Portland, Oregon, here we come!!! 2016 World Parkinson Congress!

It's hard to believe that the 2016 World Parkinson Congress is less than a month away now!  I have to say I'm super excited to meet some fellow Parkie friends I've had the pleasure of making thanks to this blog that'll also be attending.  I'm also beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to meet the other 15 official World Parkinson Bloggers while in Portland.  Find all 16 of us here:  www.worldpdcoalition.org/?page=BloggingPartner  I'm honored to be a small part of this amazing organization that puts on a convention like no other in the world!  Where scientists, medical professionals, researchers, physicians & people with Parkinson's Disease will all come together under one roof for one amazing event jam packed with information.  A unique opportunity for the Parkie's of the world to hear first hand information and arm ourselves with knowledge; after all knowledge is power.  As well as the chance for the medical community to learn from those of us who live with the disease day in and day out.  WOW, is what I have to say about that!  There is no other health conference in the world like it that brings all these perspectives together.

So, what are you waiting for?  Didn't register?  Well log on now and do so, I didn't make it to the last conference in Montreal as it was prior to my official diagnosis, but I know many people who attended and said it was incredible.  With a combination of plenary sessions, round table workshops, presentations & lectures it's sure to be likely a little overwhelming but in an amazing information gathering kind of way.  And they have thought of everything to try and make the experience enjoyable for anyone with PD, there's even an area called "Wellness Way" with meditation rooms, renewal room, massage/reike and even a care partner room for those who attend as our support.  There's an art walk, book nook (featuring books & authors that speak directly to us), the WPC Choir, Film you name it!  They had the 'WPC Buddies program' where upon registering you could request to be paired with a buddy and have the opportunity to talk to them ahead of time so you'd feel like you knew someone when you arrived.  I think this is brilliant especially for a group of people who can have social withdrawal and anxiety as a symptom.  I was paired with a man in Texas and his lovely wife, Jason & Heather.  We have a lot in common and have skyped and emailed back and forth and I'm really looking forward to meeting them in person.  In the welcome package they even have cards to keep in your passport explaining you have Parkinson's and listing facts about the disease, an area to note your medication etc... They have this down to a science and I cannot wait to experience it!

For those of you who are reading and planning to attend I hope I get the opportunity to meet you, it's a privilege to be a part of your journey even though our road is a tough one, together we can lift each other up and always remind ourselves that we are not alone.  So please, if you plan on attending and haven't registered yet don't wait another minute.  Register here:  www.wpc2016.org  

I cannot wait to soak up information from the medical community, arm myself with whatever knowledge I can gather about how to live better with PD, find out about treatment options for the months and years to come & to meet so many others that know exactly what life with Parkinson's is truly like.  It's going to be awesome, I'll see you in Portland my Parkie friends!!!