The Door is Open.
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We hope you'll join us; bring your family, your caregiver, and anybody else who could benefit from some conversational therapy and refreshments.
Support Groups
Thanks to a grant award from Parkinson's Foundation, Parkinson's Families of Northwest Kansas is excited to offer PD programming, therapy opportunities and group support sessions at no cost to people in Northwest Kansas suffering from Parkinson's Disease. We strongly encourage caregivers and family members to attend therapy classes and group support meetings, as well, to learn new skills that can be done at home and to broaden your support base for those unforeseen moments when you might need some advice or a listening ear.
About Support Group Sessions
Parkinson's Families of Northwest Kansas offers a couple of different Moving to Live support group sessions to choose from. RSVP to attend one session, or reserve your seat in advance for as many sessions as you'd like. However, please be considerate of others. Space is limited so if you are not able to attend a class you've previously reserved a spot for, please cancel your reservation as soon as possible to allow someone else to attend.​
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Additionally, please remember that a Physical Intake Screening Assessment is required before attending any Moving to Live class. This includes support group sessions. Like all support group sessions and therapy classes, the screening assessment is offered to Northwest Kansas people with Parkinson's Disease for free.
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Coffee and Conversation Every Wednesday
Weekly, Coffee and Conversation takes place from about 10:45 to 11 a.m. every Wednesday at The Movement Connection in downtown Colby, 430 N. Franklin. This opportunity takes place immediately following our weekly 10 a.m. PWR! Moves Parkinson's Fitness Therapy with certified instructor Brenda Mazanec. Caregivers are always encouraged to attend fitness classes, too, to learn new skills that can be taken home. However, if Brenda determines that the immediate presence of a caregiver isn't required, they may enjoy refreshments and conversation at the coffee bar during class.
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Monthly Support Group Sessions
An hour-long Parkinson's Families meeting and support group session is offered at 11 a.m. every fifth Wednesday of the month at The Movement Connection in Colby.
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Peer Mentors
Every Support Group is attended by at least one volunteer Board of Director of Parkinson's Families of Northwest Kansas. Our volunteers are all natives of rural Northwest Kansas, wearing many hats within the young nonprofit organization, but their most important role is serving as a Peer Mentor.
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Both Executive Director Elaine Ptacek and Secretary Crystal Berg have been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Elaine has been battling PD since 2009, and in 2018 she received Deep Brain Stimulation which as improved her quality of life tremendously. At the age of 43, Crystal's symptoms began and she received a diagnosis of Young Onset Parkinson's Disease in 2013. With a passion for piano and music, Crystal has found the ability to walk and ride a bicycle better when done with a beat.
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Vice President Linda Sowers serves as Parkinson's Families Caregiver Support Specialist. For over 20 years, Linda provided care and companionship for her husband Byron, while he simultaneously served as a Thomas County Commissioner. Her experience and real-time caregiver training makes her a valuable asset to the organization and all caregivers in Northwest Kansas.
Director, Elaine Ptacek
V.P., Linda Sowers
Secretary, Crystal Berg