Parky and I attended the opening ceremony for the World Parkinson Congress tonight. Here’s a partial rundown (not all my photos came out – shaky hands!).
Over 4,500 people from 67 countries are attending the Congress – a mix of top-of-the-line medical researchers; doctors and therapists; people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. The main auditorium was packed to the grills!
Here Parky and I are sitting with my Parkinson buddy, Geoffrey, and his husband, Donald. One of the amazing programs at the Congress is a match-making service that paired up people with Parkinson’s in the previous months. Geoffrey and Donald were a perfect match for me! They had long and distinguished careers in theater and show business, and are charming and witty. Fun-loving, too!
Brian Grant, the former NBA star who now lives with Parkinson’s, gave an upbeat and inspiring speech. “Talking to other people with Parkinson’s after I received my diagnosis was the best thing that happened to me,” he said (paraphrased – shaky hands!). “Through exercise, good nutrition and the support of the PD community, I can live a long and productive life.”
Rafi Eldor, winner of the People’s Choice Award for the best video about having Parkinson’s disease, demonstrated some of his dance moves on stage. Here’s his terrific video:
Lori Campbell also received a winner’s award for her video, “Victory.” Watch to the end where you learn how she created the visuals. The entire audience gasped at that point!
Maryum “May May” Ali, daughter of the late, great Muhammad Ali, also gave a stirring speech. We were shocked to learn that not only did her famous father have Parkinson’s but also her maternal grandfather, who is still alive and whom she visits each time he has an appointment with his movement disorder specialist. She said the WPC is a model for the world: diverse groups of people from around the globe, coming together to solve a problem.
After the speeches, there was a lively reception. Parky and I were thrilled to meet Maryum Ali in person. She seems like a fun person – as are so many of the people here!
What’s happening tomorrow? Good question!
Thanks so much for the summaries of the events and the photos!!
I’ve enjoyed your posts!