Parkinson's Disease Foundation Highlights Diverse Contributions of Care Partners

NEW YORK, Nov. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of National Family Caregivers Month this November, the Parkinson's Disease Foundation® (PDF®) recognizes the diverse contributions of loved ones of people with Parkinson's disease, with its "All the Ways Care Partners Care" campaign.  PDF invites the community to share their stories and find support by visiting www.pdf.org/caregivers_month.

It is estimated that as many as one million people in the US live with Parkinson's disease.  Parkinson's disease impacts not only the individuals diagnosed, but also their families and often, an extended network.  Because of the nature of Parkinson's and the degree to which it can vary from person to person, caregiving can evolve considerably during the course of the disease. 

"As a retired nurse and a spouse of a person living with Parkinson's disease, I know first-hand how family and friends rally around a loved one with the disease.  This may mean helping with medical appointments or errands, or as the diseases advances, helping with personal care such as dressing or bathing.   I also know how those in our extended networks — family, neighbors, co-workers and health care professionals — provide support, making them part of the caregiving network.  This month, we thank all of these individuals, for all the ways in which they care," said Elaine Casavant, R.N., of Lansing, MI, a member of PDF's People with Parkinson's Advisory Council. 

PDF's "All the Ways Care Partners Care" campaign highlights four of these stories.  They include Maria De Leon, M.D., of Nacogdoches, TX, who first cared for her grandmother with Parkinson's disease, then for her patients as a movement disorders neurologist, and now lives with Parkinson's disease; Ms. Casavant, a retired nurse who cares for her husband Len, and who became a national advocate for caregivers after his diagnosis; the family of Greg Hardoby, of Rahway, NJ, who supported Mr. Hardoby's efforts to find a cure by raising more than $5,000 for PDF; and Paul and Jane Gaydos of Cleveland, OH, who work as a care partner team, partnering with scientists on the front lines to change research.  PDF invites the community to view these stories and share their own through an online photo campaign at www.pdf.org/caregivers_month.

"At PDF, we are always inspired to see all the ways in which individuals support their loved ones during a journey with Parkinson's disease — advocating for the best medical care, getting loved ones to appointments and working with PDF to move the cause forward," said Robin Anthony Elliott, President of PDF.  "This November, we recognize their diverse contributions and invite them to take advantage of the extensive resources available from PDF."

Care partners are invited to browse PDF's campaign, share their own stories and find support by contacting PDF's toll-free National HelpLine at (800) 457-6676 or [email protected] or by visiting www.pdf.org/caregivers_month.

About Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects nearly one million people in the US.  Although promising research is being conducted, there is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease.

About PDF Programs for Care Partners
As the population of the US ages, the incidence of Parkinson's disease is expected to increase.  This will affect the number of people needed to care for people living with Parkinson's disease.  To support this growing population, PDF offers programming and services for care partners, including a toll-free National HelpLine available at (800) 457-6676, an online seminar held annually during National Family Caregivers Month and print resources geared toward care partner needs.  To learn more, visit www.pdf.org/caregivers_month.

About the Parkinson's Disease Foundation®
The Parkinson's Disease Foundation® (PDF®) is a leading national presence in Parkinson's disease research, education and public advocacy.  We are working for the nearly one million people in the US who live with Parkinson's disease by funding promising scientific research while supporting people living with Parkinson's disease through educational programs and services.  Since its founding in 1957, PDF has dedicated over $105 million to fund the work of leading scientists throughout the world and over $44 million to support national education and advocacy initiatives.

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SOURCE Parkinson's Disease Foundation

Related Links

http://www.pdf.org

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