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Dear Friends, Here is an article that ran last Saturday , the morning of the open house. I post it for those that may not receive the Eastside Journal. Bill Parkinson's center opens in Kirkland: - Named in honor of former Gov. Gardner, the center will offer `holistic' treatment 2000-06-24 by Elizabeth Williams Journal Reporter KIRKLAND -- Evergreen Hospital's new Booth Gardner Parkinson's Care Center, touted as only the second center in the nation to offer ``holistic'' treatment, will open its doors to patients July 3. The 5,000-square-foot center, named after the former Washington governor who has Parkinson's, specializes in providing support for family members and caregivers as well patients. ``We formed the partnership with Evergreen because we have similar theories on care,'' said Bill Bell, executive director and co-founder of the Northwest Parkinson's Foundation. Four member's of Bell's family have Parkinson's disease, and it was his experiences in seeking treatment for them that led him to create the foundation a year and a half ago. The center will feature both traditional and alternative therapies. Patients will have access to family counseling, individual therapy, comprehensive assessment programs, nutritionists and physical rehabilitation physicians. They will also have the opportunity to participate in alternative treatments including massage, feng shui, tai chi and relaxation training. ``Our goal is for people to be functionally independent,'' Tony McCormick, the center's administrative director said. Input from Parkinson's patients was used to make the center a Parkinson's-friendly environment. Many were asked to outline a wish list of what they wanted from a treatment center. Their suggestions were then forwarded to the design team. ``It's really about patients getting what they need,'' McCormick said. Although the center is housed at Evergreen Medical Center, the center was originally NWPF's idea. Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disease of the brain. As affected brain cells die, the patient progressively loses muscle control, which can manifest into visible tremors and joint rigidity. It eventually results in paralysis and death. Drugs can hide or suppress the symptoms, but frequently the side effects of the drugs can be as difficult to manage as the disease itself. ``Education is as big a tool as the therapies themselves,'' Bell said. ``[It] helps patients get over the fear of what they've been diagnosed with.'' Dennis Wright, 48, of Seattle, has had Parkinson's disease for the past five years. He looks forward to having all of his various treatments in the same building. ``All the care I've been getting so far is very exclusive of each other,'' he said. ``As the disease progresses, I'm looking forward to using the support system they have there.'' The medical staff working at the center was specifically selected by Evergreen for their experience with neurological movement diseases. Neurologist Dr. Monique Giroux, the center's medical director, has specialized in Parkinson's disease for the past four years. ``Over many years dealing with Parkinson's, I have found that you can receive a higher quality of life from those doctors who specialize in the disease,'' Bell said. Elizabeth Williams can be reached at [log in to unmask] or 425-452-1074. Bill Bell Executive Director Northwest Parkinson's Foundation 425-746-5556 / [log in to unmask] http://www.nwpf.org