Support group to hear about an astronaut with Parkinson's

FALLBROOK – North County Parkinson's Support Group Fallbrook invites anyone interested to join their monthly support group meeting Friday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m. to noon. They will meet the third Friday of the month due to the Thanksgiving holiday during their regularly scheduled week.

The meeting is held at the Fallbrook Regional Health and Wellness Center 1636 E. Mission Road. The program will be a showing of the video "The Astronaut's Secret" about NASA astronaut Rich Clifford.

The topic is “Live Your Best Life – Parkinson's Doesn't Define Me.” "The Astronaut's Secret" explores Clifford's career as an astronaut and how he and NASA kept his disease a secret for more than 15 years.

The film also follows Clifford as he begins to speak publicly about Parkinson's disease and becomes a source of inspiration for others suffering from the neurodegenerative disease. Following the video showing, a presentation will highlight key points in focusing on "Living Your Best Life" and include the sharing of several testimonials by support group participants.

In addition to the presentation, breakout groups will meet for a time of sharing; coffee and refreshments will follow the program.

This 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.

An opportunity has presented itself to participate in a groundbreaking study on Parkinson's research. BrainXell Therapeutics is seeking PWP's to participate in preclinical trial development.

To participate, a skin biopsy (the size of pin - 3mm) will be taken at a medical site in Temecula. It is a quick five minute process and virtually pain free. (A local numbing agent is used on the site – underarm).

The San Diego team is working in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin internationally recognized leader in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. A complete protocol of the study and consent form will be given to you. Visit https://brainxell.com/technology and https://brainxelltx.com/ or email [email protected] or call Anabel DeLa Garza (Director of Medical Affairs) 510-604-5034.

Another opportunity is to participate in Parkinson's Foundation PD GENEration: Mapping (the Future of Parkinson’s Disease), a national initiative that offers genetic testing for clinically relevant Parkinson's-related genes and genetic counseling at no cost for people with Parkinson’s disease.

Participation can be from home through a telemedicine appointment and at-home cheek swab collection kit. For more information, use this link: https://www.parkinson.org/advancing-research/our-research/pdgeneration.

For more information about the support group or meeting, call Irene, 760-731-0171 or Lorie, 760-453-3045 or email [email protected].

Submitted by the Fallbrook Parkinson's Support Group.