Changes on the Horizon

The CNYPSG, Inc. Board of Directors is looking at the possibility of a change of location for our monthly meetings. Our group has met for 16 years in the First United Methodist Church in New Hartford where we have always received wonderful treatment. It is a beautiful facility, very accessible, and the people of the church have been warm, friendly, and exceedingly helpful. We owe them a big debt of gratitude. So where are we thinking of moving the meeting site to and why?

As many of you know, we have a close working relationship with the Presbyterian Home in New Hartford. We have been right there with them as they planned for and developed the first of its kind in the country, a wing in a nursing home, devoted to caring for people with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. That answers the where. Now the why. Attendance is one thing to consider. In years past we would frequently get 40 to 50 people at a meeting, sometimes more. Over the past few months that has dwindled to the point where 20 is a good turnout. Where are the PWPs? We know they are at the Presbyterian Home. Another consideration is the opportunity offered at the home for outpatient rehab services designed for PWP, (OT, PT, voice strengthening exercises). They have structured programs for adult day care, and respite care to give the caregiver a much needed break. The newest innovation at the home is a telemedicine system where the patient can be "seen" by a movement disorders specialist without traveling any farther then the Presbyterian Home in New Hartford. Plus the staff at the home will provide a support system for our CNYPSG officers and Board members. We're not getting any younger. We need all the help we can get!

Check your July newsletter for any changes. The new meeting site would not take effect until September. We will be at the church in April, May, and June. Come join us!

Marge Moylan

Stem Cell Legislation

The funding of stem cell research has become a major issue in recent times on both the Federal and State government level. By the time this newsletter goes to print, the New York State budget may already be passed.

It is my hope that the final 2007-2008 New York State Budget will include a $100 million allocation for this year for stem cell research and a commitment for a total of $1 billion over 10 years. Tens of thousands of people suffering from Parkinson’s disease and many other debilitating diseases are depending on this.

I called my State Senator and State assembly member to tell them I want them to support the appropriation for stem cell research and told them why! My husband has PD and diabetes is one reason. Another reason is that I feel that New York State has a potential of being a leader in this research and if we don’t supply some funding, many of our New York researchers will leave our state and look elsewhere for available funds.

We should continue to keep in touch with our legislators no matter what happens. If the funds are made available, we should thank them and, if not, we should let them know our displeasure and see what can be done in the future to obtain our goals.

On the federal level, we are fortunate that our new Representative, Michael Arcuri, is an active supporter of stem cell research. During the Parkinson’s Action Network Forum, Linda Herman, the NYS Grassroots Coordinator, met with Mr. Arcuri’s legislative assistant, Chris Wilcox, and described it as a very positive meeting. Hopefully, more funding can be obtained on the federal level in 2007.

Nancy McCaffrey

Happy Easter

To all!!

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