Focus on a Cure Foundation for Parkinson's a member of Team Fox; the grassroots fundraising arm of The Michel J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research is pleased to announce the launch of a new and improved web site. Focus on a cure in the same week received their determination letter from the IRS granting the foundation 501 (c) (3) tax exemption status retroactive from September 19, 2007, the date of incorporation.
President and co-founder Ken Glowienke was diagnosed with Young On-set Parkinson's disease at age 38 as was Michael J. Fox at age 29. Mr. Glowienkes wife Ann joined Team Fox in late 2005 as one of the first participants in this new community based program with the hopes of doing what she could to support her husband and raise awareness and funds for the work The Michael J Fox Foundation was doing to find a cure for this debilitating disease. Since the first "Team Glowienke” walk for Parkinson's took place in May of 2006 and raised $3,600 for Team Fox Mrs. Glowienkes vision has turned into Focus on a Cure Foundation for Parkinson's a nationally recognized foundation that stands by the mission to inspire community involvement and raise awareness for Parkinson’s disease that will fund research to ultimately find a cure.
The Focus on Cure Foundation is committed to working together with all those in the Parkinson's community, patients and supporters alike. The basis of our philosophy is that working together is the most expedient manner in which donated funds can be directed appropriately to those whose main FOCUS is to find a Cure for Parkinson's.
Mr. Glowienke recently underwent deep brain stimulation surgery to assist in the control of the worsening symptoms of his Parkinson’s.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure used to treat a variety of disabling neurological symptoms—most commonly the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), such as tremor, rigidity, stiffness, slowed movement, and walking problems. The procedure is also used to treat essential tremor, a common neurological movement disorder. At present, the procedure is used only for patients whose symptoms cannot be adequately controlled with medications.
When asked recently how the surgery has had an effect on her husband Mrs. Glowienke replied "he is not cured but he has more control over his Parkinson's now" Focus on a Cure is currently holding two final fundraising activities for 2008 that you can participate in by going to http://www.focusonacure.org/
The first is a local annual Poinsettia's for Parkinson's, if you live outside the Suburban Chicago area you may purchase a plant in honor of a loved one, and these plants will be donated to a local senior living community for the holiday season. In 2007 this program was a great success and over 20 large plants were donated to Sunrise Assisted living of Naperville, IL. There are a variety of plants, prices and sizes that can be ordered directly from the web site as well as making a donation to this program.
New for 2008 is the Focus on a Cure 2009 calendar featuring stories of hope and advocacy each month from everyday people who are living with or advocating for Young On-set Parkinson's disease as well as pictures from past Focus on a Cure events. The calendar can be purchased for $20.00 directly from the web site
Please join Focus on a Cure for Parkinson's in making a difference in the lives of those affected by Parkinson's disease by participating in these holiday season fundraising events by going http://www.focusonacure.org/
