Welcome Letter

January 2011

Dear Friend,

Thank you for helping to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease (PD) in April 2011! This year’s goal is to “Shatter the Myths” about what it means to live with Parkinson’s.

There are nearly one million people in the US and an estimated seven to 10 million people worldwide living with Parkinson’s. Since Parkinson’s was first identified nearly 200 years ago, we have made progress in understanding and treating the disease. But … we have yet to find a cure.

Together, we must continue to 1) fund scientific research, 2) ensure the Parkinson’s community has access to the latest information and 3) increase awareness among the general public about the realities of this disease.

This April, how can you participate?

• Spread the Word: Raise awareness about Parkinson’s Awareness Month among your community, neighbors, friends, loved ones and even health professionals. By contacting local media with your story, wearing a Parkinson’s awareness t-shirt, or displaying the Parkinson’s Quilt in your community — YOU can spread the word.
• Educate Yourself and Others: Education about Parkinson’s can help improve disease management among people living with the disease and can also help to shatter some myths about the disease. Help to bring the latest information to families affected by Parkinson’s by setting up an educational event that can provide tips and tricks about medication management and nutrition. Work to raise awareness of Parkinson’s among your community members and explain why their help is needed to move our cause forward.
• Support the Cure: We all want a world without Parkinson’s. But we need your help in getting there. Whether it’s hosting a local fundraiser or participating in the Parkinson’s Unity Walk in New York City, your efforts can raise funds that benefit cutting-edge scientific research.

This toolkit provides you with resources for participating in a Parkinson’s Awareness Month campaign. Many of the materials in this kit can be re-used with your logo and local information. After all, none of us can raise awareness alone.

Please contact us if you have additional suggestions and let us know your plans for Parkinson’s Awareness Month. We look forward to working together this April.

Sincerely,

Robin Elliott
Executive Director, Parkinson’s Disease Foundation