Parkinson's Resources of Oregon is an excellent resource for the newly diagnosed as well as for those of us who have had the disease for several years. The staff are all very knowledgable about Parkinson's and if they don't have the information you need, which is highly unlikely, they know where to refer you to obtain the answers you require. All staff members are a joy to work with....all very caring and supportive. I have personally been involved with PRO for three years and have been assisted by them many times. They are invaluable to all people living with this disease.
Hi My name is Kevin Mansfield.
I was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2001. All my Dr. told me was that I had Parkinson's and to come back in 6 months. I had no idea what it was or anything about this daises .I started to look on line and that was to overwhelming so I started to look for other help. I found Parkinson's Resources of Oregon and started to ask questions. They answered all of my questions and asked me if I would like to go to a support group and about two months latter one was formed. One year latter I became a Facilitator and still am 12 years latter. PRO has a very good staff that will help you in any way they can. They have a wonderful lending library, support groups all over Oregon and SW Washington. They go to health fairs to give out information to many newly diagnosed people that do not know where to turn. They have a great conference on time a year where they bring in Doctors, and other professionals to help us understand some of the feeling we are having as well as problems we may be facing. Some of the great services they provide are: Education Programs, Lending Library, Support Groups, Exercise and/or Speech Classes, Social Services.
After my diagnosis of PD in January, 2008, I was referred to PRO as a place to find out what I would be facing. I found out !! PRO is an excellent resource for education and support for PD patients and their families. The short version is this --- I can either be VERTICAL or HORIZONTAL in my approach to my future. Horizontal is giving up & sliding into the couch cushions. Vertical is daily exercise, attending & helping facilitate support groups, helping fund raise, trying to eat right & get sleep as best as I can...
Being involved in my life as much as possible. PRO has helped me develop the courage to do these things. "I can't stop the waves from breaking, but I can learn to Surf !!" John Watson
I found PRO when trying to find a way to support my mother who has Parkinson's Disease, and also as a way to educate myself on the subject. After attending two fundraising events, I realized how compassionate the staff was about their cause, and also how important PRO is for the PD community. I decided that I wanted to be a part of this, so I became a volunteer for PRO. It has been more than 6 years since I found PRO, and I couldn't be more proud to be affiliated with such a wonderful organization. My family has found support when needed, whether it be a listening ear or education on how to live the most positive life with Parkinson's Disease. Thank you to the PRO staff for always going above and beyond for those you serve!
I've had the opportunity to have some type of involvement with PRO since the late 90's when it was called Will Cope. At the time, it was a one woman show, Holly Chaimov was the Executive Director doing everything! Over the years, I have watched Parkinson's Resources of Oregon grow into an incredible organization with wonderful, caring staff that touch many lives. I am a Personal Trainer who works primarily with people with Parkinson's. So many of my clients benefit from the services provided by this great organization. The resources run the gamut from education, one on one work with clients helping them navigate the disease, Aware in Care, and Support Groups. As a co-faciiltater of a support group sponsored by PRO, I've seen the difference it can make! If one of my clients hasn't heard of PRO, I always put them in contact with one of the staff. I can't say enough good things about Parkinson's Resources of Oregon.
I was diagnosed with PD in 2004. After the shock of the diagnosis, I spent two years in denial. However, I joined an exercise class geared specifically for people with PD,started by Nancy Nelson dba PDEX. When I attended the first class, it was a real eye opener. As I viewed my classmates and their various stages with PD, and heard them using terminology related to PD that I wasn't familiar with, it made me aware that I basically had little or no understanding of this disease at all and I had already WASTED two of the most important years of learning about PD.
Through PRO, I was able to obtain numerous books and attend several PRO sponsored lectures and conferences presented by some of the top people in the their field of research. The staff at PRO is just amazing. They are very knowledgeable, bright and upbeat!
If you have been recently diagnosed with PD, PLEASE contact PRO today. They can and will help you realize that you can live a productive life with PD.
NOW GET GOING, Please!
Review from Guidestar
My involvement with this organization began over six years ago, first by volunteering, then donating, and eventually becoming a Board member. Having had family members with Parkinson's disease gives me a deep understanding of the needs of not only the client, but their families and caregivers as well. The services provided by Parkinson's Resources of Oregon reach deep into the community, providing much needed support and guidance for those affected by this disease. The staff is amazing, and the entire group is focused on providing the best support possible for the people they serve.