There are places I'll remember… All my life though
some have changed Some forever not for better…Some have gone and some
remain All these places have their moments ….With lovers and friends I
still can recall Some are dead and some are living….In my life I've
loved them all But of all these friends and lovers…There is no one
compares with you And these memories lose their meaning…When I think
of love as something new Though I know I'll never lose affection…For
people and things that went before I know I'll often stop and think
about them…In my life I love you more John Lennon & Paul McCartney I
think that this song just about says it all…although I will never
forget the friends and experiences that have brought me to this point
in my life…it’s the bonds that I have forged with my “parkie” friends
that mean the most to me now. I think that is because when I’m
surrounded by others who carry on the same battle that I do, I can
really relax and know that my situation is far from unique and how
good it feels to be one of the family of PWP’S.
On Saturday, May 25 and Sunday May 26, we held our
first “Shake, Rattle & Roll for Parkinson’s Disease.” We includes my
friend and partner in crime, Holly Angus, proprietor Pat Sullivan of
“Le Vieux Carre” in downtown Peoria plus the countless others who
helped with their time, treasure and talent to help pull of our most
successful PD event. Saturday began with a symposium presented by the
online support group, PLWP.org This was our second year presenting
this round-table discussion involving Ph.D medical researchers,
neurosurgeons, neurologists, and people who live with pd. Named
“PATIENTS AS PROVIDERS,” this program was held at the University of
Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria, Il. This year’s program
included presentations by Dr. Richard Weber, Ph.D (Associate Professor
of Immunopharmacology and Microbiology) who spoke on “Parkinson’s: The
Present and the Future” and Dr. Richard Lister, M.D. (Associate Dean
for Strategic Planning and Development) whose speech was entitled:
“Our Vision: A Center of Excellence.” We also heard from Carol Walton,
Executive Director of the Parkinson Alliance about how close we are
coming to finding better treatments and eventually a way to cure PD.
The audience participation in the question and
answer/discussion part of the program was wonderful and
intelligent questions were asked of all three of our participating
doctors: Dr. Rick Weber, Dr. Patrick Tracey (neurosurgeon), and Dr.
Jai Kumar (neurologist). All agreed that this excellent program was a
success. Then, our group went out to St. Edward School Gym to enjoy a
time of camaraderie and friendship as we attended our “parkie picnic.”
We celebrated the upcoming marriage of Tom Kelly
and Tami McNamera and the birthdays of Laura Dean (Harley), Ann
Campbell (AJ) and Dr. Rick.. On Sunday morning, bright and early, we
were all downtown Peoria at Le Vieux Carre, a wonderful, 100 year old
building that has been restored by Pat Sullivan to resemble the French
Quarter buildings in New Orleans.
This lovely building was covered in back and red
balloons and set up with a variety of tables: food, registration,
welcome, raffle and prizes and did I mention food?? The food was all
donated. We were treated to a wonderful and sumptuous spread including
some of the best pastries and breads, fresh fruit and pasta. The
weather was perfect-breezy and just warm enough and the crowd was
wonderful: considerate and happy and truly committed to the cause.
We had over 200 walkers and cleared (we hope this
is in the ballpark) $15,000. Amidst balloons and jazz music, everyone
listened for their number to be called out to win a myriad of prizes
ranging from $250 sunglasses donated from Maui Jim (Toad-you’re too
sexy for words in those shades!!) to an overnight stay at the downtown
Holiday Inn City Centre with dinner for 2 at Jim’s Downtown Steakhouse
and a horse-drawn carriage ride to books by Michael J. Fox, A.J.
Campbell and Carol Hurcon from the PD listserve and handmade Raggedy
Anne & Andy dolls made by PLWP member Jane Ross.
It was all over much too soon. My especial thanks
go out to Carol Walton of the Parkinson Alliance & the Tuchman
Foundation for their kind support and help-always; to Nan & Brenda of
PLWP, and to all those who made the trip here. Thanks also to my
family, friends and sponsors-you made it work!!!!
Joan B. Snyder
