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Parkinson's Support Group to learn about emergency preparedness

FALLBROOK – North County Parkinson's Support Group Fallbrook is holding its next meeting Friday, May 27, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Fallbrook Regional Health District's Health and Wellness Center, 1636 E. Mission Road.

The guest speaker will be Rex McCoy; Lt. Commander USN, retired and NCPSG Board Director; his presentation will be on "Emergency Preparedness, Aware and Care." McCoy retired from the Navy in 1990 and he and his wife settled in Southern California where he began his second career as a software quality assurance engineer.

Leaving the software industry in 2001, Rex and Ann owned a hair salon for several years while Ann continued to perform as a well-known exercise leader and dancer at many local venues. After Ann's diagnosis the previous year, they attended their first North County Parkinson's Support Group in 2011. Rex was invited to join the board in 2012 and has remained very active in the North County community even after Ann's passing in 2014 from an illness unrelated to Parkinson's.

"The tremendous support Ann and I received during her illness encouraged me to stay on the board. I just want to continue giving back to the community that gave so much to us." He is the leader of the La Costa support group and vice-president of the NCPSG Board.

McCoy has also made several presentations on personal advocacy for Parkinson's patients when hospitalized. "This kind of information simply isn't available from any other agency. It's the kind of thing that can only be developed within the community itself. This is why our support groups are so valuable for people." Rex also likes our social activities including the small groups in particular. "These small groups are a wonderful opportunity to connect with other people who are going through the same journey. No one has to be alone. We are literally on this journey together.

"Nobody understands Parkinson's like the patients themselves and their caregivers. Nobody will take charge in this journey unless we do it ourselves. That's the tremendous value of our support groups. From the array of information we offer to our exercise and social opportunities we gain from each other to meet the challenges we face. You are not Parkinson's. You are you."

Break out groups, held for a time of sharing, coffee and refreshments, will follow the program. The meeting is held in support of persons with Parkinson's disease, care partners and people interested in improving the world of those affected by Parkinson’s disease.

For more information, call Irene, 760-731-0171.

Submitted by the Fallbrook Parkinson's Support Group.

 

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