I feel so bad even making that suggestion. I like the tulip very much and wouldn't want to change it. Thank you for creating such a nice symbol for the people with parkinsons.

Okay, I have the pin. I have the bag. I have the bumper sticker.

NOW I want it in Magnet form for my car!!

Carolyn--

When I get back from my trip, I'll send you one!

Jean

To all who have posted: Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Jean & I are living our dream.

Karen
PD Tulip Designer

Youtube short with voiceover -about pd awareness and the tulip

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkGRzsxnUzQ

Jean B

Karen,

Thanks for your gift to people with Parkinson's. What I've dubbed the "People's Tulip" is not just a symbol, but the catalyst for change long overdue. We will take down the walls that divide the PD community and combine our efforts to find a CURE in our lifetimes.

Sheryl

I think the idea of a single emblem for Parkinson's is a great idea; I applaud Jean, Sheryl, and Karen for their great efforts in pushing this concept forward and bringing awareness to the fractured nature of the national PD establishment - a division that works against the best interest of the patient.

But it is not enough. We must take care that the unifying symbol of the tulip does not come to mean symbolic unity only. We must keep working to bring collaboration among all the organizations on a real level; cooperation in research, education, and advocacy; a dedication to eliminate duplicated efforts, to be aware of what is getting done for patients and what is falling between the cracks.

I attended a meeting of the People with Parkinson's Advisory Council sponsored by the Parkinson's Disease Foundation last week in NYC. CEO Robin Elliott is acutely aware of the divisions (we don't let him forget - I am gratified that virtually all of the patients on the committee see organizational non-cooperation and duplication to be an underlying, ongoing, and deeply troubling challenge that is raised at every opportunity), and there are hopeful new program initiatives on the horizon that bode well for better collaboration. It still remains a tough road and a hard sell.

The fact remains that the PD organization world is mainly one of competition not cooperation.

Let's continue to be vigilant, active, and outspoken (MJFF CEO Katie Hood's "agitators and idealists") advocates for real unity - we can't let the powers that be think that putting the same symbol on all of their literature means the same thing as actually working together on behalf of all PD patients. Symbolism can be powerful. Hopefully, this effort will get them thinking.

Carey -- Well stated! I agree wholeheartedly.

I agree, this is an amazing design!

Local NPF & local APDA chapters around the U.S. are purchasing tulip pins and are using the tulip!



Jean