BREVARD COUNTY — The Brevard Parkinson’s Alliance (BPA) is proud to present the BPA Lunch and Learn on March 9th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Schechter Community Center located at 1089 South Patrick Drive in Satellite Beach. With over 5,000 Brevard residents suffering from the disease, this informative event is greatly beneficial to patients and their families.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a long-term, degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that affects the body’s movement. Symptoms such as trembling hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; stiffness of the arms, legs, and trunk; slow movement; poor balance and coordination first appear gradually and then exacerbate over time. As symptoms progress, patients could find it harder to walk, talk, or complete simple, everyday tasks. The chronic aspect of the disease is particularly debilitating, leading to depression, sleep issues, and trouble chewing or speaking.
Sadly, Parkinson’s has no known cure, but we’ve come a long way to help patients and their families cope with the disease. This is due to continued research, education, and the sharing of resources from doctors and organizations like the Brevard Parkinson’s Alliance. “Our mission is to serve those challenged with Parkinson’s disease, their caregivers, and families,” said BPA Co-President, Barbara Fradkin.
The humble need for support and assistance began with Larry Smith – an Indian River Colony Club resident – in 2016. One Senior Place opened its doors to facilitate a support group of two, which has since grown to become the Brevard Parkinson’s Alliance, with 28 active members. The BPA is now the leading organization in Brevard County to help patients and families navigate their options, provide resources, and promote ongoing fundraising efforts for continued assistance, and to one day find a cure. The BPA Board of Advisors – comprised of caregivers, Parkinson’s patients, and associated professionals – are dedicated to informing local patients with up-to-date information and ensuring a better quality of life for all involved.
With that in mind, the BPA will host the Parkinson’s Lunch and Learn event, free of charge, to local residents on March 9th. Reservations are required to ensure availability and seating. The deadline for reservations is March 7th. The Lunch and Learn event will feature three important topics: Basics & Prevention, Wellness and Recovery, and local services and Rock Steady Boxing.
Parkinson’s Basics and Prevention will be led by Dr. Rosemary Laird, ClinCloud board certified geriatrician, who has worked with both Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Dr. Laird will share the latest information available concerning PD and the proactive measures we can take to prevent it.
Adam Rhoads, MSPT, will inform attendees of the many ways patients can lessen the effects of PD through Wellness and Recovery, a program specifically written for those suffering with PD, bearing the importance of exercise and living a healthy lifestyle. Mr. Rhoads works with PD patients at Aquatic Health and Rehab in Viera.
Russ Lewey is the Brevard Parkinson’s Alliance Secretary and is excited to share information about what the organization is all about and how it can benefit local patients and caregivers. Mr. Lewey is also the owner of T’Ville Uppercut in Titusville and offers Rock Steady Boxing for those with Parkinson’s.
Attendees will be offered a boxed lunch – sandwich, chips, cookie, and beverage – to enjoy while they learn about the new information available to them and their loved ones.
“We want to let patients and their caregivers know they are not alone,” said Ms. Fradkin. A true sense of fellowship is what the BPA has built for the Parkinson’s community in Brevard County, extending further assistance by providing transportation, respite care, and scholarships for the Rock Steady boxing program.
The Lunch and Learn event is one of the many undertakings BPA facilitates in its campaign to serve.
Additional sponsors for the BPA Lunch and Learn event include the 55+ Club Satellite Beach, Rock Steady Boxing T’Ville Uppercut, Aquatic Health and Rehab Sports Medicine Center, and ClinCloud. For more information regarding the BPA Lunch and Learn, or to book your reservation, please visit https://brevardparkinsons.org/ or contact them at 321-773-6458.
