Parkinson’s Awareness Month

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month and as per our tradition, we ask the City of Las Cruces and Dona Ana County to read a proclamation at one of their council meetings.

It would be great if some of our members could attend one or both of these events in a show of support.

  •  Monday, April 3 at 1:00 pm, City of Las Cruces – Council Chambers at City Hall, 700 N. Main Street
  • Tuesday, April 4 at 9:00 am, Dona Ana County Commission Chambers, 845 N. Motel Blvd. Las Cruces

The meetings begin with their usual business and proclamations are placed at the top of the agendas. PD members will be asked to come to the front of the room and the proclamation is read. We are given the opportunity to speak

This year, we have many activities to report: 

  • Regular support group meeting, third Tuesday
  • Newly diagnosed support group , fourth Tuesday
  • Pickleball for Parkinson’s, Thursdays at 1:00 pm at Meerscheidt
  • Planned for the fall is a Renew Retreat for both people with Parkinson’s and their care partners and family members
  • Carol’s exercise class “New Pathways for Parkinson’s” at Northrise on Monday and Wednesday at 10:00 am
  • Rock Steady Boxing 
  • Newly updated website with a calendar of events, Website address is www.pdsgsnm.org

Join a Research Study

The Parkinson’s Foundation has invited us to participate in a research study. PD GENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinson’s Disease, is a national initiative that offers genetic testing for clinically relevant Parkinson’s-related genes and genetic counseling at no cost for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Participation can be either in-person at one of our participating Centers of Excellence sites or from home through a telemedicine appointment and at-home cheek swab collection kit.

Thanks!

The “It’s Just Parkinsons” documentary screening & fundraiser at the Fountain Theatre went extremely well. Thank you to Tom Huchinson and La Posta de Mesilla for your support and thanks to everyone who came and/or donated.

The documentary is online at https://vimeo.com/735290736 hit enter then type in code Lemond19898xii

Notes from January’s Meeting

During our January support group meeting, we heard from MaryKay Brady and Mary McLaren representing End of Life Options New Mexico. We learned what options are available for end of life and the process. MaryKay mentioned forms that could be downloaded and has provided the links.

New Mexico Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment The NM MOST form is a legal document that goes into effect only if you become incapacitated and are unable to speak for yourself. It helps others know what type of medical care you want.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Form – 2013 DNR FORM (nmhealth.org)

Also for free wills, living wills, durable power of attorney for healthcare proxy – https://www.freewill.com/

MaryKay Brady, End of Life Options New Mexico jmranch@ymail.com 575 546 1931