Last Sunday, a mental health foundation celebrated 30 years of aiding the wellbeing of those with Parkinson’s disease. Known as “I Gave My Sole for Parkinson’s”, the Michigan Parkinson Foundation Walkathon and 5K Run at Northville High School, Michigan, took place in order to fund programmes and services for the wellness of patients and their families.
According to Debby Orloff, chief executive officer of the foundation, ‘Parkinson’s disease is a chronic neurological condition affecting more than 30,000 individuals — and growing — in Michigan. Our focus at the Michigan Parkinson Foundation is to give every person with Parkinson’s and related disorders responsive, compassionate quality care and support.’ Depending on age, walkers and runners paid an entry fee of $15-$25 to participate in the event.
As part of the foundation’s 30th anniversary commemorations, the event honoured special guests including Westland’s Ruth Ann Butler, facilitator of the Livonia/Western Wayne Support Group and one of this year’s honorary chairpersons. In addition to Butler, honorary chairpersons include Larry Bauer and Raymond T. Bauer, M.D., sons of the late Dr. Raymond B. Bauer, founder of the foundation; Livonia Treasurer Dennis Wright; State Rep. Vicki Barnett, D- Farmington Hills; Northville Township Trustee Marvin Gans; and Connie Spiteri.
Orloff noted why Butler was honoured for her years of hard work. ‘Ruth is a nurse educator, mother of six, grandmother of 12, and great-grandmother of two,’ Orloff explained. ‘She was a care partner for her late husband, who had Parkinson’s, for almost 40 years. Ruth started volunteering at MPF’s offices around 1989. She’s a strong advocate for patients and families. She created a book of writings of children whose parents have Parkinson’s. She leads monthly meetings for the Livonia/Western-Wayne Support Group. And she continues to think up new ideas to help people cope with Parkinson’s.’
Butler responded that she was happy to help the foundation. ‘They enable the support groups to assist anyone, anywhere,’ she enthused. ‘People diagnosed with Parkinson’s can call down to the foundation office, and anyone in this vicinity can call me. People need to talk to somebody who knows something about the disease. Support groups – and I emphasize the word “support” — offer education, fellowship, doctor referrals, and information. We are not a money-making organisation. There is no charge to join our group.’