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> Anne Rutherford wrote: > > Hello from a long time member of Barbara Patterson’s PARKINSN List. > > There are many lists today on the topic of Parkinson’s . There’s something for everyone. But when Barb started the Parkinson Information Exchange Network (also known as PIEN) in 1992-1993 she was just about the first. > > Later on John Cottingham joined the list, He has always been a great help to Barbara and about 4 years ago he set up an online version of PIEN. Its name surprise! is PIENO and the long form is "Parkinson Information Exchange Network--Online." > > --Note the ‘O’ for online. John has very generously covered the costs of PIENO since it began. > > For ten years Barb’s list has been sponsored by a faculty member at the University of Toronto (Canada) and the University has been very generous in its support of PIEN. > > Barbara’s thoughts about the list and why she started it can be found in her welcome letter: > > "In September 1992 I was diagnosed as having Parkinson’s... hence my interest in this topic. My purpose in starting the list was the exchange of information about Parkinson’s. The list rapidly changed into the largest support group I know. Besides its original purpose, the list has become ‘a means of feeling connected’ to others... a way of feeling we’re not alone.. of making living with pd easier to bear." > > Every message (almost) posted to the list is stored in searchable Archives, preserved forever, spelling mistakes and all. How to access the archives---- just follow the instructions. There are some very interesting reviews of Parkinson treatments, both practical and weird, all kinds of aids for independant living, and stories to make you laugh or cry. > > We owe a great deal to both John and Barbara and their "get on with it" > > attitude. They have made the world a better place for Parkies and this Parkie thanks them. > > Anne Rutherford > > Newfoundland