November 8, 2023 Global Alliance to End Parkinson's Disease More Than 7,000 Members

REMINDER! PARTNER MEETING is THURSDAY!

Hello, it's Larry. I just want to pop in here and say thanks for all the nice notes and tributes, well wishes and prayers you sent my way the last couple of weeks as I underwent DBS surgery. It really does mean so much.

Today's newsletter is smaller, but still chock full of information. In our ongoing mission to make a difference in the fight against Parkinson's, we have some exciting updates for you. We're relaunching the Paraquat and Pesticides Group, aiming to raise awareness and drive change in this critical area. You will see today's first story is take a direct hit on this issue. We will meet monthly.

Additionally, we're gearing up for April Awareness 2024, and we've got some fantastic committees you can get involved in: "Spark Art," "Spark The Night," "Dopamine Dance," "Streaming Video," "Proclamations," "Landmarks," "Glow" and city leads for cities big and small around the world. We're on the lookout for self-motivated volunteers who are eager to lead or contribute to these committees, making a meaningful impact in our mission. Email me here to sign up for one of these committees. These will start out as 2x per month.

Your support and involvement continue to be vital in our journey to end Parkinson's, and we're grateful for your dedication. Thank you for being a part of the PD Avengers community, and we look forward to making a positive impact together. Be well.

Best regards,

Larry



Larry Gifford

Cofounder, PD Avengers

DEVELOPING STORY...

In a significant development, the highly anticipated Paraquat Lawsuits, which were initially scheduled to convene in October, have now been rescheduled to take place in December 2023. This delay comes as a noteworthy turn of events in the legal proceedings surrounding the controversial herbicide Paraquat.

The Paraquat Lawsuits have garnered extensive attention due to the ongoing concerns about the herbicide's potential health risks, particularly in connection with Parkinson's disease. These legal actions aim to address and provide justice for those who have suffered adverse health effects allegedly linked to Paraquat exposure.

As advocates and activists for Parkinson's disease, our commitment to bringing about change remains unwavering. We will continue to monitor and engage with developments related to the Paraquat Lawsuits, working towards our goal of ending Parkinson's.

Stay tuned for further updates as we navigate this critical phase in our collective pursuit of justice and awareness.

Planning for World Parkinson's

Month, Week and Day

2024 THEME: Awareness and Action

Jan-Feb Spark Art Contest

Feb-Mar Proclamations

Apr 5 to 10 Dopamine Dance Off (online)

Apr 11 to 14 Spark the Night (events worldwide!)

Apr 11 24-hour LIVE STREAM

Apr 27 Unity Walk - NYC Central Park

THEME 2025, 2026, 2027: Stigma

More to come!

There are many unmet and unique needs of women with PD, unanswered questions when it

comes to management and an underwhelming amount of research into gender-specific

challenges.

As you may already know, our working group has partnered with the Michael J. Fox Foundation to create and deploy a series of comprehensive international surveys about the life experience of women with Parkinson’s disease.

To gather a large data set on diagnosis, symptoms, medication efficacy and management, home and lifestyle choices, hormone replacement, pregnancy and birth history. And to broaden our knowledge of what the disease burden is for women as it changes with hormonal status and life stages.

Currently there are two questionnaires: Experiences of Women with PD – Female Health and

Home Life & Experiences of Women with PD – Pre- Peri- and Post-menopause.

Thus far we’ve received more than three thousand responses but we need your help to get even more input before the surveys are closed. So, please take a few minutes to participate if you haven’t already and also please spread the word to your PD community.

The surveys can still be accessed on MJFF’s Fox Insight, their online longitudinal study: https://foxinsight.michaeljfox.org/register.Together we can make a difference in quality of life for women challenged with Parkinson’s disease!

One of the tenets of the PD Avengers is that everyone with PD deserves just and fair access to

essential therapies and medication regardless of their geographic location. Our Medication

Equity Working Group is dedicated to help address the barriers that currently exist.

A recent powerful documentary “Shaking Hands with the Devil” serves to highlight the realities

of life with PD in places that are marred by stigma and there is a lack of access to care and

essential medications.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to see this impactful film, please take 15 minutes to view it

at https://shakinghandsfilm.com. And if you are moved and inspired to make an immediate

difference, there is a link for donation on the same website. Your contribution of just $20 can

cover a full month of medication for someone living with PD, a life-changing gift!

Tis the Season!

As we shift our focus to the upcoming events of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday, and the significant religious holidays, we invite you to explore the options available at our store. Should you be interested, we have a special offer for you. Please enjoy a $10 discount on your next purchase using the provided code, which is valid through November 17, 2023. It's our way of expressing our gratitude during this festive season.

Code: 10-DIS-WPD-PDA-NOV-17

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