Power, Persevere and Take a Deep Breath

As April ends and May begins, a sense of accomplishment, appreciation and wonder go through my mind.  April was Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and I wonder if CAP and Beat PD Today accomplished their goals.  Did PWP’s appreciate all that we offered?  Did we educate Connecticut that PD is a disease that we need to find a cure for soon?

CAP offered and participated in a variety of events in April with a goal of continuing the momentum they gained to reach more of their goals as we enter May.  There was a first time Parkinson’s Expo that was very successful in providing resources for People with Parkinson’s.  CAP sent a team to the Unity Walk in NY to support awareness.  CAP partnered with Yale and gifted them $10,000 for clinical research.  CAP had 3 representatives speak at the State Capital for the Governor’s recognition of Parkinson’s Awareness Month.  CAP members attended various workshops, presentations, celebrations, fundraisers, starred in a national television documentary and attended socials that were offered throughout Connecticut.  I must say that I am proud that Connecticut is on the map for PD Awareness.  CAP is on the map and we are well respected among doctors, pharmaceuticals, hospitals, researchers, patients and other Parkinson’s groups.  I thank my fellow CAP Board members, all family and friends and all members of the Connecticut Advocates for Parkinson’s. 

Did we accomplish our goals?  Yes.  Do we appreciate every member of CAP and the Board for raising awareness and their hard work? Yes.  And now I wonder what is around the corner for all of us with this disease.  How close are we from finding the Cure?  What will happen in the next 10 years in the PD world?  All we can do is persevere.  We need to continue to work hard to stay healthy, think hard to fundraise and use the funds efficiently, and most of all, keep our heads high and stay hopeful.  The month of May brings us new flowers, beautiful weather, sunshine and a feeling of a fresh start, getting outside and enjoying the energy from nature.  Let’s all try to embrace this month and continue to work toward our goals as we appreciate the beauty of each day with hopeful spirits.

“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”
– Desmond Tutu

“Where there is no vision, there is no hope.”
 – George Washington Carver

“Believe!”

Michelle Hespeler