Monthly support groups meet in Pendleton, Hermiston

UMATILLA COUNTY — With April designated as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, a pair of local residents offer information about groups supported by Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon.

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder with no cure. According to a press release, early signs of the progressive disease include slight tremors, slowed movement, muscle stiffness, trouble with balance and sleep disturbances. Patients can work with a treatment team to manage symptoms.

A nonprofit organization, PRO started in 1980 with a single support group. Since then, the program has grown to help bridge the gap between medical care and wellness through support, education and activities for those living with the disease throughout Oregon and southwest Washington.

There is no fee to attend the support groups in Umatilla County. The monthly meetings and contact information:

• Third Monday, 4 p.m. in Conference Rooms 1-2 at CHI St. Anthony Hospital, 2801 St. Anthony Way, Pendleton (Michelle Parker, 503-758-9648).

• Third Wednesday, 1:30 p.m. in the banquet room at Desert Lanes Family Fun Center, 1545 N. First St., Hermiston (Jari Boettcher, 541-561-7576).

Boettcher said everyone is welcome, including family members, friends and caregivers. He said the group provides an opportunity to develop camaraderie with others impacted by the disease.

It’s helpful when people share their personal experiences, Boettcher said, because the disease can manifest in a spectrum of symptoms.

Parker said the gatherings in Pendleton include social activities, such as potluck meals, games and creating crafts.

“It’s more like a social event,” Parker said. “It’s important that your life doesn’t end just because you have a diagnosis.”

Also, both groups discuss potential topics of interest and then work with PRO to schedule special sessions with medical personnel and other professionals. Featured topics include Parkinson’s basics, current treatments, ongoing research, physical therapy and deep brain stimulation.

After several years of unexplained symptoms, Carol Clupny, of Hermiston, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2008. She said until recently, Parkinson’s was “ … considered an ‘old person’s disease,’ predominated by males over the age of 60.” Currently, she said, more women are being diagnosed, as are people under the age of 50 — Clupny was diagnosed shortly after her 50th birthday.

Clupny refers to herself as an “advocate for the Parkinson’s community.” She urges people to take advantage of available opportunities and resources “… that might help them to live better with this progressive disease.”

Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon is based in Beaverton with offices in Bend and Eugene. For more information, search www.parkinsonsresources.org. For questions, call 541-668-6599 or the toll-free helpline at 800-426-6806.