Moving to Live
About
Parkinson's Families of Northwest Kansas
Made up entirely of volunteers who are currently living with the debilitating disease or who have been a caregiver for a loved one, Parkinson's Families of Northwest Kansas officially received nonprofit status in November 2020. With great excitement, "Moving to Live" pilot programming to enhance the lives of families in northwest Kansas has begun thanks to a grant from the national Parkinson's Foundation.
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From September 2020 thru June 2021, Parkinson's Families is offering FREE weekly art, music, exercise sessions, peer support groups, caregiver support groups, and an exciting roster of speakers and presenters.
"We are normal families, in various stages of Parkinson's Disease, struggling to overcome and survive this progressive and debilitating disease. In rural Kansas, support and resources are far and few between. Isolation is real. But, we're here to help."
Elaine Ptacek, Colby
Our Favorite Links & Resources
The Journey Towards Health Begins on the Path of Self Love. Begin Your Journey Today.
"In 2006, I noticed a mild tremor on the right side of my body. However, after much frustration, it took nine years and thousands of miles of driving to get a correct diagnosis. I've learned firsthand what living in rural northwest Kansas with a debilitating disease is like. There are virtually no resources or specialized therapy, nobody to talk to, nowhere to go for help. My experience as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor led me on this journey to create Parkinson's Families and I pray nobody else with PD feels as alone as I have over the past 15 years."
- Elaine Ptacek, Executive Director
“For over 20 years, I served as my husband's caregiver, who began showing symptoms of Parkinson's Disease in 2001 and went to be with the lord in May 2021. We traveled the road through diagnosis together, through transitions of the disease, a stroke, tests and scans, endless traveling to and from appointments,, and all the while he served as Commissioner of Thomas County with me by his side. When Byron was in Denver, I received real-time caregiver and physical therapy training and I now hope my experience can help others.”
- Linda Sowers, Caregiver Support Specialist
"Clinically, I have worked with many individuals with Parkinson Disease, ranging from all aspects of the progression. While earning my Doctorate degree, I was in a small group that developed a community-based exercise program for individuals with PD. We taught a fitness instructor the specific exercises and movement goals. Personally, my life has been impacted as my grandmother was diagnosed with PD and I saw the impact it had on her, our family and friends over 20 years."