Anne Downing, president, Malta Parkinson’s Disease Association, Naxxar
In desperate need of six volunteers
Nearly four years ago, the Malta Parkinson’s Disease Association came into being. It was registered in 2008, is not government-funded and relies on donations, fundraising and membership subscriptions.
All committee members are volunteers. It is the only association giving support to people with Parkinson’s together with their carers, families and friends in Malta.
We enrol new members annually but, unfortunately, some did not renew their membership. The majority of founder members have remained members.
This year has seen a rapid decline in our ability to fulfil our mission to give support, advice and information in whatever way we can. Three committee members did not seek re-election and we had to suspend monthly meetings and cut back on everything.
In order to keep the association running we desperately need at least six committed and enthusiastic people to form a full committee to take the association forward.
If anyone thinks they could help please contact me on 2146 2196 or e-mail: maltaparkinsons@onvol.net for more information (www.maltaparkinsons.com).
This month we will be distributing the Maltese edition of the booklet Life With Parkinson’s, which is being produced in conjunction with the European Parkinson’s Disease Association (of which we are members).
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition affecting movement, including walking, writing and talking. It occurs when about 80 per cent of the substance called dopamine, contained in cells in the part of the brain which controls movement, is lost, making that part of the brain unable to function normally. The main symptoms are tremor (shaking), slowness of movement and stiffness or rigidity in the muscles.
Medication, mainly drugs are used to help control the symptoms.
At present there is no cure but much progress has been made in treatment and research to find a cure continues in many countries.
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Carmel Sammut
Oct 23rd 2011, 11:20
I must admit I didnot see Mrs Downing's contribution before. All I can say is, that as a Parkinson's disease sufferer, I am immensely grateful to this English, fully dedicated and hard working lady, who was the first person in Malta to start an association to help us, 'live' as comfortaby as possible. She was always planning ahead for the monthly meertings, the numerous social events she organised to attract the funds.
I will not be exaggerating that we all stand to lose if our society is ended after so much pains to found it. It is a shame on us Maltese to stsand back and do nothing. As for me I would have liked to offer my dervices but the disease is prgressing at a fast rate, taking away my ability to write, dress, wash etc etc .
Please do take heed of Mrs Downing - she deserves much much better. Thank you Mrs Downing!
Mr Tony Borg
Oct 10th 2011, 11:42
Ms Downing I sincerely hope that you will find the six volunteers that you are after. It is for a very worthy cause and the Parkinson sufferers need all the help they can get. They need a very strong body of dedicated people to take their cause to the Government and push to get the latest medicine available and hands-on help for the Parkinson sufferers. I met you about two or three years ago and I was very impressed with your work and dedication.
Keep up the excellent work that you are doing and I encourage the people to take on the positions available to run MPDA and make it the best it can be. I thank you for you hard work and dedication.
Tony Borg (Melb)