So, what is a World Parkinson Congress?
"The triennial World Parkinson Congresses provide an international forum for dialogue on the latest scientific discoveries, medical practices, and caregiver initiatives related to Parkinson’s disease.
Each Congress brings together physicians, neuroscientists, a broad range of other health professionals, care partners, and people with PD (PwPs) for a unique and inspiring experience. Cross pollinating members of the community is important in the effort to expedite the discovery of a cure and cultivate best treatment practices for this devastating disease."
You can learn more or register to attend at WPC2016.org.
Why am I going? For two reasons.
1. To get a chance to meet, in person, so many Parkies from around the world that I have interacted with online via chat-rooms, Twitter, Facebook & email.
2. To get to speak to and ask questions of researchers and top Parkinson's disease specialists without feeling like I am bothering them. Maybe some will actually have answers.
I was supposed to attend the last one in Montreal back in 2013, but between all the surgeries, breast cancer and depression, it just didn't work out. It's okay though, because Portland, Oregon is a lot closer than Montreal and I won't have to speak French. (Je ne parle pas bien l'anglais quelques jours!)
Travel to Portland also means I don't have to fly, we can drive. It's not that I am afraid to fly; it's just more comfortable for me to travel by car. Besides, there are places we'd like to see en route and back. We plan to go there through Nevada and the Columbia River Gorge and return via the coastlines of Oregon and California.
The Congress is a multi-day event, with multiple sessions going on at the same time, so there's bound to be something interesting to do each day. If not, I can always hang out in the Book Nook (where my Parkinson's Humor book will be available), visit with Parkies in the Renewal Room or do some sight seeing.
If you are reading this, and will also be attending, I look forward to meeting you in person. Send me an email at yumabev@gmail.com so we can get to know each other ahead of time. See YOU in PORTLAND!
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| YumaBev is ready for a Parkie Party in Portland! |
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