Paul Ruby appointed Regional Ambassador for national Parkinson's organization
Nov. 30, 2015 - Over 1.5 million Americans today are living with Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurological disorder causing motor difficulties as well as other cognitive and non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbances and pain.
The Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's disease exists to empower people with Parkinson's disease to live well today through programs providing information, tools and inspiration. Parkinson's affects more people than multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and Lou Gehrig's disease combined, one of whom is Geneva's very own Paul Ruby. Ruby personifies the Davis Phinney Foundation's philosophy of "living well with Parkinson's" and recently accepted an invitation to serve as a regional ambassador for the Davis Phinney Foundation.
Ruby was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2006 at the age of 42. The Paul Ruby Foundation for Parkinson's Research was founded in 2007 and raised over $1,000,000 before dissolving and merging with the Davis Phinney Foundation in 2015.
"I try not to worry about things I can't control and to focus my energy where I can make a difference. I am excited to continue being a resource for those with Parkinson's and especially the newly diagnosed. Having a degenerative disease doesn't mean we can't live well and the Davis Phinney Foundation provides some great resources and inspiration," Ruby stated.
Davis Phinney Foundation ambassadors are people living with Parkinson's disease who embody the Davis Phinney Foundation's philosophy of taking action to achieve wellness. Armed with support and tools provided by the Davis Phinney Foundation, ambassadors will cultivate relationships in their regional communities to connect individuals, families, organizations and health care professionals with the free tools and information the Davis Phinney Foundation offers to improve one's quality of life with Parkinson's. Ruby will serve as a resource for others living with Parkinson's in the Chicago area, available to discuss wellness with Parkinson's at local events, gatherings and support groups, meet with health care professionals and assist individuals and families living with the disease. Paul can be contacted at paulcruby@gmail.com.
Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement and causes other non-motor symptoms. Globally, an estimated 6.3 million people live with Parkinson's disease, including more than 1.5 million Americans. It affects men and women alike. Its incidence is higher in the over-60 age group, although diagnosis at younger ages is increasingly common.
Davis Phinney Foundation
The Davis Phinney Foundation was created in 2004 to help people with Parkinson's disease live well today. Its major initiatives include: the Every Victory Counts® manual, developed by movement disorder experts to provide practical ways to live well with Parkinson's; The Victory Summit® symposia series, which brings experts into communities to share advances in science, care and to inspire those affected by the disease to take action; the Living Well Challenge™ educational webinar series; the "Parkinson's Exercise Essentials" video and the funding of research focused on exercise, speech and other quality of life therapies. Visit www.davisphinneyfoundation.org.