Parkinson’s Conference - April 2017

EUGENE, Ore -- As dozens of adults arrived in the lobby of the downtown Hilton Hotel, the sight of hope, inspiration, and community was present Sunday afternoon as dozens of adults arrived for the annual Parkinson’s Disease Conference.

Currently there are roughly 1.5 million Americans who suffer from Parkinson’s, a disease that severely interferes with voluntary muscle movement, and increases in likelihood with age.

The main event, which was organized by the nonprofit organization Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon, was held in the ballroom of the hotel and included talks from guest speakers. Ohio State University alumni, Jackie Russell, served as the event’s keynote speaker. Russell, a long time nurse, advocates the importance of daily exercise for those with Parkinson’s.

Russell co-created a program called Delay the Disease in 2005, which serves as an exercise routine intended to inspire and physically help those with Parkinson’s. She wants those with the disease to start thinking “I may have Parkinson’s, but it does not have me.”

Prior to the main event attendees were served food and refreshments as they were offered numerous information materials and services from sponsor tables, ranging from Parkinson’s assistance resources to organizations that aid in the retirement process.

Libby Kennard, the program coordinator for PRO, explained that while the event also serves the function of building community, her organization’s main focus is on education. “Education is for the person with the disease, but also for their family members and those assisting in their care, which is why we have a separate breakout session just for caregivers,” Kennard said.

She estimates that roughly half of the attendees of the event are caregivers for someone with the disease. “We ask ourselves, ‘What are the things we can do to both help people manage their disease, and achieve a good quality of life?’”

Kennard said the main topic of discussion at every event changes in order to cover the many aspects and consequences of the disease. The event highlighted not only the physical benefits of exercise for someone with Parkinson’s, but also discussed the overall increase in quality of wellbeing that can be partially achieved through exercise.

“The little things, putting on clothes, cooking, taking medicine, can all become very exhausting,” Kennard explained.

A public relations representative for PRO working the registration booth for the event said that 200 people were expected to attend, but that walk-ins were a strong possibility. Tickets for the event cost $20, but Kennard is adamant about putting profits aside in order to educate as many people as the organization can, with numerous scholarships covering ticket costs available.

There are currently roughly five consistent Parkinson’s Disease support groups in the Eugene area, but according to Kennard there are still many more people who could still be assisted, particularly those who have trouble traveling or live outside of the metropolitan area.

The PRO originally began its conference as a full-day event in Eugene, and has grown to host three conferences annually across the state, with the most recent occurring in Medford and a third event slated for Bend in May.

CONTACT INFO: Libby Kennard 541-345-2988 libby@parkinsonsresources.org