong friendships and have remained in contact even after their formal match has ended.
We didn’t stop there - In 2024, based on the success of the program for those with PD, we began a pilot mentoring program for care
partners, with the training of a small group of mentors. While this program is in its early stages, we believe it has great potential and want to see it grow.
Whether you are an individual with PD or a care partner, we hope we’ve piqued your interest in our Peerto-Peer Mentoring program. As we move into the second quarter of 2025, our goal is to recruit both new mentors to provide guidance and new peers who are seeking that match to gain insight and advice on their journey with Parkinson’s. If you are care partner wanting to be a mentor or want to join the Peerto-Peer program? We’d love to hear from you - Please contact Mike at 800.426.6806
What is Sole Support for Parkinson’s?
Sole Support for Parkinson's is a day of FUNdraising and awareness, uniting hundreds of participants from across the region in celebration, support, community, and purpose. We gather to make new friends, reconnect with old ones, and celebrate the triumphs and challenges of our Parkinson's family. When we share our purpose and invite others to join, our community becomes fuller and richer. Sole Support registration is FREE and it’s easy to fundraise too.
As a local nonprofit serving Oregon and SW Washington. PRO relies on events like Sole Support, the generosity of individual donors, and corporate sponsors to fund our budget. Reaching our Sole Support fundraising goal of $400,000 allows PRO to provide vital services, programs, education, and resources at no cost to the growing number of people diagnosed in our community every year.
Read Why Sole Support is Important to Our Community
Let's Get Started!!
1. REGISTER online www.solesupport.org or 800.426.6806
2. STRIVE to raise at least $300, helping your team achieve a higher goal! When you raise $100 you will receive a Sole Support t-shirt. Guess what? Raise $250 and receive Sole Support Socks (yes, they are back). Hmm, what will they look like this year? The $500 incentive is an insulated tumbler! Make sure you’re getting our emails for more info!
4. CUSTOMIZE your Sole Support walker page. Share a personal picture and story showcasing your motivation in supporting Parkinson’s programs in your community.
5. INVITE others to join you. Make a personal request for donations and share your walker page via email/social media. There are many ways to ask – it is never too early, and we can help!
6. START a Facebook fundraiser from your Sole Support page. Here’s how:
1. Click “Dashboard” in top left corner
2. Click the “Create a Facebook Fundraiser” button.
Contact Jeannine (jeannine@parkinsonsresources.org) if you want custom postcards, donation envelopes, or flyers to share.
Sole Support is a big event that takes a crew! You want to do the Walk? Great, there are many positions that allow you to volunteer and participate in the walk. Check out how you can help by clicking the “Volunteer Here” on your city’s Sole Support page
Calendar of Events
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 July 11 - Join any time.
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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!
Thank you to Legacy Health for your support and partnership with this program.
Sing-Along
No group July or August. Next session is September 25, typically 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. This is a fun and supportive song circle to practice projection, voice control and coordination through the joy of singing! Each session will start with a practice vocal warm-up and then sing your favorite songs with guitar accompaniment. Sing along with our gifted and beloved volunteers, Michelle Garratt, Jill Williams and Kera Magarill!
Movement Classes with Anne Cooper
Tuesdays, July 1 - September 30 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Fridays, July 11 - September 26, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
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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
Thursdays 11 AM | McMinnville Senior Center
New sessions July 3- Sept 25
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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 welcomed with open arms! We share moments in life that bring a smile and a laugh! In-
structed by longtime local fitness trainer Bill Wilson, BA, CPT-CSCS (ret.) who brings many years of expertise working with neurological challenges.
Mindfulness Meditation Class
Wednesdays 12:15 - 1 PM
New sessions June 4- July 9 and July 16- August 13
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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 this class.
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Vancouver: Parkinson’s 101 July 10 (Thursday) 2 - 3:30 pm Boomerang Therapy Works
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Are you concerned about yourself or a loved one? Have you recently been diagnosed? This program may help you understand what Parkinson's is and is not, why it’s difficult to diagnose, and what you can do to manage symptoms. Presented by Mike Mulligan, PRO’s Community Health Education Coordinator and Emily Kaemmerlen, PT, DPT, owner of Boomerang Therapy Works.
Adult CPR for the Parkinsons
Community July 12 (Saturday) 9 am PRO Beaverton Office
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This class will be open to all members of the PRO community. The Adult CPR/AED course incorporates the latest science and teaches students how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies, in-
cluding choking, for adult victims. Students who successfully complete this course will receive a certificate for Adult CPR/AED valid for two years. Physical requirements to be able to successfully participate and complete this course are explained in the class description on the PRO Eventbrite site.
PRO would like to thank Sean Richardson with CPR Lifesaving Inc. for making this class available to our community.
