The Maine Parkinson Society (MEPS) has elected new leadership and MEPS President Gary Cole passed the torch to Karen Marsters of Bangor and a new Society Board of Directors, effective immediately.  The newly-elected board members are Karen Marsters, President, Paul Soucy, Vice President, Steph Young, Treasurer/Secretary, Irv Marsters, and Joe Ferris, Esq.  The Board is representative of Parkinson patients, caregivers and community leaders.

Newly-elected Society President Karen Marsters praised the remarkable work of Gary Cole and his Board of Directors for their outstanding support of Parkinson patients, caregivers, the statewide network of support groups, and precious individual and organizational donors.  She explained the vital role of the Maine Parkinson Society is already prepared to make in moving forward as a strong resource for people with Parkinson’s Disease, a neurodegenerative disorder.  

Plans are already underway to offer a one-day statewide education conference on Thursday, October 4, at Jeff’s Catering and Conference Center in Brewer.   While planning is ongoing, topics include exercise, medications, meditation, and nutrition. Speakers committed are Michael Westphall, Dr Roopia Unia, and Dr William Stamey… More information will be forthcoming and those interested in the conference details should send an email to info@maineparkinsonsociety.org or by calling 1-800-832-4116.

Additionally, the James Parkinson Tulip Program is underway—it is an honorable way to show your support with a “Garden of Hope.” Please let us know by email or phone if you are interested in purchasing your red and white Parkinson’s Tulips in time for fall planting!  

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects more than 1.5 million people nationally, including several thousand in Maine.  Symptoms include spontaneous movements, difficulty walking shaking, slow or uncontrolled facial expressions, rigidity and tremors.  Although research is being done, the cause is still unknown and there is no cure.  However, new advances in treatment and research are very hopeful. Please help improve the quality of those with Parkinson’s Disease and support MEPS.

The Maine Parkinson Society, founded in 1998, exists to be a resource for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), family members, Caregivers and PD Support Groups across Maine.  It offers sources of information and opportunities for awareness, education and respite care.  The MEPS is supported by private donors and hosted fundraising through community events, such as walks/runs/bikes, golf tournaments, bowl-a-thons, and the like.  The Society utilizes the generous Clynk and reusable grocery bag programs sponsored by Hannaford, as well as the Amazon Smile program, allowing users to contribute a portion of their qualified purchases on Amazon to the Maine Parkinson Society.  The main fundraiser for MEPS, however, is the sale of the James Parkinson Tulips, shipped from Holland, to individuals and organizations who support “The MEPS Garden of Hope,” as well as the sale of Tulip pins and postcards. 

The Maine Parkinson Society (MEPS) is a Maine-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to improve the quality of life of Maine people with Parkinson’s disease.  Funds raised help to increase general awareness of Parkinson’s Disease, group support information, and specialized programs for Maine individuals with Parkinson’s Disease.  Donations to MEPS are tax exempt to the extent the law allows.

If you would like more information, please call 1-800-832-4116 or email info@maineparkinsonsociety.org or find us online at www.maineparkinsonsociety.org, Facebook or Twitter.  Be sure to Like us on Facebook!