Will,
The Parkinson Foundation of Canada participated in the first World
Parkinson Day on April 11, 1997. Our national newsletter said "the idea
originated with the European Parkinson's Disease Association. The
association encompasses 17 countries located throughout Europe. This
provides a great opportunity for the 31 countries worldwide which have
national Parkinson's foundations and associations to focus attention on the
impact that this condition has on Parkinsonians, care givers, family members
and the community.
"The day also provides us with an opportunity to be proactive on
behalf of Parkinsonians. This day can be a way of declaring what
Parkinsonians need and want to ensure that they can live the best possible
quality of life.
What Parkinsonians really want is:
* To be referred to a specialist with knowledge of Parkinson's.
* An early, rather than later, referral to a multi-disciplinary team
of health and social care providers.
* The diagnosis to be delivered to them in a way that enables them
to accept the condition and to feel that they are a primary part of the 'team.'
* Continuity of care and access to community support services.
* To be allowed to take 'ownership' of the management of their care.
"April 11 has particular significance in that it marks the birthday
of Dr. Parkinson."
Judith Richards
London, Canada
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At 11:50 25/01/98 -0500, will johnston wrote:
>Dear list members,
>
>There have been several notes about Parkinson's Awareness Day or Month.
>Is this a national campaign? Local? A worldiwide campaign? Is there
>some reason for a particular month or day? Is some particular organization
>or group of organizations pushing this? APDA is talkimg about having
>local governmental entities proclaim April 11 as World Parkinson Disease
>Day? Is this a strictly APDA idea?
