Job With Parkinson Group Was Just Meant To Happen

[Murray Charters <mcharters@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Job With Parkinson Group Was Just Meant To Happen
Kristin Park
Special for The Republic
Nov. 3, 2003 12:00 AM

Reflecting on her decade-long volunteer involvement with the Muhammad Ali 
Parkinson Research Center, Karen O'Donnell
sees that it was meant to be.

"I've had people say to me that this must be what I'm supposed to be doing with 
my life, and it does truly feel that
way," said O'Donnell, 55, of Sun City.

When her husband was first diagnosed 10 years ago, she attended her first 
Parkinson's support group. It was
discouraging to see others with more advanced symptoms.

It wasn't long before she was leading support groups on her own as a volunteer 
facilitator.

"Because of her personal experience, she's a great resource for the Parkinson's 
community," said patient services
coordinator Kristina Watts. "She's a good friend to both the Parkinsonians and 
their caregivers in need."

Once, after reading an article about an exercise class in Tucson specifically 
designed for Parkinson's patients,
O'Donnell brought it to Phoenix. Called "Art of Moving," the class addresses 
each symptom of the disease by
incorporating yoga, tai chi, drama and voice. The participants learn new ways 
to exercise while improving their
dexterity and coordination.

She was able to find an instructor willing to become certified to teach it, and 
later became certified herself. Thanks
to her perseverance, "Art of Moving" classes are available all over the Valley 
at churches and senior centers.

O'Donnell also finds time to provide support to callers seeking advice and 
resources. Her drive has carried over into
the political realm, as she has pursued increased funding for Parkinson's 
research.

O'Donnell's 62-year-old husband still works full-time and plays golf three 
times a week, and credits his lifestyle to
their optimistic outlook.

"We just try to stay as healthy as we can until there's a cure," she said.

SOURCE: The Arizona Republic


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