Donations are being collected for:
I chose the National Parkinson Foundation because of a teacher at school who meant a great deal to me. It was the end of my 5th grade year, he was willing to give up his time to help me find the perfect instrument. I chose the trombone, which just happend to be the instrument he played. From that moment until my 10th grade year, he has been by my side encouraging nad challenging me. He was an Air Force pilot for the United States Air Force and he retired from the Air force to be a band teacher. Ever since then, kids that have gone through his class have loved him as if he were their dad. My life is full of arts, music, visual arts, etc. Just take this show for example. If he wasn't there encouraging, and helping me, I don't know if I would be where I am today.
He was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease, and after a few years he needed to make a change to part time. He still wanted to be involved, so he did not quit. He was appointed to another position where I - and many others - still get to see him and work with him in activities that support the fine arts in our school district. He is a TRUE inspiration to everyone that knows him. In addition, he is such a Godly man that I just want to be around him all the time. He is the epitomy of courage and inspiration. He is the reason that I chose the National Parkinson's Foundation.
However, my desire to collect for NPF took on a whole new meaning this year. My grandma was diagnosed with Parkinson's in April. I see her battling this disease every day. Hers seems to be an aggressive, fast moving form that includes dementia. It is so different when it strikes someone in your own family this hard. It makes you want to work even harder to raise money to find a cure and better treatments for everyone stricken with this. So, please consider donating to NPF when you come by the display. Thank you!