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The Parkinson\u2019s Support Group of East Central Indiana has made an immense impact in the Muncie community. By creating connections, people who have been impacted by Parkinson\u2019s disease in some ways are able to share their experiences while bonding with others who truly understand. In times of need, community is a great way to feel seen and heard.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Parkinson Support group was started by Margaret Montano<\/strong> to support persons in the area that had Parkinson\u2019s disease or knew someone with Parkinson\u2019s disease. It was a small group of people that met on a Saturday afternoon and shared information and fellowship having been touched by Parkinson\u2019s. The group has been active for 18+ years.\u00a0 “The group flourished under the direction of Jayne Raines<\/strong> for several years.\u00a0 Jayne’s endless energy and effort helped to reach many in the community, ” said Dawn Condon, Ball State Associate Clinical Lecturer of Speech Language Pathology. The Parkinson support group has evolved over the last 2 years, membership has grown. The group has 25-30 attendees each month. Education and guest speakers are typical each meeting.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Parkinson\u2019s Support Group of East Central Indiana has now partnered with the Ball State Speech Language Clinic. Monthly meetings are coordinated between active group members including Judy Lowe, Gary Dodson, Sarah Warnes, Patti Smith<\/strong> and Dawn Condon.<\/strong> Additionally, Julia Murrillo<\/strong> from the YMCA actively participates in monthly meetings.<\/span><\/p>\n The mission of the Parkinson\u2019s Support Group of East Central Indiana is to provide support and education to all people touched by Parkinson\u2019s Disease. They make connections locally, statewide, and nationwide; they learn from each other and from expert speakers, and they share information and contacts relating to Parkinson\u2019s Disease both within the group and across the community.<\/span><\/p>\n The group was a big part of creating the Tulip Trail event, which\u00a0 is an effort to support all of those affected by Parkinson\u2019s Disease in our community. The Parkinson\u2019s Support Group of East Central Indiana collaborated with <\/span>Ball State University Speech Language Pathology Clinic, as well as, t<\/span>he student Speech Pathology group, NSSLHA, under the direction of Stephanie Couch<\/strong>,<\/span> Clinical Lecturer of Speech Pathology, and<\/span> Minnetrista Museum & Gardens to make this event possible and to support this initiative.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe Tulip Trail is to bring awareness to the community about Parkinson\u2019s Disease including local support options,\u201d Condon said. \u201cThis initiative aims to raise awareness and foster community engagement through creating connections and strengthening our community. Several community partners will be present to share information about resources for patients and their families on Saturday, April 5.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Tulip Trail holds significant meaning to everyone involved. There are many symbolisms and message spread across the trail that emphasizes the impact Parkinson\u2019s disease can have on a person.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cApril is an awareness month for Parkinsons Disease, with World Voice Day being held on April 11<\/span>, <\/span>Condon said. It is a time to reflect, share, and bring support for those affected with difficulties. The red, James Parkinson tulip is the national symbol for Parkinson\u2019s disease. This year, we have planted 800 blooms in honor of those affected by Parkinson\u2019s. The red tulip symbolizes hope and resilience representing a growing movement to raise awareness for those impacted by Parkinson\u2019s disease.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Thanks to the Parkinson\u2019s Support Group of East Central Indiana and the Tulip Trail, individuals in the Muncie community affected by Parkinson\u2019s disease can come together, connect, and find support among others who share similar experiences.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Parkinson\u2019s Support Group of East Central Indiana has made an immense impact in the Muncie community. By creating connections, people who have been impacted by Parkinson\u2019s disease in some ways are able to share their experiences while bonding with others who truly understand. In times of need, community is a great way to feel […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":418,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,15,9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-679","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-featured","category-icc","category-speech-pathology-and-audiology"],"yoast_head":"\n