Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida

Parkinson Disease is the fastest growing neurp degenerative disease in our community. In fact, in our country, Florida has the highest percentage of people living with the disease. The highest risk factors for receiving a diagnosis are aging, exposure to chemicals which include the pesticides that treat our manicured lawns and beautifully groomed golf courses, red tide and algae bloom, well water and agent orange. Coupled with the fact that the vast majority of our community once called the Northeast and Midwest home, areas of our country which have a two to four time higher rate of diagnosis. We are facing a crisis as more people receive this life altering diagnosis. It is inevitable that all of us living in southwest Florida will be touched by this disease. Imagine the simple task of enjoying breakfast, fighting the tremors as you lift a spoon to your mouth to consume cereal or walking through a store and suddenly the transitions in flooring cause you to freeze, you are literally immobilized, stuck in one spot. Or yesterday, you could jump out of bed to face the chores and plans of the day with ease and joy and the next day your body fails you, leaving you leaving you stiff, weak, writhing in pain and bed ridden.