Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 01/29/2008 08:58 PM
Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 01/29/2008 09:01 PM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM
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Non-Profit Parkinsons Organization Donates New Children's Book to Explain Parkinsons Disease to Calaveras Libraries
The famous boxer Muhammad Ali has suffered from Parkinsons Disease for nearly thirty years. He is one of nearly two million Americans who have Parkinsons Disease [PD], a progressive, degenerative neurological disease which does not go into remission and which has no cure. The once mischievous Ali is now quite fragile, no longer able to speak or to walk. As the disease progressed, Ali's daughter Rasheda Ali struggled to explain to her...
Sarah Johnson, on the right, of proACTIVE parkinsons project presents copies of "I'll Hold Your Hand So You Don't Fall, a Child's Guide to Parkinsons Disease" for each branch library to Maurie Hoelstra, Main Librarian of Calaveras County.
children why their grandfather had changed due to his illness. Since very few adults understand this complicated disorder, her challenge was to find a way to communicate with children, without frightening them, what was happening to their much-loved grandfather. The kids needed to understand that he is the same person, even though he may act quite differently at times.
The book "I'll Hold Your Hand So You Won't Fall, A Child's Guide to Parkinson's Disease" resulted from Rasheda Ali's desire to explain to her curious children what was happening to her father. Beautifully illustrated by SMK Design, the book addresses fifteen common symptoms of PD as well as the latest surgery, Deep Brain Stimulation.
proACTIVE parkinsons project is an all-volunteer, grassroots area organization created to meet the needs of people suffering from Parkinsons, their caregivers and families while educating the community about this devastating disorder. Over the past three years, the project has furnished each library in Calaveras County with literature produced by the major Parkinsons Disease foundations and with DVDs on how to manage PD. When project director sarah johnson saw "I'll Hold Your Hand So You Won't Fall", she knew immediately that it should be in every library branch, no matter how small, in the county. "The book could certainly help parents and grandparents talk with their young family members about PD. It will be a very useful tool to promote understanding and foster communication" johnson said.
The only roadblock to making the books available was money, or lack thereof. The project had no funding to pay for the book purchase. The addition of this book to the libraries went onto the "wish list" for the project.
Then, following an educational presentation to a professional organization, one agency in attendance offered to pay for the books for the libraries...every branch! Much to the delight of johnson, the books were ordered and soon ready for distribution. They deserve kudos for their kindness but prefer to be one of those quiet angels who sometimes make dreams come true for small volunteer organizations! Anyone in need of information about Parkinsons Disease and support are encouraged to contact sarah johnson at (209)296-2575. And...the next time you're in the library, take a look at "I'll Hold Your Hand So You Won't Fall."
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