<![CDATA[Parkinson's Association of SWFL - Blog]]>Thu, 12 Dec 2024 16:04:43 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[November is National Family Caregivers Month]]>Sat, 02 Nov 2024 11:09:48 GMThttp://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/blog/november-is-national-family-caregivers-month
**Celebrating National Family Caregivers Month: Honoring the Heart and Strength of Our Parkinson’s Caregivers**

November marks National Family Caregivers Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and honoring the countless caregivers who support loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, or illnesses. At the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida, we want to take a moment to shine a light on the special caregivers in our community who provide care to individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.

Caregiving for someone with Parkinson’s is both a journey and a commitment, often involving the management of physical symptoms, emotional support, and endless patience. Parkinson’s disease presents unique challenges, including mobility issues, communication difficulties, and cognitive changes, which can require constant vigilance and adaptation from caregivers. For these family members, friends, and partners, caregiving is not just a role; it’s an act of love and resilience. 

### Why We Celebrate Family Caregivers
Caregivers often serve as the primary support system, offering the essential care that allows their loved ones to live comfortably and with dignity. Despite the invaluable role they play, many caregivers face feelings of isolation, burnout, and the physical and emotional toll of constant caregiving. National Family Caregivers Month provides a platform to raise awareness of these challenges, advocate for better support, and, most importantly, show our gratitude to these selfless individuals.

### Resources and Support for Parkinson’s Caregivers
At the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida, we’re committed to providing support to caregivers throughout their journey. We offer resources, support groups, and educational programs tailored specifically for caregivers of individuals with Parkinson’s. Our goal is to equip caregivers with the tools, community, and compassion they need to continue doing what they do best: caring.

If you’re a caregiver, remember that self-care is essential too. Taking time for yourself, seeking out support, and connecting with others in similar situations can help sustain your health and well-being. You are not alone—our community is here for you.

### Thank You to Our Everyday Heroes
To every caregiver who supports a loved one with Parkinson’s, we want you to know how deeply appreciated you are. Your compassion, dedication, and resilience do not go unnoticed. This month, we celebrate you and reaffirm our commitment to providing the resources and community support you need.

Thank you, caregivers, for all that you do. You are the heart of our Parkinson’s community.

*For more information about our caregiver programs, and resources, or to find a support group near you, please visit our website or contact us directly.* https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/caregiver-programs.html​
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<![CDATA[Bingo for Bags & Baubles October 17, 2024]]>Fri, 06 Sep 2024 13:32:54 GMThttp://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/blog/bingo-for-bags-baubles-october-17-2024
A FABULOUSLY FUN WAY TO SUPPORT THE PASWFL

NAPLES, FLORIDA – July 31, 2024 – The Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) invites you to join them for Bingo for Bags & Baubles on October 17, 2024, at 4:00 pm at the Vineyards Country Club (VCC) at 400 Vineyards Blvd, Naples, FL 34119. This fun evening provides a unique opportunity to mingle, laugh, enjoy a delicious plated sit-down dinner prepared by VCC chefs, have a drink or two, and play friendly bingo games. Come and play for a chance to win designer handbags like Coach, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, and many more! Registration is $80 per person before August 29, 2024, and $95 after that date.  Registration includes 10 rounds of bingo with designer bags or jewelry awarded to the winning cardholder, a fabulous three-course dinner, and valet parking. VIP registration is available with additional benefits for $130. This fun evening supports the Parkinson’s Association of SWFL. 
The Evening Schedule Includes:
4:00 pm: Doors open for cocktails and raffle/bingo prize review, 
5:00 pm: Dinner
5:40 pm: Raffle Winners Drawn
6:00 pm: Bingo Begins

About the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida: Helping community members live well with PD for over 25 years. The mission of the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida is to enrich the quality of life and empower people touched by Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative diseases through exceptional programs and services. Services and support are always free and extended to the care partners and families of community members with PD. For more information, visit ParkinsonAssociationSWFL.org or call 239-417-3465.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Join BrightStar Care and Right At Home to support this great cause.
For more information, visit ParkinsonAssociationSWFL.org or call 239-417-3465. Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida, 2575 Northbrooke Plaza Drive, Suite 301, Naples, FL 34119.

