Third World Parkinson Congress President`s Message

Durham Region Chapter, since 1981
December, 2012
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Third World Parkinson Congress
October 1 - 4, 2013
Palais des Congrès, Montréal, Quebec
The World Parkinson Congress provides an international forum for
the latest scientific discoveries, medical practices and care
initiatives related to Parkinson’s disease. By bringing physicians,
scientists, nurses, rehab professionals, policy advocates, care
partners, family members and people with Parkinson's disease
together, this event aims to create a worldwide dialogue that will
help expedite the discovery of a cure and best treatment practices
for this devastating disease.
Mark your calendars for this exceptional opportunity. Previous
World Congresses were in Washington (2007) and Glasgow (2010).
Registration opens January 2013.
Keep your eye on the website www.worldpdcongress.org.
The Chapter is looking at how to help our members attend.
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World Parkinson Congress
Meet Your Neighbour
Durham Region Scholarship
Awards 2012
Exercise Programs in
Durham Region
On the Lighter Side
Web Pages of Interest
Top 10 Reasons to Attend
World Parkinson Congress
Christmas Treats
Pauline Toenjes Award
CarePartners Meetings
Superwalk 2012
Local Superwalk Sponsors
CarePartners & Chapter
Meetings
Executive 2012-2013
President’s Message
I wish you JOY in this holiday season.
The 2013 World Parkinson Congress in Montreal gives us the opportunity to experience the best
for all of us: new learning, new sharing and a focus on living as fully as possible every day of
our lives. I am high on anticipation!
I am so glad to be part of our Chapter community. Let’s keep moving forward
together.
Linda Thrasher, President
Meet Your Neighbour
This month, we continue to meet members of our Chapter, someone who has Parkinson’s disease or not, and
their partner if appropriate. The goal is for us to know each other better, to be more comfortable at meetings
when talking with the other people at our table. We need people to share their stories.
Today we meet Gordon Srigley and his wife Violet.
Gord and Violet, thank you for volunteering
to share your story.
Gord: Hi everybody. I was born (71 years ago) and raised in Toronto, although I spent many a
summer with my grandparents on a farm near Barrie.
I joined the Metropolitan Toronto Police when I was 20. Three of my mother’s brothers were
firemen and sadly died on the job. Another of my uncles was a policeman. I liked what I heard from this uncle
and decided that’s what I wanted to do. So I applied, removing my glasses, and got in. I rose through the ranks
to sergeant over the next 32 years. I declined further promotion because I preferred staying on the streets over
moving to a desk job. In that time, two colleagues and I started the Winged Wheels Precision Riding Team, a
contingent of motorcycle-riding officers who have since entertained many a crowd. This really added to my
enjoyment of the job in the final 10 years. Even today, after 19 years of retirement, I’d say I’d do it all over
again. I also really liked the people I worked with. I continue to meet regularly with some of them for coffee.
I have always loved sports. I played hockey year-round until I was 56. I even played on the Ajax/
Pickering team in the Old Timers Hockey League. Along with that, after retiring, I traveled a lot on my
motorcycle.
Violet: I was born in Haifa, Palestine. In 1948, when I was 11, my parents, my two brothers, and
I, like many Palestinians, planned a temporary relocation to Egypt until the conflict was resolved.
We thought it would be for two weeks, but the situation got worse and we had to stay in Egypt as
refugees for 15 years. During that time, I went to the English Mission College where I earned my
GCE [Editor’s note: The General Certificate of Education is equivalent to matriculation in
Ontario].
I met my first husband in Egypt, but we left there because the government nationalized the banks,
factories, and private businesses. We went to Beirut, Lebanon in 1960 where we stayed until the civil war
worsened in 1975. Then we went back to Egypt, where my husband opened a new factory. On January 1st,
1978, he died of a heart attack, leaving me with four children, aged 14 to 24. That was a very hard time.
My older son came to Canada in 1976, sponsored by one of my brothers who was already here. I
followed in 1978 and started work right away as a receptionist. I later worked as a secretary in an insurance
company. Finally I was a claims representative for Bell until I retired in 1994 [Editor’s note: Ask Violet how
she learned to type in Arabic].
Gord: Violet and I met in 1999, in the parking lot of the seniors building in Oshawa where we both lived. We
married in July of 2001 and bought a townhouse to save on rent. That’s where we live to this day. Between us
we now have 16 grandchildren, most in Ontario, two in Alberta, and two in California.
