MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OCTOBER 2025

This past month at PRO we gathered for a live presentation on CPR and emergency preparedness – an important reminder that, whether we like it or not, we live in a world where the unexpected can happen at any time.

Preparing for an emergency is not about fear; it is about resilience. When we make a plan, stock supplies, and talk with our loved ones about “what if,” we give ourselves the gift of steadiness when uncertainty arrives.

That same principle applies to life with Parkinson’s. A diagnosis may feel like a storm that comes out of nowhere, but the steps we take to adapt and prepare make all the difference.

For families affected by Parkinson’s, this preparation can take many forms: learning about treatment options, talking with your loved ones about care preferences, exploring in-home and residential care options, or making legal and financial plans early rather than later. It might feel uncomfortable to think ahead, but I promise you, it is a gift to your future self and to those who love you. Preparedness builds confidence. It creates peace of mind. And it keeps you safe.

Here at Parkinson’s Resource Organization, we see preparedness as part of our mission. We offer resources, education, and community so that no one has to face Parkinson’s alone. Whether it’s a newly diagnosed individual, a caregiver stepping into unfamiliar territory, or someone navigating the later stages of the disease, PRO is here to help map the path forward.

Speaking of planning ahead—mark your calendars!

• October 30th: Wine & Design Fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at The Fireplace Store, Palm Desert.
• November 16th: Don Cavanaugh Day Fundraiser all day at The Blue Coyote Bar & Grill, Palm Springs.
• February 7th: Parkinson’s Today Symposium with The Michael J. Fox Foundation.
• February 18th: Chocolate & Champagne Cocktail Mixer, details to follow.

Finally, I want to tie this back to our own preparedness as an organization. You could argue that preparedness breeds conditions for survival. Just as families prepare for emergencies, PRO constantly plans for the future – and you, our community and donors, are our future.

Our ability to provide consistent, high-quality support today, tomorrow, and next year, depends on reliable funding. We are entering the season of giving – what happens in the next three months goes a long way towards defining our ability to serve you in 2026. I ask you to please think about the benefits you get from Parkinson’s Resource Organization – maybe it’s the articles and education in this monthly newsletter. Maybe it’s the camaraderie at our support groups, the resources on our Resource Directory, the relief of talking to a real human at our one-on-one consultations.

If you value what we provide, consider becoming a monthly donor. Sustaining monthly donors give us the foundation we can count on – allowing us to plan programs with confidence, expand our reach, and brace ourselves for the unexpected. When an unplanned need arises, like adding a new support group or quickly responding to a crisis, your monthly commitment means we are ready. Call us or visit parkinsonsresource.org/donate to give today.

Preparedness, after all, is not just about surviving a storm – it’s about ensuring life continues with dignity, connection, and care on the other side. Thank you for being part of that work. Together, we are building resilience for today and for the future.

Now read on for PRO OUT AND ABOUT: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, MEET THE PRO TEAM, DID YOU KNOW? ORAL HEALTH & PARKINSON’S, KELLY’S PD TIDBITS, STUDY SHOWS STAYING ACTIVE IN THE HOSPITAL BENEFITS PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON’S, FINDING CALM IN THE CHAOS: NAVIGATING CARE-RECIPIENT ANGER WITH COMPASSION, and NORTHWESTERN MEDICINE SERVES UP PARKINSON’S PLAYERS PING PONG IN LAKE FOREST AND CHICAGO .

Warmly,

Eileen Lynch

Executive Director