Glynn County’s Parkinson’s Disease Support Group has announced
its first “informational” meeting will be Thursday, December
2, 2021, at 11 a.m. in the St. Simons United Methodist Church Parlor located
at 624 Ocean Blvd., St. Simons Island.
Parkinson’s disease is a neurologically-related movement disorder
that causes tremors, muscle stiffness and difficulty with balance, walking,
speech and coordination. As the disease progresses, patients require the
assistance of caregivers to help them maneuver through everyday life.
If a family member is assuming the caregiver role, it can be stressful
and challenging without support, guidance, and help from others. The support
group is meant to be an outlet for people to share information and help
each other better manage the side effects of this disease.
The focus of this group is to “provide an avenue for patients, caregivers
and families to share information about symptoms, struggles and the latest
treatment options,” says Mike McKinney, cofounder of the group.
McKinney shared that after researching the area for similar offerings,
there were none to be found between Savannah and Jacksonville.
Tilman Blakely, cofounder and Parkinson’s patient himself, says that
“Everyone in contact with this disease has a different life, a different
story, different symptoms and different knowledge about treatment options.”
If you are interested or have any questions about the support group, please
contact Tilman Blakely by email at
ttbdogstyle@yahoo.com.