The Lexington Area Parkinson’s Support Group is the recipient of the 2017 I know expo grant. The decision to present the grant to the group was unanimous.
Amber Lakin, community relations manager at Provisions Living at Beaumont Center – opening this summer – was involved in nominating the support group.
“For me there’s just a real personal connection there,” said Lakin, adding that she has family members with Parkinson’s. “But the other thing that makes the group so special is that it’s volunteer driven and completely donation based. There’s something very special about both those things.”
The support group – http://www.parkinsonslexington.com – is creative in its approach to serving those with Parkinson’s, Lakin said.
In addition to offering morning and evening support group meeting, it also has a guest speakers program and offers a variety of exercise classes including Rock Steady Boxing at Title Boxing Club, chair yoga at Crestwood Christian Church, aquatic classes at the Cardinal Hill therapy pool and a Parkinson’s exercise program tailored to the needs of Parkinson’s patients.
Also, a medications program is offered with a neurologist and a pharmacist to keep members updated on medication management in Parkinson’s; a half day care partners’ retreat happens annually and the latest advances in Parkinson’s will be presented in a half-day program later this year.
Dave Smith joined the group when he moved to Lexington two years ago. He’s on the board of directors
“The group takes a very positive look at Parkinson’s. We want to move forward with our lives. We really support each other and look at our lives from a positive standpoint. Parkinson’s effects different people in different ways so it’s important to be able to help people with what’s happening with them and to share new information about the disease.”
Smith was diagnosed with Parkinson’s five years ago when he noticed he was having trouble writing and using a keyboard. “But, with medication, I was gradually about to regain those skills,” he said.
The grant the Lexington Area Parkinson’s Support Group received was for $1,800.
This is the third grant awarded by the I know expo. In 2015 the grant was awarded to KyCancerLink.org formerly Kentucky Pink. It was nominated by UKHealthcare. In 2016 the recipient was God’s Pantry nominated by AARP.
