Maine APDA Turns The Page To A New Chapter

Welcome to the Maine Chapter of the APDA's new beginnings. In May of 2008, Carl Barker, past President of the Maine Chapter graciously transferred the duties of President to me as he began a new chapter in his life. I knew that his shoes would be difficult ones to fill but for anyone that knows me, the harder the task the better the outcome. So here I am a year after the “suggestion” of becoming President was placed before me, working with an extremely dedicated Board of Directors who have a solid commitment to the Parkinson’s community of Maine. Many of you have already read my story in the Parkinson’s Pages so I won’t bore you with any more of my life, but instead excite you with the new life that has been created with the rebirth of the Maine Chapter. Once I officially decided to accept the role of President I went to work and pulled together a Board of Directors that I know have the same mission in their hearts as I do. That mission would quickly reveal itself. Once diagnosed I knew that I had to work towards creating an awareness about Parkinson Disease that would allow for young patients like myself to be diagnosed early so they could fight the monster within and hopefully keep the symptoms at bay as long as possible. The one thing that became evident early on was that I really didn’t hear much about Parkinson’s disease in the media. You hear about many other illnesses but not Parkinson’s, at least not from an educational standpoint. In early September I started reaching out to the media and Dr. William Stamey and was interviewed by Amanda Hill from WCSH, Channel 6. The feedback I received via email and phone the following day was more than I had expected. The word was getting out there.

On October 19th the Chapter had its first Awareness event, Pirates for Parkinson’s. We teamed up with the Portland Pirates to raise awareness and to let the community know that the Chapter was here for them. From that point forward the Board worked hard to establish a true mission statement that in my opinion says it all.

“Local Awareness For A Worldwide Cure.”

Board member Kari Sher-Jordan went to work designing a logo that would embrace the mission statement developed by the Board. It could not have come out any better.

The Board has been extremely busy working on several fundraising events that will occur over the next several months. The Membership Committee will be introducing the Maine Chapter's NEW WEBSITE at the Annual Awareness Conference as well as offering membership to the Maine Chapter which involves lending financial support to the work of the Chapter through payment of annual dues. Through membership we share  the burden required to accomplish the important goals of the Chapter. In addition you will receive admission to the Annual Parkinsons Awareness Conference as well as discounts at selected Maine Chapter events.

So what’s next?  We need to develop a volunteer base to help spread the word and continue the great work that has begun.  If you are interested in joining us by dedicating your time and talents please email me or by call me at 207-781-1738.

I look forward to a busy year and hope that the Chapter is able to meet the needs of the Parkinson’s community.