IN CASE YOU GO
WHAT: Bingo for Bags & Baubles benefitting the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida
WHERE: The Vineyards Country Club, 400 Vineyards Blvd, Naples, FL 34119
WHEN:  Thursday, October 17, 2024, 4:00 - 8:00 pm
REGISTRATION: https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/bingo-bags-baubles.html
COST: Registration is $80 per person before August 29, 2024, and $95 after that date, and includes a delicious three-course dinner, 10 rounds of bingo, and valet parking. 
VIP registration is $130 and includes preferred seating, 10 rounds of bingo with 2 bingo cards per round, a delicious three-course dinner, and valet parking.  
INFORMATION: ParkinsonAssociationSWFL.org (239) 417-3465
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<![CDATA[Mingle & Jingle for PD Community Expo]]>Fri, 06 Sep 2024 12:54:13 GMThttp://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/blog/mingle-jingle-for-pd-community-expo
NAPLES, FLORIDA – September 3, 2024 – The Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) invites you to join them for Mingle & Jingle for PD on December 5, 2024, from 1:00-5:00 pm at the Hilton Naples, 5111 Tamiami Trail N, Naples, FL 34103. This community expo of resources is more than just a holiday gathering—it's a vital community expo designed for those touched by Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in Southwest Florida. Participants can enjoy a festive afternoon of refreshments while connecting with organizations that provide products and supportive services to help them live well with PD. Registration is $25 and includes refreshments, a beverage coupon for each attendee, a cash bar, and valet parking available. 

Organizations that offer products or services beneficial to Southwest Florida residents with PD are welcome to register as exhibitors. Exhibitors and attendees can register online by visiting https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/mingle-jingle-for-pd.html.
About the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida: Helping community members live well with PD for over 25 years. The mission of the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida is to enrich the quality of life and empower people touched by Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative diseases through exceptional programs and services. Services and support are always free and extended to the care partners and families of community members with PD. For more information, visit ParkinsonAssociationSWFL.org or call 239-417-3465.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, visit ParkinsonAssociationSWFL.org or call 239-417-3465. Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida, 2575 Northbrooke Plaza Drive, Suite 301, Naples, FL 34119.

IN CASE YOU GO
WHAT: Mingle & Jingle for PD
WHERE: The Hilton Naples, 5111 Tamiami Trail N, Naples, FL 34103
WHEN: Thursday, December 5, 2024; 1:00 - 5:00 pm
WHO: Presented by the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida
COST: $25 per person (Registration includes refreshments, a beverage coupon for each attendee, a cash bar, and valet parking available.)
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
INFORMATION: ParkinsonAssociationSWFL.org (239) 417-3465
WEBSITE: https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/mingle-jingle-for-pd.html
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/events/1045659100286807
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<![CDATA[Parkinson's Association of Southwest Florida Announce 2024-2025 Board of Directors]]>Fri, 06 Sep 2024 12:26:03 GMThttp://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/blog/parkinsons-association-of-southwest-florida-announce-2024-2025-board-of-directors
NAPLES, FLORIDA – (July 19, 2024) – The Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) has elected John Botsko Jr. and Claire Bisignano Chesnoff to its board of directors. They join the existing all-volunteer board, which includes newly elected Board Chair Anthony Maglione, Treasurer Russell B. Jones, Secretary Bill Morgan, and members Danielle Dyer, Karim Mawji, Larry Sternberg, MD, and Charles Weinrich. 
“John Botsko Jr. and Claire Bisignano Chesnoff bring valuable experience and expertise to our board,” said Anthony Maglione, PASWFL Board Chair. “Our dedicated board members provide strategic direction and necessary resources to our organization and guide the association to its vision to create a healthier Parkinson community in Southwest Florida.” Maglione specialized in human resources, focusing on recruiting and employee compensation, spending over 25 years with a regional recruiting firm in Boston before retiring in 2008. Active with Canisius College, he was appointed to the DiGamma Honor Society in 1986, served on the College Board of Regents from 1999 to 2005, and has been involved with the Naples alumni chapter and several homeowner and condominium association boards.