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1996. Before this time, I noticed that my left leg dragged a bit and
sometimes had a nerve that jumped. Then I noticed this with a nerve in my left arm too. In October 1995, I had
a severe backache that came on during a long bike trip. I rode all the way home and then never rode again. I
think this too was the beginning of my PD. At that time I wanted to know all I could about PD, so I borrowed
five books from the library, but I scared myself silly doing that.
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At one point my neurologist took me off my Parkinson’s meds because I was doing so well that he thought
there was a chance I didn’t have PD. After two weeks, I started shaking—I was worse than before. So I went
back on the meds and have been on about the same dose since then. It’s been 17 years now.
Violet: Gord leads a quiet life now. PD has slowed him down. He requires some assistance to dress and it
takes him about three times longer to do almost everything. In the last three years, his speech has become
slurred and sometimes he sounds funny. For me, the worst is that Gord has so much trouble making decisions.
Gord: I too don’t like that I have so much trouble making decisions. I can no longer walk or drive very far.
And I’m losing body coordination so that I can only do one thing at a time.
To cope, I take my meds and I exercise a lot: I go to the Parkinson’s exercise class at the Whitby Seniors
Activity Centre and to a men’s exercise class. And I take a drumming class with Violet. I also go to
physiotherapy and massage. Coming to Chapter meetings is a great boost for both of us. All in all, just having
a routine really helps.
Lately my shoulder is better, due to the physiotherapy. Generally I am healthy, because I take care of
myself so well. I am sleeping better too.
Violet: I go the CarePartners meeting—Gord encourages me to. I get a lot out of it. My role is still one of
CarePartner and not caregiver. We are proud of our independence; even more so for Gord. We do things
together, and can do things separately too. I continue to play bridge. And I’m glad I can leave Gord alone and
not worry… Our strong faith helps too. It gives us hope and strengthens us.
Finally, I want to add that exercise is good, but over-exertion is bad! Exhaustion is bad too. It’s important
to get enough rest!
Gord: Remain with a positive attitude. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Swallow your pride if necessary.
Thank you again, Gord and Violet.
Remember, gentle reader, that everyone’s experience is their own. You may have different issues and different triumphs in your life.
We would like you to volunteer to share your story. If you are willing to do so, call the Chapter phone line.
Durham Region Chapter Awards Two Scholarships
The following students were each awarded a five-hundred dollar scholarship at their respective School Board
Meeting in September: The Durham District School Board recipient was Nadia Khan and the Durham
Catholic District School Board was Hannah Handley.
The Durham Region Chapter is dedicated to the goals of advocacy, education, research and fundraising.
The scholarships encourage young people to be more aware of Parkinson's disease and will hopefully inspire
their involvement in the Durham Region chapter. Both our recipients are pursuing post secondary studies in
the area of Science: Hannah in nursing at Durham College and Nadia in science at U. of Waterloo.
The executive has approved funds for the 2013-14 academic year for two more scholarships. Applications
will be available in all the secondary schools in Durham Region.
Durham Catholic District School Board
Recipient Hannah Handley
Durham District School Board
Recipient Nadia Khan
Lt to Rt: Harry Murphy, VP Durham Region Chapter;
Mr. Handley; Hannah Handley;
Max Robinson, Durham Region Chapter
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Lt to Rt: Harry Murphy; Mrs. Khan (representing.
her daughter, Nadia); Linda Thrasher, President
Durham Region Chapter
On the Lighter Side
Exercise Programs
that may benefit people living ∗
with Parkinson's disease
As you get older your secrets are safe with your
friends because they can't remember them either.
∗ I would be unstoppable, if I could just get started.
Parkinson’s Exercise Class
#144916
∗ My wild oats have turned into prunes and AllBran.
Whitby Seniors Activity Centre
Centennial Building
Time: 1:30 - 2:30
Start: Monday, January 7, 2013
Finish: Monday, March 25, 2013
To register for the spring session,
phone 905-668-1424.
You must be a member of the
Whitby Seniors Activity Centre.
∗ You can’t stay young forever. But you can be
immature for the rest of your life.
∗ Forget health food. I’m at an age where I need all
the preservatives I can get.
∗ If there’s no chocolate in heaven, I’m not going.
Drumming for Health #144671
I Am Still Me
Brooklin Community Centre & Library
Time: 1:30 - 2:30
Start: Friday January 11, 2013
Finish: Friday March 1, 2013
Also held at: Oshawa Senior Citizens Centre.
Phone # 905-576-6712
My body’s changed, but I am still me
And in my mind I laugh with glee at funny
things you do and say to liven up
a tedious day,
I still get angry just like you,
get bored, feel scared, feel loving too.
