CNYPSG Stories

In the last issue of No Parkin’ Zone I asked you to send me your stories about CNYPSG and what it has meant to you. I have two stories to share with you about two beautiful women both of whom had PD. I am speaking of Betty Mudge, who passed on in October of 2004 and Doris Gallagher whom we lost in April, 2006. These ladies were good, strong members and fine examples for the rest of us of the importance of a positive attitude when dealing with Parkinson’s.

Betty’s Story as told by her husband Baden Mudge

CNYPSG IS FAMILY

Some of you knew my late wife Betty. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in ‘89 or ‘90 by Dr. Stewart Factor, Albany Medical Center. He was our doctor for about ten years, a wonderful man.

In the late fall of 1991 an article appeared on the Rome Sentinel advising that a Parkinson’s support group was being formed which would meet at the New Hartford Methodist Church. I asked Betty if she wanted to go. “No,” was her quick reply. About a week later the article was repeated. Once again I asked if she was interested and again, her response was “No.” “Honey, I said, “it’s up to you, but remember, you have the problem.” After giving it some thought, she changed her mind. Thus we attended that first meeting in January of 1992.

Over the years we went quite regularly to the monthly meetings simply because we both felt it was a very beneficial experience. When discussion came up the next year about having a summer picnic, Betty piped up, “You can come to our house.” The group meant a lot to both of us. At the meetings we exchanged views with others in the same situation as we were in. We had medical professionals who came all the way from the University of Rochester to speak to the group, sharing their expertise and their experiences in research and treatment of PD.

Gradually the members of CNYPSG gained a knowledge of the disease while bonding with each other, based on a feeling of mutual support. Former strangers became friends, and our outlook on life with PD became one of hope and encouragement with a healthier attitude toward life.

Betty’s feelings for CNYPSG were strong. I took her to many meetings including the October, 2004 meeting, two weeks before she died. If you know of someone who has been diagnosed with PD, I urge you to do that person a favor. Strongly suggest that he or she become a part of this support group.

Doris’ story comes to us through a letter written to CNYPSG by her family.

To our CNYPSG family,

We send you our deepest thanks for all that each of you has done over the years and especially in this last difficult year when we had to say, “Goodbye for now” to Doris. We want you to know how much you meant to her. She looked forward to seeing everyone at the Brunch Bunch and the monthly meetings. She enjoyed chatting with Mimi, laughing at Bruno’s lighthearted banter, reading Marge’s delightful prose and poetry. There was so much joy so many of you gave her, perhaps, most importantly, the sense of true acceptance, belonging and the knowledge that she was not alone in this encounter with Parkinson’s.

Even now, Emily, God love her, calls and keeps us posted on the news of the group. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.

Charlie, Theresa, Charleen, and the Gallagher family

Anyone else who would like to share your story, in any format, please do. You too can enter into the “No Parkin’ Zone.”

Parkinson’s Awareness Month

Yes, April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month! It is also the birthday of Dr. James Parkinson who first described the disease in 1817. It is also the beginning of a new year for CNYPSG, Inc. So let’s celebrate and spread the word about PD, our group and the friendships we’ve all made!

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