John Botsko Jr, FACHE, is the president and owner of BrightStar Care in Naples, FL, a home health agency serving Naples and Ft. Myers. Board-certified in healthcare management as an ACHE Fellow, he has served on various boards and committees, including the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL). Under his leadership, BrightStar Care has earned multiple awards, including the Home Care Pulse Awards and the Enterprise Champion for Quality Award from the Joint Commission. Botsko’s experience with PASWFL began in 2011 on the Education Committee which he later chaired. He previously served two full terms on the board of directors, including as Chair from 2019-2020. He returns to the board following a hiatus.
​Claire Bisignano Chesnoff’s involvement with the PASWFL began with joining the Development Committee in 2023 and was influenced by her role as caretaker for her father. She brings extensive experience in development, marketing, and philanthropy, actively serving on various boards in New York City and locally with organizations like the Naples Board of Realtors, St. Williams Church, and Coldwell Banker Cares. Claire is a seasoned real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Realty in Naples and has earned the accreditations of ABR, ASP, AHWD, CLHMS, GRI, IAHSP, and SRES. Her distinguished career spans from New York and Florida.
About the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida
The PASWFL helps people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners have the best quality of life.  We foster a supportive community for those touched by Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative diseases.  Our efforts encompass dedicated, free support programs, advocation, raising awareness, and educating both healthcare professionals and the wider community about Parkinson’s disease.

No fees are associated with becoming a member; the membership application is available online at www.parkinsonassociationswfl.org. Connect with us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram, or by calling 239-417-3465.  PASWFL is located at 2575 Northbrooke Plaza Drive, Suite 301, Naples, FL 34119.
 About Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that the CDC ranks as the 14th-leading cause of death in the U.S., and the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s. There is currently no cure for this disease. 
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<![CDATA[PARKINSON’S ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS]]>Sun, 14 Aug 2022 15:18:22 GMThttp://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/blog/parkinsons-association-of-southwest-florida-announces-new-board-members
NAPLES, FLORIDA – (August 15, 2022) – The Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) appointed two members to its board of directors. Newly appointed members include Karim Mawji and Russell B. Jones as treasurer. Mawji and Jones join the existing all-volunteer board that includes Board Chair Bill Morgan, Vice Chair John Botsko, Secretary Joanne Hobin, and members Anthony Maglione, Beth Poorman, and Larry Sternberg, MD. Click here to read their full bios.
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<![CDATA[STUDY SHOW EXERCISE BENEFITS WITH PD]]>Thu, 05 Aug 2021 14:47:38 GMThttp://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/blog/study-show-exercise-benefits-with-pd
In March 2020, the Parkinson’s Foundation and the American College of Sports Medicine convened thought leaders in exercise, physical therapy, exercise research, medicine, and PD community-based exercise programs. The outcome of the meeting included new exercise recommendations to provide safe and effective guidance on physical activity to people with PD and to certified exercise professionals working with them. 
 
The new exercise guidelines include recommended frequency, intensity, time, type, volume, and progression of exercises that are safe and effective for people with Parkinson’s across four domains: aerobic activity, strength training, balance/agility/multitasking, and stretching. For more information on the new exercise, guidelines CLICK HER
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<![CDATA[Announcing Mary C. Schoeffel Executive Director]]>Fri, 22 Jan 2021 18:35:58 GMThttp://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/blog/announcing-mary-c-schoeffel-executive-director
Please join me in welcoming our new Executive Director Mary C. Schoeffel
On behalf of the board of directors, I am thrilled to announce the appointment of Mary C, Schoeffel as the new Executive Director of the Parkinson’s Association of SWFL.

Mary brings with her a remarkably strong background as a Certified Professional Fundraising Executive, in addition to a wealth of knowledge and experience in successfully leading non-profit human services and arts organizations. We believe Mary will provide the leadership and direction to build on the enormous growth our organization has experienced over the past few years.
We are confident Mary is the right leader to work alongside our dedicated staff, board, volunteers, and our entire community as we enter a new phase of growth and opportunity.

I hope you will join me in welcoming Mary to our organization, and take the opportunity to join us at our 22nd Annual Step-Up for Parkinson's Walk on February 13, 2021, where you will have the opportunity to meet Mary in person.

