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 non-profit 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.
"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
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."
- Dr. Tiffany Flieg, Physical Therapist
1
The First Step Towards Better Health and Happiness
The Healthy Feed
Click on an icon to learn more.
Diet & Nutrition
Move for life by maintaining a healthy diet.
Experts from the National Parkinson's Foundation say that although there are no "one size fits all" prescriptions for a PD-specific diet, it is known that many people living with Parkinson's can maintain better health by also maintaining a healthy diet. Eating a variety of foods that are known to alleviate common symptoms of Parkinson's Disease is a great way to take control of your PD journey.
​
A diet rich with whole grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, protein, nuts, olive oil, fish and eggs are our (not so) secret to your improved health
Email Secretary Crystal Berg at
​
Call or text Director Elaine Ptacek at (785) 443-3439
​
PO Box 32
Colby, KS 67701
​
Contact Us
Email, call us directly, or submit an inquiry here if you'd like to schedule a required Physical Intake Screening, Book a Class, request an Aware In Care Kit, Patient Referral Packet, schedule a presentation at your next board meeting and more. We look forward to visiting with you!