Navigating End of Life for Those Living with Parkinson’s (Virtual) July 16 (Wednesday) 6 pm -------- VIRTUAL --------
This workshop is dedicated to individuals living with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers, focusing on the important yet often challenging preparations surrounding end-of-life planning. We will explore how to approach death with clarity and compassion, delve into the role of death cafes and death doulas, and offer practical strategies for ensuring that personal wishes are communicated and respected. Participants will gain insight into the unique considerations for those with Parkinson's, including managing communication challenges, involving family members, and celebrating the lives of loved ones after they pass. Join us to empower yourself and foster greater peace through proactive planning and meaningful dialogue. Presented by Angela Franklin, QMHA, EOLD.
Newport: Living Well with Parkinson’s
July 19 (Saturday) 1 - 2:30 pm Center for Health Education, Newport, Oregon
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This program is the second in a series of three educational programs within our Rural Outreach Initiative to Newport that began last November. Learn more about the importance of exercise, nutrition, social connections, self-care, and education for optimal long-term management of your PD. We will have local providers from Samaritan Health Services to talk about lifestyle strategies to live your best life. This is for the person
living with Parkinson's as well as care partners. Between visits to the doctor, the daily choices you make can help you better manage your symptoms. Presented by Libby Kennard, Program Lead for Parkinson's Resources of Oregon, Julia Gardner, Speech-Language Pathologist, and Lyndsey Hoffman, Occupational Therapist.
Living Well with Parkinson’s
July 24 + July 31 (Thursday) 1:30 - 3 pm
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Please join us for this two part workshop focused on 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 highlight available community resources. This educational program is for those living with PD, their families, and care partners. So, whether you are new to PD or you have been living with it for many years, there will be something of interest to everyone - along with opportunities to ask questions.
DBS Conversations
July 24 (Thursday) | 4pm - 5:30 pm
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Are you curious about Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) as a treatment for Parkinson’s? Or have you had DBS and want to share your story? Join us for our quarterly DBS Conversations, a virtual peerled space where real experiences take the spotlight. A panel of people with Parkinson’s who’ve had DBS will share their journeys, challenges, and reflections. There will be time for open discussion and connection. This group is open to individuals with Parkinson’s and other family members. All are welcome to listen, ask questions, or share as they feel comfortable.
Hospice and Parkinson’s Disease
- When Is It Time? (Virtual)
August 14 (Thursday) 11 am - 12 pm
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When someone has a progressive illness, thinking about the end of life can feel scary, overwhelming, and confusing. This presentation will explore the many aspects of transitioning to hospice with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. Presented by James Knoll, LICSW-WA, LCSW-OR, Hospice Clinical Educator, Providence. Home and Community Care.
Beaverton: Preparing for the Unexpected (In-Person)
August 27 (Wednesday) 1:30 pm PRO Beaverton Office -------- IN PERSON
Illness, family obligations, and medical needs can all come unexpectedly for any of us, and for those of us in crucial roles as caregivers (for ourselves or others), it is important to plan ahead.
In this discussion, Mike Mulligan, PRO Community Health Education Coordinator will assist participants to identify the steps to take to get prepared. This includes rallying support and identifying roles ahead of time for family and friends, finding care resources, gathering and organizing crucial information. By taking steps to prepare and communicate with your larger network, we hope to lessen the stress.
Fall Prevention
September 18 (Thursday) 10 - 11:30 am -------- VIRTUAL
Falls are scary and can be devastating. They are a leading cause of injuries and emergency department visits. Let's learn what you can do from an expert. In this program, we will explore opportunities to reduce the incidence of slips, trips and falls. Join us for this online discussion with Jim Cole, MA FP-C, Injury Prevention Coordinator and Trauma Educator for PeaceHealth Riverbend Trauma Center. Jim focuses on older adult and pediatric injury prevention as well as providing trauma education courses and continuing education to all levels of caregivers.
SOCIAL, COMMUNITY & FUN
Eugene: Summer Picnic (In-Person)
July 9 (Wednesday) 11 am - 1 pm
Emerald Park -------- IN PERSON
This annual gathering is open to all. Enjoy lunch with members of the Eugene/Springfield Parkinson’s Support Group and learn about Sole Support. Call Libby at 541-3452988 to register.
Eugene: SPIN Health & Wellness Fair
(In-Person)
Aug 2 (Saturday) 10 am - 3 pm
Campbell Senior Center
IN PERSON --------
Come meet Libby Kennard, Program Lead, who will be representing PRO at this free event.
Portland: New Ping-Pong Group in Hollywood Neighborhood
July 17, August 21, and September 18 (3rd Thursday) 1 - 3 pm
The Community for Positive Aging (Previously the Hollywood Senior Center) -------- IN PERSON
Did you know that ping-pong is great exercise for your body and brain? Come to play, learn, and meet other people with Parkinson’s while having FUN!
Opportunities to play ping-pong also in Beaverton, West Linn, Eugene, and Corvallis. Questions? Want to help us get another group started in your town? Contact Anna Sanger Reed, Program Director, at 503.305.8742.
Welcome Deirdre!
