Georgetown Parkinson’s group sees new leadership, continued community service
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and World Parkinson Day is April 11.
Happy birthday to James Parkinson, the English surgeon whose 1817 work described what would later be named Parkinson’s disease. The Parkinson color and symbol is the red tulip named for James Parkinson. It was developed by a Dutch horticulturist who had Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder of the nervous system that worsens over time. Nerve cells in the brain break down, causing a variety of symptoms. Parkinson’s does not affect everyone the same way and the rate of progression differs among individuals.
The cause is unknown, but genetic and environmental factors may increase risk. Although Parkinson's disease can't be cured, medicines may help alleviate symptoms.
For about 15 years, Georgetown Area Parkinson’s Support — or GAPS — has led the way to a better life for area residents affected by Parkinson’s and other movement disorders. The group started small, with support by Capital Area Parkinson’s Society in Austin.
Georgetown resident Mary Jane Berry became GAPS’ official “facilitator” in 2012.
“My husband was diagnosed at age 60,” Ms. Berry said. “As a registered nurse, I wanted to learn more about Parkinson's and how I can help him and others.”
Today, GAPS has over 1,400 members. The program provides resources and community for those living with Parkinson’s disease, their families and caregivers. Through its various classes, group meetings and education luncheons, GAPS builds upon its work in the fight against Parkinson’s Disease and other movement disorders.
After 17 years attending and leading GAPS, Mary Jane has decided to step down from the executive director role to become a GAPS Ambassador.
“Yep, I am self-appointed,” Mary Jane admitted.
She describes the role as “a volunteer who is a passionate influencer, advocate and stakeholder.”
Mary Jane is rightly proud of the recognition GAPS has garnered during her tenure.
“We have very close contact with several of the national organizations. We're out there, we're known,” she said. “That’s always good but being able to provide information to a newly diagnosed individual and to have him say ‘finally I have hope’ makes me so excited.”
James Lavender has taken over as GAPS executive director. Mr. Lavender is a dedicated nonprofit leader with 20 years of experience serving in a variety of roles. The majority of his tenure has been serving as a worship pastor in various churches. Most recently, he served as a development officer within a large nonprofit organization that provides child and families services. The native Texan resides in Georgetown.
“The opportunity with GAPS felt like it was meant to be,” Mr. Lavender explained. “It worked with my values and goals of being able to serve the community here in Georgetown. It felt like all of my past experience in nonprofit work would contribute to building the next layers of GAPS.
“People that get diagnosed with chronic disease are shocked. The individual can be like an island with fear, anxiety and depression. At the heart of GAPS is building community so they don't have to go through this on their own. Parkinson’s disease by definition is not fatal. Each individual has an opportunity to live their best life with that. We build a community so that they're not walking this alone.”
The GAPs website, gapstx.org, offers important information. The organization needs volunteers to help with administrative duties, at the meetings/exercise classes and for fundraising.
In honor of Parkinson Month there is a capital campaign to raise funds to support the work being done.