A Letter from Power for Parkinson’s Board Chair Ann Bright
“And you may ask yourself, ‘Well, how did I get here?’”
David Byrne, et al., Talking Heads, “Once in a Lifetime,” 1980.
As we reach certain milestones throughout our lives, it is common to reflect on how we got to where we are. In January, as I turned 65 (my “Medicare birthday”), among the things running through my head was how I came to be associated with Power for Parkinson’s. I recalled how in January 2012, when my husband, Stan Wedel, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, we were both a bit lost and confused and didn’t know where to turn. Much of that changed in 2014, when in addition to finding great doctors and effective medications, he found Power for Parkinson’s. From the first class, it was obvious that he had found something special. As much as he benefited physically from the symptom-focused exercises, he benefited equally, if not more, from interaction with other participants, volunteers, care partners, instructors, and of course with PFP’s founders, Nina Mosier and Susan Stahl. As he participated in more and more classes, his physical condition and his outlook continued to improve. Stan had always been athletic and out-going, so when he talked about a class being challenging, but completely accessible and fun, I knew he was in the right place.
I began to see for myself the extraordinary nature of PFP and the PFP community when I accompanied Stan to his first PFP Birthday Bash where I met other participants, family members, instructors and supporters. After that, I continued to accompany Stan to various PFP classes and functions.
In early 2021, I had recently retired from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department where I had been General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer and was asking myself “what now?”. When Nina mentioned that PFP could use some help acknowledging and thanking donors, I jumped at the chance to volunteer for such a great organization. I was able to see up close the generosity of donors who continue to support PFP. Over time, this volunteer work grew to include working with the PFP Advisory Council, drafting/revising policies, and handling the occasional legal matter.
In January of 2024, Nina and Susan approached me about joining the PFP Board as Chair Elect and then assuming the role of Chair in January 2025. I was humbled by the request to serve the PFP community in this new role.
As diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease continue to rise, the need for symptom-focused exercise programs is greater than ever. PFP continues to focus on rising to the challenge of providing in-person and virtual classes and programs to this ever-expanding community. Through the skill, hard work, and foresight of PFP staff, instructors, volunteers and supporters, PFP has been able to manage its growth from local in-person classes to a global on-line community. Ensuring that PFP has the support and the resources necessary to meet the needs of a growing population is a goal we all share. I’m so thankful for the PFP community and am looking forward to getting out and meeting more PFP participants, instructors, volunteers, and supporters. Thank you for the opportunity to serve this incredible community.