As the Program Coordinator, Deirdre is the new face at the Beaverton office, and the name many of our support groups will see come across their emails most often. With a background as a consultant working with volunteers, nonprofits, education, and governmental agencies, she brings dedication and passion for empowering others to live their best lives for the season of life they are in. She is humbled to walk alongside you as you traverse the terrain in front of you. She is happy to join the team to provide more people in our community with resources, education, and knowledge about Parkinson’s in partnership with our support groups and facilitators.
In her spare time, she likes to discover creativity- whether her own or others. She likes to explore galleries, read literature, walk amongst the trees, play on the sand with her pups, try new recipes, and get messy with paint. She also can often be lured into meaningful conversations with the use of good coffee!
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
Chad Naganuma
Ann Usher
Joseph Quinn,MD
Linda Bryans
Area Group 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
Hermiston - In Person 3rd Wed, 1:30 pm Sheila, 541.561.7576
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
Beyond Parkinson’sZoom
Care Partner Loss Group 3rd Thurs, 3:00 pm Libby, 541.345.2988
Caring for a ParentZoom 3rd Thurs, 5:00 pm Dakota, 702.682.0954
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, 12:30 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, 11:00 am Marshall, 503.550.7670
Newport - In Person 2nd Mon, 3:00 pm Greg, 541.272.2595
Pendleton - In Person 3rd Mon, 4:00 pm Erika, 541.612.0146
Portland Lloyd District - In Person 1st Tue, 1:00 pm Matthew, 206.240.3393
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, WA -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
Wilsonville - In Person 4th Thur, 11:30 am Matt, 503.694.2700
Dementia and PD - Zoom 1st Thurs, 4:30 pm Libby, 541.345.2988
PRO, 800.426.6806
Eugene/SpringfieldZoom 4th Tue, 1:30 pm Libby, 541.345.2988
Lewy Body DementiaZoom 2nd Sat, 1:00 pm 4th Sat, 10:00 am Kathy, 971.222.7526
MSA/PSP - Zoom 3rd Fri, 12:00 pm
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
Alternative Approaches - Zoom 2nd Tue, 7:00 pm (alternate months) Tasha, 503.788.2333
Eugene/Springfield YOPD <50- Zoom
Portland - Zoom 1st Tue, 7:00 pm PRO, 1.800.426.6806
Redmond - In Person 3rd Thur, 10 am Virgie, 541.923.1575
Women, AM- Zoom 1st Tues, 11:00 am Martha, 503.830.7246
Mon, 1:00 pm Jan, 360.433.6400
PERSPECTIVES
Find Connection with Peer Mentorship pg 1
Sole Support for Parkinsons in 2025 and the WHY! pg 2
Sole Support Shirt Design and Top Fundraisers pg 3
Calendar of Events pg 4
Meet Deirdre pg 6
Area Group Meetings pg 7
Leaving your Legacy pg 8
Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon
8880 SW Nimbus Ave Ste B Beaverton, OR 97008
Return Service requested
CONTACT US
info@parkinsonsresources.org
toll-free: (800) 426-6806
Leave Your Legacy of Compassion
Planned Giving allows everyone to incorporate causes they hold dear into their estate and financial plans without any negative impact on their current lifestyle. With good planning, you can create a meaningful difference for locals living with Parkinson’s disease. (We know that many of our supporters love making gifts with immediate impact; we encourage and welcome contributions of cash, securities (stocks and publicly traded funds—a tax-advantaged way to give), or real estate.)
Treasured longtime PRO friend Bob Harold shares, “In the fog of our learning of my wife’s journey with Parkinson’s, our doctors at OHSU Parkinson Center recommended Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon as a valuable resource for assistance and learning, and indeed PRO has met that challenge. We very quickly found that PRO was a reliable and truly caring local source of information. Having lived and witnessed the beneficial effects of the work of PRO, we began to donate to their mission and also included them in our estate plan—and that is my challenge to all who deal with the myriad issues surrounding the care and betterment of those with the disease. Thank you, PRO, for all you do.”
Your support of PRO can be a simple designation in your will, which won’t affect your cash flow during your lifetime and can
be revoked or amended if your situation changes. Every dollar we receive, now or in the future, helps fortify our organization’s distinctive ability to support and serve our local Parkinson’s communities, so be sure your family knows that it’s PRO whom you wish to benefit someday.
Ways to Give
Which planned gift option is best for you? To get started, consult with your professional advisor regarding the timing, tax issues, and type(s) of gift.
Charitable Distribution from your IRA
Testamentary Gifts
Donor-Advised Funds (DAF)
Beneficiary Designation
Trusts : Charitable Lead Trusts or Charitable Remainder Trusts
Our programs and services are provided for all who need them, regardless of ability to pay. Gifts at every level make a difference, and we’re deeply grateful for your consideration, generosity, and compassion. To learn more about giving options, contact Helen Shafran, PRO’s Director of Development, at (800) 426-6806 or helen@parkinsonsresources.org.