Free clinic coming June 22nd
Most of us have known someone affected by Parkinson’s. Some of us are well acquainted with the neurological disease slowly robbing loved ones of their control over their movements. As with any chronic affliction there is a tendency to yield to the illness, to accept its progression and adjust to the medical curve life has tossed at you. Or not. For John Durham, a pickleball aficionado who was caught up in the phenomena that has driven the popularity of the sport, there was no notion of giving up the game he loved. Certainly not being nudged from the sport by Parkinson’s. This is a story about perseverance. How one man’s decision to bring his love for the sport to others and give those who are afflicted the chance to participate in a little physical competition, while flipping a bit of the bird to the wretched intrusion Parkinson’s makes on our lives. We received this from the Durhams. Saturday, June 22, will be a free Pickleball clinic called: Pickleball, Parkinson's and Pals. It will focus on introducing Pickleball to those with Parkinson's and their pals, as well as others who are hoping to increase healthy activities. The idea for the clinic was started by John Durham who was diagnosed with Parkinson's 5 years ago. He has discovered how Pickleball has helped slow down the progression of his disease. The clinic is in partnership with the Newaygo County Pickleball club and the Parkinson's Foundation. We are thankful for support from Tamarac and the Fremont Community Recreation Center as well. The registration is scheduled at 8:30 am. with the clinic running from 9am-10:30am. Following the clinic there will be open play for new and experienced players until noon. The location will be at the outside Pickleball courts at 201 E Maple St. If there is rain, we will be in the gym at the Fremont Community Recreation Center - 201 E Maple St. Fremont, MI 49412. Feel free to come as a single or bring a pal to learn the game with you . The clinic is offered from Free, although donations to the Parkinson's Foundation will be accepted. To register, Please sign up at: bit.ly/DurhamPickleball4PD For more information or to sign-up, call John or Pat Durham @ 231 349 5460 or email, [email protected] Intrigued, we decided to pose a few questions to the Durhams. Can you take us from the idea to the plan of action? John was at a Parkinson's Symposium in Grand Rapids and met people at our table who were interested in learning Pickleball. We were sitting with another couple from Fremont whose husband also has Parkinson's and he has played Pickleball as well. We were talking about Pickleball and the others at the table showed interest in learning how to play. John thought about how he could share his knowledge of the game with beginners. John's neurologists have commented several times on how his level of activity ( mostly through Pickleball and biking) have helped with the slow down of the progression of his disease. Did John play PB before being diagnosed? Yes, John started playing Pickleball in 2014. He was diagnosed in 2019. How does pickleball help with Parkinson’s? The activity of Pickleball helps with staying active. It encourages a person to move, and use both sides of their body. It keeps the muscles working and helps with reaction time and focus. It is also great for socialization and connections with others. Depression and isolation can be a result of Parkinson's and Pickleball helps to combat those things. Who should attend the workshop and why? We started this for people with Parkinson's and their Pals. It could be a friend, a spouse, a child etc. This will give support for future play as well as for that day. We are also including anyone who would like to learn who may be challenged by other health issues. A project like this needs partners. Who has stepped up to help put this together ? The Parkinson's Foundation has helped with the planning of the event. Volunteers from the Newaygo County Pickleball Club will help with the clinic. We have had support from Tamarac with fliers and getting information out to the community. The Fremont Community Rec Center is a supporter by sharing their courts. We have had donations from Selkirk and Paddletek for door prizes. Anything you would like to add? Registrations for the clinic can be made at : bit.ly/DurhamPickleball4PD This was started as a clinic, is free to participants although donations are accepted. All donations will go to the Parkinson's Foundation. N3 Note: The Parkinson's Foundation has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the largest charity evaluator in the US. This rating means that the foundation exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in its cause. As of April 5, 2024, Charitywatch.org also rates the foundation's program percentage at 79%, which is the percentage of its cash budget that it spends on programs relative to overhead.
2 Comments
Pat Durham
6/16/2024 01:22:49 pm
We hope that you join us for the clinic. Call 2313495460 with questions. Pat
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Pat Durham
6/16/2024 01:24:37 pm
We hope you can attend the clinic. Pat and John.
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