So walk up close and give me a rose,
I just might kiss you on the nose.
FLK Taoist Tai Chi Club
Health Recovery Class
601 Dundas St., West, Whitby (Town Plaza)
Mondays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Phone # 905-668-6500
Betty Jo Blauner
Betty Jo was diagnosed with
Parkinson’s disease in her mid-forties.
Taken from the internet.
Web Pages of Interest:
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www.parkinsonsuperwalk.ca
www.parkinson.ca
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www.easytoswallow.co.uk
www.mybrainmatters.ca
www.worldpdcongress.org
On line registration opens in April of 2013.
Information about Parkinson Society Canada and its regional partners,
and about and Parkinson's disease.
Has many recipes that help with swallowing difficulties.
Information on the Neurological Health Charities of Canada (NHCC).
Information on program sessions, registration and accommodation for
the world congress.
Parkinson Society Canada is a not-for-profit organization that serves as the national voice of Canadians living with Parkinson’s
disease. Its mission is to ease the burden and find a cure. Parkinson Society Canada helps improve the quality of life for people
living with Parkinson’s disease, through research, education, advocacy and support services.
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Third World Parkinson Congress
Top 10 Reasons
To Attend World Parkinson Congress 2013
If you are a person with Parkinson’s...
1. Be mo vated by inspiring speakers.
2. Connect with, be understood by, and learn from people living posi vely with Parkinson's.
3. Share in the encouragement of people from around the world who are touched by Parkinson's.
4. Discover enduring resources, tools, contacts and rela onships to take home and help others deal
with the challenges.
5. Learn the best strategies, and share your insights for coping effec vely and posi vely.
6. Experience the energy of passionate scien sts, researchers and clinicians searching for a cure,
exploring be%er treatment op ons and crea ng a brighter future for people with Parkinson’s.
7. Interact directly with world-renowned presenters and panelists to get answers to your
ques ons.
8. Empower yourself. Empower others to make a difference in the lives of people with Parkinson's.
9. Gain new awareness about Parkinson’s from leading clinicians and researchers.
10. Enjoy the excitement of Montréal, Canada, a world-class city where French meets English and the
classic sophis ca on of Europe is reshaped by convivial Canadian character.
See you in Montréal, Canada from October 1 -- 4, 2013
Annual Christmas Cake Fundraising Event
Our annual Christmas cake drive is now under way and runs until December 14th 2012. The funds raised
from this event are used to provide for support services and the general running of the chapter.
The following products are available:
Christmas Fruit Cake $20
Cherry Cake $20
Christmas Pudding $7
Shortbread Cookies $5
These make great gifts for friends and family.
To place an order, call
Harry or Lynne Murphy at 905-427-9597.
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Pauline Toenjes Award 2012
Harry Murphy, Vice President of the Durham Region Chapter was the recipient of the 2012 Pauline Toenjes
award. The reward is given in recognition of volunteer contributions to the chapter and the recipient is chosen
by the membership.
Harry has been a member of the chapter for many years. As Vice President he participates in the running of
the chapter. He and his wife Lynne have run a very successful fundraising drive of Christmas cakes, cookies
and puddings for several years. At SuperWalk Harry is responsible for all the signage and is a member of the
planning committee. Harry is also the instigator of our scholarship programme.
Harry, thank you for your ongoing contributions to the chapter.
Previous recipients congratulate Harry Murphy.
Lt to Rt: Jean Keary, Aureen Landon, Harry, Karl
Pruesse, Linda Thrasher & Paul Gauthier
(Missing: Alice Sheffield)
Harry Murphy receives the Pauline
Toenjes award for 2012 from
President Linda Thrasher.
CarePartner Meetings
Belonging to a support group can help you to provide better care and live an easier and more enjoyable life.
Self-help groups can be a great support and source of advice regarding what to expect and where to get help.
What you can take away from a support group:
- Feeling less isolated, knowing others share similar problems.
- Ideas and effective ways to cope.
- A new sense of control over your life.
- Information about the best community resources, care alternatives, etc.
- Networking connections.
- The opportunity to joke and laugh about your circumstances with people who really understand.
- The opportunity to discuss your circumstances with people who will offer support and will not judge.
- Help with brainstorming solutions to your problems.
The CarePartner Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the 3rd Monday of the month
(except for December, July & August).
We meet at the Village of Taunton Mills on the second floor in the “Country Kitchen”.
(The January meeting is held offsite to celebrate the New Year—call the Chapter Line for details).
