If you've thought about volunteering for PD but unsure about it, here are some thoughts:

To get started, search the web to see if there are local support groups or a PD chapter in your community. For many of us there are NPF, APDA and independent orgs nearby.

Then think about your skills or talents

-- could you help maintain (or even start) a website?
-- could you help edit or publish a newsletter?
-- are you available to mentor someone who is newly diagnosed?
-- do you have fundraising ideas?
-- are you willing to lead or help with a support group?

and so on

Or you can simply call or email them and ask about how you can help. Volunteering can help others in a big way. If you volunteer for some task, it may release $$ to provide wellness opportunities for other pwp in your community. Or it may allow that org to donate more $$ toward research.

Things to think about.

Have you considered a clinical trial?

Add it to the list!

Yes, I've been in 6 trials/studies.

Fundraising ideas...now that is something I could use.

Sadly, I discovered yesterday that we can't hold our 2010 Walk for Parkinson's here in Gettysburg, PA.

Why? Because of the unintended relationship I have with the local medical that oversees two hospitals is the only option we have for a sponsor. The medical group Foundation must over see, agree to and handle all monies raised, where donations will go, etc. etc...everything and has to vote on sponsorship and that can take over a year to complete, AND they only sponsor 501(c)3's. I asked about challenging the "only sponsors 501(c)3," I was told that is would jeopardize the employee/company relationships.

I was extremely bummed yesterday!!

So, we are regrouping and seeking other ways for raise awareness and hold any fundraisers. I/We are up against a brick wall because of what I didn't know when I started my support group last year and agreed to have a medical group employee as a co-leader.

And now I hear that I am to sign a contract regarding my support group and must have an employee at all group meetings and my support group agenda must be approved in advance.

If I had known all of this six months ago...




Thanks for letting me vent!!

You are now, officially, my hero!

Jean...a Hero...

Just kidding and she knows it.

DEEPBRAIN DIARIST & Stitcher You make me laugh. There are many of us here who have a long history of clinical trial participation including Stitcher, Jaye (who was lauded by the NIH for her participation - sorry I can't remember the name of her award), SherylJ, & others whom I cannot remember (sorry).

DEEP-BRAIN-DIARIST - you should look into the Parkinson Disease Foundation's Clinical Research Learning Institute (CLRI) - I bet you'd be a great candidate

stitcher wrote
...must have an employee at all group meetings and my support group agenda must be approved in advance.

Your story is shocking! Sounds like it is time to quit the present group an start another one without controlling sponsors