Skittles invited me to join in “Heads or Tails Tuesday”. Never one to miss a party - here goes. Check out her sidebar if you would like to join in or just to check out other Participants.
Today’s theme is “The Letter P” and I’ve chosen to talk a bit about Parkinson’s disease.
I don’t personally know anyone battling this disease but I do have a loved one coping with MS. Similar challenges. She is one of the bravest people I know and I love her dearly – she humbles me with her strength and inspires me with her humor and grace.
I am a huge fan of Muhammad Ali and Michael J Fox, two well known people putting a face to Parkinson’s.
One of my favorite bloggers - Michael Manning is very active within the National Parkinson Foundation. In fact he will soon be the MC at a very important event. Check him out. He’s interesting, funny, and informative.
Besides info about Parkinson’s, Michael offers up some great movie trivia and amazing photos of outrageous cars that he loves too much and links to cool indie music and … anymore and I’ll sound like a publicist!!
Today – while reading Michael’s blog and thinking about whether or not I could come up with something for “P” – my already challenged attention span (menopause!) was captured by a story of dance therapy for Parkinson patients. Great story and wonderful little video. check it out here
Finally – here’s a link to the National Parkinson Foundation - NPF
Just today I learned, through Michael’s blog, (I know – now I sound like a stalker) how efficiently they manage donations and how little of it goes to administration.
If you’re reading this through a crystal ball, here’s the contact info for the foundation.
NATIONAL PARKINSON FOUNDATION
1501 N.W. 19TH AVENUE
BOB HOPE ROAD
MIAMI, FLORIDA 33136
1-800-327-4545
I feel so full circle at the moment – Skittles’ invite, the Letter P, Michael’s blog, the news segment – it all just Pointed toward this Post.
23 comments:
Very interesting post today! When I saw that it was for the letter "P" my first thought was PENIS!
Is that wrong? hehe
You can never go wrong with penis leighann! hehe
I don't know anyone personally who has Parkinson's either, but my sister has MS. What a major pain that is!
My father-in-law, whom I am extremely close to, has Parkinson's. It breaks my heart watching the advancement of the disease and the struggle he goes through.
M.J. Fox grew up just down the street from me....the school he went too named the theater after him....yes he is a voice to be reckoned with especially when it comes to Parkinson's....so much more needs to be done...it is such a cruel and debilitating disease....thank you for using this weeks theme to highlight such an important topic.
My brother (whom I am estranged from) has Parkinson's Disease. It is a cruel illness. My mother was also diagnosed with it at the end of her life but there was some debate about whether or not she had it. More likely she had a series of mini-strokes.
I will check out Michael's blog. I too admire Michael Fox & Muhammed Ali. I think it takes such courage to face the trials of something like Parkinson's or MS with grace and optimism. I don't know how I'd handle it, myself.
I'm so glad you've joined Heads Or Tails! I'll add you to the blogroll in just a minute and you can email me if you want the code -- Skittles0366@gmail.com
I don't know anyone with Parkinson's, but I remember Mr. Fox coming out with his news and his leaving the TV show. I'll never forget Mr. Ali lighting the Olympic flame.
You can stalk my blog anytime. LOL!!
It is a pain Jay. My sister-in-law battles every day with how difficult the smallest task has become.
I feel for your FIL misty dawn just as I do Jay's sister and my SIL - science has far to go and I hope the idiots in Washington don't get in the way.
thank you smalltown rn - MJ Fox IS a force to be reckoned with! I love that about him.
raven - something tells me you would handle it with grace - your blog often exhibits your courage of heart and words ;)
thanks again for the invite skittles - I will e-mail you for the blog roll ;)
LOL about the stalking - I tend to gush when I really admire someone (as I do Michael) and then I feel silly. The way my mind works ;)
I was wondering if P would be for PENIS too...must be all those spam mails I get for PENIS ENHANCEMENT every day (and I don't even have one to enhance!!)
Very informative and interesting post!
Great post for the letter P!
you made me think of one of my favorite lines CG - "balls said the Queen, if I had them I'd be King"
thank you akelamalu ;)
Dianne: Iread Davids's post and he has done much to increase the awareness of the disease. Parkinsons takes a terrible toil on the body but also the mind. I have worked with many patients who have had to be treated for depression due to the changes in their life.
A cousin of my Mom's had Parkinson's -she struggled so much with the disease and tried her level best to not let it get the upper hand, kept herself as busy as she possibly could as long as she could too! She was so determined to live as long as possible at home, when she couldn't possibly walk down the stairs from the bedrooms to the first floor, she sat and scooted down the steps on her behind and crawled back up them to go to bed or the bathroom. Very strong, very courageous lady she was. It is a terrible disease though, for the way it ravages people.
I hopped over to Michael's blog, which is very enjoyable and I definitely feel much more informed on Parkinson's.
Plus, he lives in Phoenix-hooray! That's my P word to add.
And I totally stalk blogs too....
I just posted news of a contest I'm having for Heads Or Tails players. Check it out. :)
minnesotablue: that's what I enjoy about Michael's blog - informative but still entertaining. and I found the news segment about dance therapy so wonderful because it was helping those who attended with more than just mobility, it was making them happier.
jeni: your Mom's cousin sounds a lot like my SIL. She constantly finds new ways to get around. Plus she has 3 children who have all become experts on MS, and they're young!, and they are the kindest, most thoughtful kids - they see so much in other people now because of their Mom.
snoopmurph: Oh I am glad you like Michael's blog - check out his Friday movie suggestions - they're always great. And I totally forgot the Phoenix connection ;)
I take my hat off to anyone who battles such a debilitating disease and to those that are close to such people and share the burden.
A great topic to choose.
I'm glad you liked my post and I totally understand. Stores are definitely a close second to womens magazines. If you are not a conventional size and shape, trying to shop for clothing is just so depressing.
What an excellent choice. I have a neighbor way down the road with Parkinson's. And even out here in the woods, his doctor is trying new therapies, and he is doing well. Even opening up a new business at 70 yrs old! My HoT is here, thank you.
thank bob-kat, appreciate that.
welcome andree ;)
hats off to your neighbor!
Dianne: What a good heart you have for helping us spread awareness about this cruel disease. Thank you so much for this wonderful post and the video! It is amazing what therapies and meds are now available that we simply didn't have when I had my father! With great appreciation! :)
Thanks for sending me to Michael's blog, Dianne. I have a dear friend who has Parkinson's,and it helped me understand a little better what he has been facing.
You're welcome Michael. I really could easily gush about you - I admire you that much and have come to think of you as a friend. I am thrilled to see that new people have checked out your blog and like it as much as I do.
bobbie: I am so glad you checked out Michael's blog. He makes difficult information easy to understand and follow and I love his dedication to his Dad's memory.
I know no one with this dread disease but your post is informational. Nice post!!
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