Wayne County Parkinson’s Network provides resources, help
The Wayne County Parkinson's Network provides resources for those in Wayne County and the surrounding areas who are dealing with Parkinson’s disease and other related neurological disorders.
The Wayne County Parkinson’s Network provides resources for those in Wayne County and the surrounding areas who are dealing with Parkinson’s disease and other related neurological disorders.
“We’re one of the few counties where you can find a Parkinson’s-related activity nearly every weekday,” group founder Phyllis Jadosh said. “We’re one big family made up of people who want to stay connected, share experiences, and grow through exercise, education and socialization.”
Who is the group for? Anyone with a neurological disorder and their partners, spouses and caregivers. In addition to Parkinson’s disease, this includes disorders such as multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and stroke.
When the group started in 2017, there were a handful of people coming to classes. Jadosh said it grew through word-of-mouth. She started expanding the scope of the classes by bringing in speakers and doing education. Today there are 150 people on the mailing list including some who are homebound. Jadosh personally researches, writes and mails out a monthly newsletter to keep everyone connected.
The Wayne County Parkinson’s Network offers ongoing movement classes. Classes also are available at Healthpoint and West View Healthy Living.
Many group members wanted to share comments about how the group has helped, inspired and connected them to a community.
“I have found it to be a vital source of information, exercise and support,” Shirley Ferrell said. “Plus, we have fun. There is camaraderie and understanding. We become family.”
“Phyllis has a wealth of knowledge. I know I can go to her with anything,” said Sue Gross, caregiver to her husband. “At our events it’s great to compare notes and learn how others are doing. We encourage each other.”
While the scope and membership continues to grow, Jadosh still manages everything herself with some assistance from group members and friends.
The Wayne County Parkinson’s Network works under the auspices of the Ohio Parkinson Foundation Northeast, which allows for tax-deductible donations to be made to the Wooster group. Jadosh hopes to find someone willing to assist the local group in obtaining nonprofit status.
The group has no social media presence because Jadosh doesn’t have the time, expertise or funding to make that happen. She would love to find a volunteer to create an online presence so more people can find the group and easily keep track of available activities and resources.
Jadosh would like to start a group in Medina County so people from that area who come to Wooster have something closer to home.
There are numerous financial needs also. Musical instruments and props are needed for movement classes. A transportation fund is needed to pay for rides to classes and funding for respite care to give caregivers relief.
Jadosh also would like to find an art therapist to assist with a large painting project and someone to help set up a memorial fund to honor those group members who have died.
Anyone interested in helping with these or other aspects of the group is invited to email or call Jadosh at pwhite19@kent.edu or 330-845-0948. The group also would benefit from a college intern assistant if anyone is able to volunteer to help create that position.
For donations that are not tax-deductible, a check may be taken to the downtown Wooster branch of Farmer’s State Bank or mailed to Phyllis Jadosh, P.O. Box 395, Lodi, OH 44254. Write Wayne County Parkinson’s Network on the check.
To make a tax-deductible contribution through the Ohio Parkinson Foundation Northeast Region, visit www.ohparkinson.com/. Indicate the donation is for the Wayne County Parkinson’s Network or mail to Ohio Parkinson Foundation Northeast Region, P.O. Box 31907, Independence, OH 44131-4854.
To someone who is reluctant to come to a class, Jill Brown, the spouse of a group member, offered encouragement.
“You will benefit and benefit others as well,” Brown said. “We all understand the struggles and share hope.”
“I was afraid of what others would say,” said Anna Weekly, who recently joined the group, “but nobody cares about my shaking.”
Jadosh is quick to offer her gratitude for all those who assist including First Presbyterian Church for giving the group a home and helping with the newsletter and the board members at Ohio Parkinson Foundation Northeast Region.
Because of Jadosh and those she inspires, individuals living with a neurological disorder in the area have a welcoming group that understands. For anyone with time or funds to donate, there are many additional needs.
“I am proud to facilitate the Wayne County Parkinson’s Network as I continue to educate community members on resources and help individuals make connections,” Jadosh said. “We’re very welcoming. The main goal is to make sure everyone knows they’re not alone.”