SUSAN REESE , RN, LCSW

Coordinator

It is with great enthusiasm and with much humility that I settle into this new position as Coordinator of the National APDA Young Parkinson's Information & Referral Center. My enthusiasm is fueled by the wonderful people I have met and worked with during my two year tenure as the Coordinator of the APDA Regional I&R Center for Illinois/Indiana, and by my anticipation of getting to know more of you across the whole nation (and the world!). It is with great humility that I step into the very large shoes that Arlette Johnson leaves for me. For four years Arlette provided this center and the young Parkinson community with a quiet determination and leadership. Her "vision" and perseverance resulted in many achievements including a strong young parkinson's support network and a handbook written specifically for the issues of the young PD population. Her presence will be missed by us all. In appreciation of Arlette's contributions, the center is now named The Arlette Johnson APDA Young Parkinson's I&R Center.

I have already spoken to many of you on the phone. Thanks to all who have been so helpful and encouraging to me in making this transition. In answer to the questions many of you have asked me: I do not have Parkinson's Disease. I am a nurse and a clinical social worker, and I have a private practice in counselling. With this background I hope I can be helpful to you with both your physical and psychological concerns. I am married with two grown children. My son is a junior high school teacher and my daughter is a massage therapist who has written an article, "Benefits of Massage Therapy,"  for us in a past newsletter. We live in the Chicago area, so when you call the center at 1.800.223.9776 you will now be connected to the Midwest, rather than to sunny California.

Reprinted from The APDA Young Parkinson Newsletter, Spring, 1996.