PFP: How did Power for Parkinson’s come into your life and why did you decide to be a monthly donor? 

Judy Powell: I’ve had Parkinson’s for about three and half years now. When I was diagnosed, the doctor had some pamphlets in his office. I picked one up and went home and read about this program and I just felt this would be effective.

I realized that a program like this takes money. You’re not charged a fee to come and get this exercise and information. There was an option of making monthly donations and that appealed to me. I just thought “I want to support this. This is important to my life and all these people’s lives.”

PFP: Has exercise always been a part of your life?

Judy Powell: Oh yes. I ran marathons, I raced bikes, I climbed mountains when we lived in Oregon. I climbed Mount Shasta and a group of us even slept up there. So I’ve been very active.

PFP: What do you like about the group exercise aspect of PFP?

Judy Powell: I enjoy the community and I think it’s really important to all of us. We’re a social animal, we need our community. As soon as you come in to Power for Parkinson’s and start interacting, you’re part of the community. Then our support groups are a part of that too. I often come out of there thinking “I’m glad I didn’t miss this one,” because information comes out that you don’t know and you might not find out if you miss the support group. 

Having Parkinson’s shocks you – you’re living your life and then suddenly everything’s changing. So it’s nice to be with others who are all trying to do our best. I believe exercise is so important to Parkinson’s. On the days I have to do something and I can’t exercise, I can tell the difference.

So I want to support all that. And that’s why I make a monthly donation and then anytime we’re doing a holiday thing, I try to make another donation specific to that.