10/18/99

Helping Hands

Readers constantly write to me about organizations that serve people in need. In turn, I pass the information along to you. We all benefit at one time or another from the many support services available in CT communities. Thanks for pitching in!

Transitions Center

"My name is Patricia Peters, and I am the Director of The Transitions Center, a new program sponsored by Easter Seals if Connecticut. Located at 50-3, Route 32, in Quaker Hill, our program is designed to teach life skills to students and young adults with developmental disabilities. We provide courses in Life Skills Assessment, Personal Management, Career Management and Life Management to help teens and young adults set realistic goals for the future, improve decision-making and communication skills, conduct an effective job search and learn a range of life skills. These include understanding and management of finances, citizenship, community safety, crisis management, self-advocacy, consumerism, ways to access transportation and socialization skills. Students with special needs and their families can learn more about programs at The Transition Center by contacting me, Patricia Peters, or Valerie Gould at Easter Seals Transitions Center by telephone: 860-437-1830 or FAX: 860-437-1838."

Fight against Parkinson's

"I read your articles sporadically, depending on the time allowed by my daily uninvited guest, Parkinson's disease, with me for 12 years now. I participated yesterday (9/26/99) in an annual Walk-a-thon in Central Park, NYC, held to collect donations for research to find a cure for this chronic, progressive disease. There were an estimated 2,400 people with Parkinson's Disease and their families gathered there to walk a two-mile loop around New York City's oasis, including TV/film personality Michael J. Fox. I admire him, knowing what an effort it is to try and maintain normalcy in front of his public when not having control over the streaming perspiration and ungainly gait caused by overexertion.

"My research reveals that one in four families will be affected by Parkinson's Disease during their lives. The more the public is aware, the more they will understand what members of their families go through with this most baffling and complicated disease. For information about next year's Parkinson's Unity Walk, an annual event since 1994, endorsed by major US Parkinson's foundations, visit the website: http://www.parkinsonwalk.org/noframes/"

On the Playground

"Thanks for your inspiring article about playgrounds accessible to the handicapped. All kids need a place to enjoy themselves, unhindered by obstacles. A few months ago, at a public hearing, I implored the town of East Haven to apply for federal and state grants to update handicap accessibility in town. One of my wishes is to see a handicap ramp at the town beach. My son, while in Florida, was able to go to the water's edge in his wheelchair, which is something he can't do here. Hopefully the town will respond favorably."

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"I appreciate the story about the Boundless Playgrounds folks. They are doing great work. There is also a boundless playground (small letters) at the Annie Fisher School in Hartford. Designed and built by Step Up for Children, a local organization dedicated to providing recreational equipment and play experiences for inner city children, the Fisher playground is also designed to meet the needs of children with disabilities. Although Boundless Playgrounds did not sponsor us with funding, they very much approve of our work. We hope to collaborate in the future. Consider giving Step Up for Children some publicity as we continue our grass roots fundraising. Our web site is under construction but can be accessed through: http://www.avon-church.org."

Breat Cancer: One Year Later...

"I can't believe that it has been one year since I was diagnosed and subsequently treated for breast cancer. Writing to you at that time provided me with much needed therapy. I was able to express my fears, my sadness and my amazement that this "could happen to me."

"Since my surgery in September, 1998, I have had one more procedure, a lymphadonectomy. A biopsy of the lymph nodes showed no spread of the disease. I then went on to six weeks of radiation treatment. The treatment is painless and takes only a few minutes of each day. I was fortunate that I did not need chemotherapy. (Had the lymph nodes been positive, chemotherapy would have been necessary.

"Last week I returned for the "dreaded" mammogram. This time it was negative. I feel wonderful, and I am so happy to be alive! I work out at the gym 3 to 4 times a week and am in better shape than I have been in years. Please remind your readers that self-examination and mammograms are absolutely necessary! If you can't afford a mammogram, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. Since 1995, in Connecticut, more than 8,200 women have received free mammograms under a program sponsored by the Society. As I write this, I am looking at a pamphlet from the ACS and the following is written in bold, red letters: "This year, 176,300 Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 43,700 will die." Pretty grim statistics, don't you think? To every woman who reads this, "Talk with your health care provider about getting a mammogram. Early detection of breast cancer can lead to life-saving treatment."

Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.