The meetings are for those who currently partner (or have partnered) those living with Parkinson's disease.
The informal group is usually small, averaging about ten people. We hope you can join us for support and
friendship.
Susan Bishop-Gomes
Group Leader
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Parkinson Superwalk Success
Sunday September 9th was a great day in Durham Region, where Parkinson
Superwalk has never been rained on. Almost 200 people from around Durham
Region came to Rotary Park, in Ajax and in brilliant sunshine raised $92,000.
As usual the generosity of local corporate sponsors covered all walk expenses.
These Durham Region teams were recognized by Parkinson Society Canada
among the nation’s highest fundraisers:
1. Team Bacchus raised $15,800—congratulations to the Bacchus family for an amazing effort.
2. Bertha’s Tulip raised $13,500, continuing their dedication and determination.
3. Team Billy raised over $11,000. congratulations on a great job.
The individual top fundraiser in Durham Region was Bill Gardner who was recognized among the
nation’s top individual walkers, bringing in more than $8,000. Jean Keary and Cheryl Hinzel rounded out
Durham Region’s top three walkers raising more than $10,000 between them.
Nationally, Parkinson Superwalk took place in 95 communities across Canada, with more then 14,000
participants raising $3.2 million. The Central & Northern Ontario Region raised over $900,000. Since 1990
the annual walk, the society’s largest fundraiser, has raised more then $25 million to fund research, education,
support and advocacy programs.
I really appreciated the Superwalk committee for 2012 and their great effort in planning, organizing,
fundraising and ensuring that walk day was a seamless as possible. Yes, the wasps were a big problem. They
sure loved the Timbits! But the Monarch butterflies more than compensated.
The 2012 organizing committee are Lt to Rt:
Back row: Heather Hebert, Diane Collins, Linda Thrasher, Harry Murphy,
Lynne Murphy, Denis Hebert
Front row: Jean Keary (chair), Sue Glauser, Margo Ashe, Paul Gauthier.
Planning for the 2013 SuperWalk is now underway and as usual, if you would like to be involved, join our
great team. New ideas are always welcome. Call me 905-619-1469. I would love to hear from you. Jean
Memories of Superwalk 2012:
Mini SuperWalk at
Abbeylawn Manor
retirement residence,
Pickering
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Thank you to our local sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Ajax/ Pickering
Oshawa
Ajax
Silver Sponsors
Durham Region
Pickering
Whitby
Scarborough
MYGARAGEDOORART.com
Oshawa
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Bronze Sponsors
Ajax
Ajax
Pickering
Whitby
Pickering
Pickering Performance
Tire and Auto Centre
Uxbridge
Oshawa
Pickering
Oshawa
Whitby
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Durham Region Chapter
Monthly meetings at 7 – 9 p.m.
On the first Monday of the month
(except January, July, and August)
CarePartner Meetings
St. Mark’s United Church
201 Centre St. South
Whitby
This important group meets the 3rd Monday of the
month, 9 months of the year under the skilled
leadership of Susan Bishop-Gomes.
Time: 7 - 9 p.m.
Location: Village of Taunton Mills,
3800 Brock St. N, Whitby
(southwest corner of Brock & Taunton)
Program 2013
December 3rd Christmas Party with
the Harmony Highway Quartet
Meeting dates for 2013
January 21 (off-site meeting), February 18, March 18,
April 15, May 20, June 17.
There is no meeting
July, August and December.
If you are a person who cares about or cares for
someone with Parkinson's disease, then the
CarePartner meeting is for you. Meet informally,
share ideas, concerns, fears, and joys, give mutual
support, and make new friends.
For information call:
1-866-264-3345
February 4th
Peggy Stewart,
on Nordic walking
March 4th
Dr. Kevin Barnes, dentist,
on dental implants
and oral care in Parkinson’s
April 1st
TBA
May 6th
Diane Devitt,
on life after Deep Brain Surgery
June 3rd
Strawberry social
Durham Chapter Executive
2012-13
President
Past President
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
CarePartners
Program
Membership
Newsletter
Library, Education
Director at large
Linda Thrasher
Jean Keary
Harry Murphy
Paul Gauthier
905-683-2892
905-619-1469
905-427-9597
905-683-2892
Susan Bishop-Gomes
Alex Hernandez
Pat Gourley
Jean Keary
Max Robinson
John Zimmerman
905-428-9864
905-728-0284
905-683-5349
905-619-1469
905-509-1675
905–571-6106
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Chapter phone line:
1-866-264-3345