Sincerely,

Bill Morgan
Board Chair
Parkinson Association of Southwest Florida
2575 Northbrooke Plaza Dr. #300
Naples, FL 34119
Office: 239-417-3465
Cell: 513-484-9356
bmorgan@parkinsonassociationswfl.org

From Mary C. Schoeffel

Dear Members and friends,

I am thrilled for the opportunity to build on the tremendous work the staff, board, and volunteers have done to serve our members and the thousands of people here in Southwest Florida diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and other neurodegenerative disorders. I look forward to the opportunity to meet and work with all of our members, volunteers, and the greater Southwest Florida Community. Please reach out to me if you have any questions, or if I can be of any assistance to you.

I look forward to meeting everyone at our 22nd Annual Step-Up for Parkinson's walk.

Sincerely,

Mary C. Schoeffel
Executive Director
Parkinson Association of Southwest Florida
2575 Northbrooke Plaza Dr. #300
Naples, FL 34119
Office: 239-417-3465
MSchoeffel@parkinsonassociationswfl.org
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<![CDATA[Be prepared for the next storm]]>Wed, 22 Jul 2020 18:36:38 GMThttp://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/blog/be-prepared-for-the-next-storm
Be prepared for the next storm by attending the Hurricane Safety Drive Thru offered on Friday, July 31, 2020 from 10:00am-Noon at Lely Palms Retirement Community, 1000 Lely Palms Drive, Naples, FL 34113.

RSVP by July 28 to:
​239-775-7661
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<![CDATA[Support us while you shop on Amazon]]>Wed, 01 Jul 2020 12:58:20 GMThttp://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/blog/support-us-while-you-shop-on-amazon
SUPPORT US WHILE YOU SHOP AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU

​Did you know that you can donate to The Parkinson's Association of SouthWest Florida every time you shop on Amazon?

It's easy to sign up and easy to use. It is the same as shopping through Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features, the difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the Amazon Smile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice.

Click here to sign up and start supporting us every time you shop on Amazon.
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<![CDATA[Support the Parkinson's Association when you purchase a mask]]>Wed, 01 Jul 2020 12:49:14 GMThttp://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/blog/support-the-parkinson-association-when-you-purchase-a-mask
FACE FORWARD FUNDRAISER - SAVE ON MASKS AND SUPPORT US

The Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida is participating with Face Forward to raise money by offering high Performance Face masks to our community.

This high- tech Face mask has a three layer construction that repels liquids, has an activated carbon filter to capture particulate, and a breathable liner to increase comfort.

Go to WWW.FACEFORWARD.SHOP and use discount code Parkinson for $2 or more off per mask and a contribution of $5 to Parkinson’s Society of SWFL

Upgrade the Performance of your mask Click for more
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<![CDATA[Free Robotic Pet or MP3 Player]]>Wed, 01 Jul 2020 12:41:05 GMThttp://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/blog/free-robotic-pet-or-mp3-player
Are you feeling isolated at home during social distancing? We want to share a great opportunity for you to receive a source of comfort and companionship free of charge from The Florida Department of Elder Affairs. You can choose either:
  • MP3 player loaded with music from different genres or
  • The JoyForAll robotic therapy pets.
If you are interested, please call the office at 239-417-3465 as there are only a limited number of these items available. We will be happy to assist you with the application process.
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<![CDATA[Members Living Well with PD]]>Fri, 19 Jun 2020 13:26:42 GMThttp://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/blog/members-living-well-with-pd
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Jack Andrews Member of the Parkinson Association of SWFL since 2014
"I have met people who relocated to the Naples area just to participate in programs offered by the Parkinson Association of SWFL."
 Member Jack Andrews
Q: How did you become involved with the Parkinson's Association of SWFL?
Jack: I was first diagnosed with PD in February 2014. Two weeks later I read something about the Parkinson's Association of SWFL in the Naples Daily News and made an appointment for my wife and me to meet in their office.
 
The volunteer on duty spent a lot of time with us, explaining the various effects PD has on people, sharing brochures on PD, and also about the many activities the organization makes available.

Q: What activities did you get involved in and do you believe attending has affected your PD progression?
 
 Click below to read more.
Jack: Soon after my first visit, I started going to the exercise classes where I met many other people with PD. I also started going to speech classes and support group meetings. To this day I attend all three of these meetings as often as possible, all of which have impacted my life very favorably, both physically and mentally. I believe this has slowed the PD progression.

