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Dear Will, Thank you for the kind words. The newsletter did take a great deal of time and energy and writing it for the Parkinson Foundation of Harris County (PFHC) for so many years and receiving so many kind letters and comments, I felt a personal connection and moral responsibility to my readers, which led me to write the letter explaining why Joe and I resigned our vice-presidencies and also give my readers the therapy information PFHC wouldn't. But I haven't quite retired yet! I'm still hanging in there...only directing my efforts toward the other group in Houston that tried to get the two organizations to work together. As I wrote in my letter: "Joe and I will continue to work to help achieve our dream that a cure will be discovered in the near future making all therapy and support groups unnecessary. Until that happens, we have decided to work with HAPS since it offers a broader range of support to the Parkinson community, including new programs for transportation and respite for caregivers as well as raising money for research and being proactive at the state and national level. When HAPS learned of my resignation, they were kind enough to offer me the option of publishing any articles I wish to write." And, as of yesterday, Joe and I were asked to sit on their board of directors. HAPS next newsletter will publish the "Cope with Hope" article and more in the future. So, if you'd like to be included on that mailing list, you can email Anne Martin at [log in to unmask] (And if you want, it would be great if you would write PFHC a letter letting them know your feelings. They REALLY need some feedback!) Thanks again. nina will johnston wrote: > A PRIVATE NOTE > > Nina, > > I was quite disappointed to see your swan song and the next issue from > Houston. You did a real service to the PD cause in Houston which spilled > over into other areas. Getting out a newsletter is no easy job. I > particularly hate to see the reason for the change. We have enough to > fight without having to scrap with each other. > > Those of us who have been leaders should ease up, learn to enjoy the > pleasures of retirement while there is some enjoyable lifetime left, and > let the next generation of PWP take the reins. I talked with a friend of > Joan Samuelson this past week. I have known Joan since 1992 but have not > talked to Joan for about a year. She has been a great leader and has done a > good job, but Parkinson's is catching up with her. PAN's time had come and > Michael J. Fox came on the scene just when he was needed. She was > successful in her lobbying and in finding a successor. I hope the Houston > group can find a worthy successor or have a successor quickly develop to > continue your work. Joan needs to take things easier now, and I understand > she is. > > I know I am slowing down. I really want to turn running the chapter and > related matters over to a successor, but I have thus far found no one who > is both able and willing to take over. In Houston you have a large - > although widespread - population to draw from. I am not so fortunate. > > While you have the opportunity, have fun! > > Will Johnnston > A.P.D.A. DelMarVA Chapter Pres. > 4049 Oakland School Road > Salisbury MD 21804 USA 410-543-0110