ROCKLAND COUNTY, N.Y. (October 25, 2022) – Parkinsons Wellness Project (PWP) will be planting 2,000 tulips—the international symbol for Parkinson’s Disease — at Clover Stadium in Pomona on November 1st at 11:30 am. The bulbs, being sponsored by Supernus Pharmaceuticals, will be planted in The Garden of Hope which the organization hopes will be dedicated as a public space for meditation and reflection in the coming year and serve as an inspiration for finding a cure to the debilitating disease. The organization’s mission is to serve as a bridge between the PD community and the world at large using educational live events and technology to break the barriers of isolation and helplessness associated with the disease in order to provide connection, hope, and renewed purpose to people dealing with PD.
A brick “Path to a Cure” is being constructed next to the tulips to support PWP’s ongoing programs and events. People wishing to purchase a brick to support the cause or remember a loved one, can buy a single 4” x 8” brick with three lines of copy for $150 or an 8” x 8” brick with five lines for $295.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system, ranking second among age-related degenerative brain diseases. It’s also the most common motor (movement-related) brain disease, affecting at least 1 percent of people over age 60 worldwide.
“PWP, established in 2019, is dedicated to helping people with Parkinson’s live their best lives possible,” says PWP Co-director Susan Lust. “It offers updates on the latest research and medications, and promotes best practices in diet, exercise, and social well-being for individuals with PD. Right now, we offer nine hours of exercise classes a week locally in Pomona, and virtually, as well as many educational events both in person and online. It is our hope to offer those classes for free at some point in the future. We currently serve about 1,100 families in Rockland, Bergen, Westchester and Orange Counties. Funds raised by purchasing a brick will help us to extend our reach and offer more programs to benefit Parkinson’s patients and their families.”
Anyone wishing to join the event to help plant the bulbs or wishing to purchase a brick, should contact the Parkinsons Wellness Project for more details. Parkinsons Wellness Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes better awareness, education, and social interaction for people with Parkinson’s disease. For more information, visit www.parkinsonswellnessproject.org or call 845-300-4511
ABOUT PARKINSON’S DISEASE
First described in 1817 by English physician James Parkinson as a “shaking palsy,” Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological disorder of the brain that results from a loss of cells that produce dopamine. Loss of this neurotransmitter dopamine causes instability of posture or balance, gait difficulty, stiffness or rigidity of the arms, legs or neck, general slowness of movement and tremors or trembling. Other symptoms may include depression, mental confusion, difficulty writing and speech problems. There isn’t a specific test to diagnose Parkinson’s disease. A neurologist will diagnose Parkinson’s disease based on an individual’s medical history, a review of symptoms, and a neurological and physical examination. Nearly one million people in the United States live with PD and 60,000 people are diagnosed with it each year. Parkinson’s disease can’t be cured, YET, but much research is being done to find a cure…Now there are many new medications and alternate therapies that can help control the symptoms, often dramatically.