Mark Sontz, Portland, Maine

MEAPDA Executive Board: Treasurer

I have been married to Mary (MEAPDA President) for 23 years and have lived in Portland for 19. We have two children, Andrew, 22 and Liz, 19. In my day job I am a Systems Consultant for Unum designing software and managing projects. In my spare time I enjoy running, playing golf and target shooting. I have been on the Board of Directors of several religious organizations and am currently an active member of Scarborough Fish & Game Gun Club.

For the past year I have served as the Treasurer of the Board. I am on the Board of Directors because my wife Mary was diagnosed with Parkinson's several years ago. When she was first diagnosed we found that there were holes in what was available for support and services to people in Maine with Young-Onset PD. The Chapter's Vision and Mission Statement of "Find a Cure for Parkinson's Disease" and "Local Awareness for a Worldwide Cure" resonate with me. As her husband and lifelong partner I hope that the reason for this disease and a cure is found within our lifetime. Half of our fundraising dollars go directly to support the research & development for a cure. In addition, I want to ensure funding, programs and services are available in Maine to provide the education, support and services patients and care-partners need.