What a wonderful Spring!!
Spring 2002 proved to be an exciting time in the Parkinson’s arena. There’s
more unity, more research, more awareness and more personal involvement than
ever before. It’s amazing the way organizations are holding up their end and
cooperating with one another. It is inspiring to see the grass roots turn out
in droves…be it in Washington, DC, NYC or on the Internet. It’s fulfilling to
be a part of such a movement.
We
are so very proud of three of our PLWP’s who have been honored for their
efforts in the Parkinson’s cause. Greg Wasson for receiving the first Milly
Kondracke Award, Carol McLeod for the PLWP John Lester Domino Award 2001, and
for the Benevolence Team, AJ (Ann) Campbell Team Leader Carolyn Stephenson,
Kathy Hayes, and Greg Wasson received the PLWP Team Achievement Award. Thanks
so much to all of you for all your hard work!!
Each
of you reading this ezine in one-way or another is making a difference. So
sit back and pat yourself on the back. Feels good, huh? Know in your
heart that you are a part of history in the making.
NOW,
that’s a good warm fuzzy feeling but it’s back to work. Because all of us
have a vested interest or a common agenda here, we know that even though the
wheels are turning, they need to go faster. We have people to help “live with
PD” until the cure and at the same time, we have to support advocacy,
research, awareness, etc. etc. etc. There is so much to do that one could be
overwhelmed by it all. The beauty of this is that there are Many Voices
… One Dream! Each of us can contribute in whatever way we want. Here
are just a view ways you can share in this amazing effort:
As
a member of PLWP:
-
Carol McLeod is doing an awesome job with the website. It is more user
friendly than ever before. Use the site!! If you have never taken time to
go through the entire site, you’re missing a real treat. We think you can
find anything you might need to “walk the walk” on the site. If not,
there’s an option where you can make suggestions.
-
Carol along with Peg Willocks and several others publish this ezine every 45
days or so that we are extremely proud of. Could be you have something to
share with the PD world…tips, photos, stories, experiences. Here’s a
platform to state your mind.
-
PLWP has many teams and is always in need of additional volunteers. (For
those of you who are new to PLWP, our infrastructure is explained on the
site.) Here are a couple of vacancies that we have right now:
-
Membership Team
-
Website guru to support Carol
-
Our Benevolence effort is in full gear now. That means we need money to
help our fellow PLWPs. Helping each other is what we are all about!.
-
Many of you still work or have a very full schedule for one reason or
another. You could help us maintain the chat room just by being there. We
have so many people (new and old) looking for a friend to talk to or wanting
to help a fellow person.
-
Contribute by participating, by interaction, by supporting those who can and
do contribute on a larger scale that you do. How you ask?
-
Read and comment the journals. The people who keep their journals on the
website are sharing their hearts, their most innermost thoughts, and they
are making a difference. Let them know you’re reading them.
-
On the website, there is now a Photo Gallery. Share your photos.
-
Visit Sandy’s Porch, you’ll always find friendship and support there.
-
Contribute to VIRTUALITY…it is our outreach to the masses.
As
an individual:
-
Stay up to date on what is going on the federal level and be prepared to
communicate with your representatives on a moments notice. Our Advocacy
Team can help you accomplish this on the website.
- On
the local front, get out there and stir up awareness. If you have PD,
though it’s not always easy to get “out amongst them”…do it for yourself and
for all your comrades. Let the world know we’re here!
These
are just a few ideas.
If you have ideas, put
them in the PLWP suggestion box. Of course, we’d all benefit if the
individual making the suggestion was willing to get involved and implement the
suggestion if it proves to be a hit.
PLWP
is on the move. We are recognized on the national as well as international
level. We are making a difference but we need to make more of one. The first
year to a year and a half PLWP talked the talk, planning and developing
our infrastructure…we are now and have been walking the walk. The
dreams and visions are one by one becoming reality proving that we mean what
we say. If we don’t help each other improve our quality of life, who will!?
By helping each other to help ones self, we are standing up and being counted.
Again, we ask that you take time to look over the website. For those who are
not aware of what PLWP is doing…you may be surprised. We’re more than just a
website!! The great thing is the “We” in PLWP is over 500 strong now with a
good percentage of that membership contributing in their own way.
Together we can and are making a difference…join us!
Love and Hope
Nan and Bren