Q: Do you have any advice to offer someone with PD who is not involved?
Jack: Become involved. This organization offers a large variety of activities and seminars which help the social and daily lives of those with PD and their care partners The leadership and membership are an extremely helpful and congenial group. 
 
They have made a huge difference in my life.

Would you like to learn about becoming a member?  Click here to learn more
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<![CDATA[Fraud Alert - Be Aware]]>Wed, 17 Jun 2020 10:51:08 GMThttp://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/blog/fraud-alert-be-awarePicture
Recently a packet of information has been randomly mailed out to persons covered by Medicare.  The cover letter states that your Doctor (it does offer a suggested name - that one might think is in your physician group) has ordered a connection for "telemedicine " visits and includes a box making a decision on your behalf that you understand you are liable for charges in case of Medicare or your insurance does not cover.

It highlights where you are to sign, includes an additional page for HIPAA privacy notice and a prepaid addressed envelope. The letterhead says it comes from Henderson, NV and the envelope gets returned to a Boca Raton, FL address.
 
This form is fraudulent and would make you responsible for the invalid charges if you complete the form. 
 
Please question any papers you are asked to sign regarding insurance, and verify any forms sent to you with your physician or call your local Social Security or SHINE OR SHIP office.  There is a federal SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol) who investigates such problems.


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<![CDATA[Meet Bill Morgan, Chairman of the Board Parkinson Association of SWFL 2020]]>Tue, 09 Jun 2020 12:19:37 GMThttp://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/blog/meet-bill-morgan-chairman-of-the-board-parkinson-association-of-swfl-2020
​First, let me introduce myself as your new Board Chair. I joined the Association in fall, 2018, needing access to one of our support groups, which helped me immensely. I was the care partner for my wife of 50 years, who died last September from MSA, one of the Parkinsonisms.

I was asked to join the Board of Directors last Spring and have been on the Development and Governance committees. I started and am facilitator for a Men’s Care Partner support group.
You can learn more about my background, and meet the rest of the board by clicking here.
My wife and I moved to Sanibel in 1996 and to Naples in 2008 and have been here full time since 2011. In addition to my involvement with the Association, I’m currently Past-President and Director of Friends of Artis—Naples.

​"After my wife passed away in 2019, I considered what to do for the rest of my life — I decided that joining the board of the Parkinson Association of Southwest Florida was the most worthy work I could do."             

I am looking forward to serving as your Board Chair particularly because of the great work that the administrative staff and volunteers have done during this Corona Virus outbreak. 
First, they managed the move to our new office – no mean feat. And all the while I’ve been hearing so many positive comments from our members about their ability to continue with exercise classes, speech classes and our support groups over the internet. And as we progress through the challenges in the coming months, I know that their dedication, skills and passion to help our members live better lives, even in the face of this adversity, will shine through.

We are planning for a full 2020/21 season with exciting programs and events. And if the virus causes us to modify those plans, we will still do everything we know how to do to support our members -- regardless.

Finally, I ask you to please help us continue our mission through a donation to our Annual Fund, through a planned giving gift or by attending our very fun event "Bingo for Bags and Baubles," all of which you can learn more about in this ENews.
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<![CDATA[New online classes and support groups]]>Mon, 25 May 2020 15:50:08 GMThttp://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/blog/new-online-classes-and-support-groups
The Parkinson Association of SWFL is still here for you. While these times may feel unpredictable, our commitment to helping our community live well with Parkinson Disease remains certain. Although staying safe and healthy at home can feel isolating and challenging, please know that our staff and volunteers are here for you. Our office remains open for information, crisis counseling and personal connections via phone. We've added even more opportunities for you to live well with PD through our new virtual classes.
You can now stay engaged and active, from wherever you are with our virtual classes, support groups and PD Talks. Our online classes are open to anyone impacted by PD or other neurodegenerative diseases, their families and their care partners. We've added over sixteen unique classes and groups that run six days a week. From gentle movement classes, to support groups for couples and even fun classes that include meditation, drumming and even improv. All of our online classes and groups  are free and designed to help you live well with PD.

Click here to visit our class calendar for a full selection of online programming.
​We encourage you to access the class 10-15 minutes prior to the start time to ensure access. 
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