Helyn Wright
PRINCETON — It’s been said for many occasions and just as many years: There is comfort in company. Helyn Wright of Princeton understands that phrase all too well, and she’s on a mission to provide not only the company, but also the comfort.
For a number of years, Wright, now 68, had some medical issues that didn’t have a name — a tremor in her right hand, poor balance, muscle stiffness and slow movement. Early in 2013, doctors were finally able to attach a diagnosis to her symptoms — Parkinson’s Disease.
Wright admits her emotions ran the gamut upon finally learning her diagnosis. She was scared. She wondered about her future. She became angry. She felt as if life as she knew it was over. But as time went on, she began to process the diagnosis.
“I had to come to grips with the fact I did have Parkinson’s, and that it is what it is. I can’t say I handled it with total acceptance. I learned to live with it,” Wright said.
Today, Wright is on a Parkinson’s medication called DUOPA, which is a relatively new medicine for the disease and is working well for her.
Throughout her journey with Parkinson’s Disease, Wright had the opportunity to be involved with other Parkinson’s patients and support groups.
“It was an inspiration,” Wright said. “After connecting with others and seeing what a wonderful thing it is to have support, I definitely knew I wanted to start a support group. I want people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers around the Princeton area to be able to have that kind of support.”
Today, Wright travels to Parkinson’s support groups in and out of the local area, speaking to patients and caregivers about herjourney with the disease and informing them about DUOPA, hoping other patients might benefit from the medicine as she has.
In her travels, she has learned about the varying stages of the disease and the differences experienced by those dealing with Parkinson’s on a daily basis.
“We all have a story to tell. There are not any two of us that are identical. I now have more empathy for others, and I have a great respect for caregivers,” Wright said.
Because of her desire to help others and her positive experiences with the support groups she’s attended or spoken to, Wright has created a local group to help those dealing with the disease.
“It will be a support meeting called Coffee Talk for Parkinson’s Disease. The first 15 minutes will be for refreshments from 4:15 to 4:30 p.m. From 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., we’ll have discussion. It will be a casual discussion group for people with Parkinson’s and those who love them,” Wright said.
Coffee Talk for Parkinson’s Disease will be held the fourth Monday of each month at the Prouty Building in Princeton. Wright will lead the discussions.
“(The purpose of the meetings) is to give support to each other, to be able to discuss our problems with others that totally understand.
To realize we are not alone ... We are there to encourage each other,” she said.
To learn more about the support group, contact Wright at 815-303-2591
http://www.bcrnews.com/2017/01/05/princeton-woman-starts-parkinsons-support-group/awfyrri/
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