MEET THE PRO TEAM-GARY LOPEZ

It’s the people behind the scenes at PRO that makes us the special resource organization that we are. Each month we take our readers behind the scenes and introduce one person from the PRO team.

Gary Lopez, PRO’s Former Editor, Publisher, and Graphic Artist

1. Describe your previous role with PRO.

I was the editor and publisher for the Newsletter, and graphic artist for the majority of PRO’s artwork, e.g., fundraisers, programs, collateral, business cards and the like for 22 years.

2. What inspired you to come work with PRO?

After getting to know the background and truly altruistic purpose of PRO, I was impressed with the fact that PRO was focusing on the caregivers of people with Parkinson’s as opposed to being solely about the patients. After spending a very enlightening weekend studying the Newsletter with Dr. Hiss at his home in Oxnard—and also learning a great deal of insight by being in the role of his caregiver—I assumed the helm and never looked back while basking in the karma-laden opportunity that I had been blessed with.

It has been a wonderful experience and my time has been well spent in every moment I’ve been in this capacity. Working with the people of PRO is a reward in and of itself, and the level of dedication, compassion, and PROfessionalism is second to none.

3. What is a fun fact about you?

On one 30-day trip to Hawaii, I rode a horse down into a volcano, got stung by a Portuguese Man-O-War just off Waikiki Beach, ate mongoose steak teriyaki-style, saw a completely circular rainbow—there’s only one way to do that—and cracked a rib.