Jordan is among 28 people from across the country who contributed to Proud Hands, a book that will be launched Saturday at the Unity Walk, a fundraiser for Parkinson’s research in New York’s Central Park. The book will be distributed nationwide.
Jordan, an 80-year-old retired high school and college math teacher, heard about the book project at one of her favorite places: A twice-weekly exercise group Jordan found through the National Parkinson Foundation.
“I just had the time,” Jordan said of why she wrote an essay.
And she had plenty to say.
Jordan, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease about 10 years ago, wrote that one of “the positive aspects” of Parkinson’s disease is “that mental powers do not appear to deteriorate.”
“I am still able to tutor, sew, cook, garden, drive, use the computer and do almost everything I want to do,” Jordan wrote.
Highlighting these abilities is key to the book, said Mike Sheehy, product manager at Teva Neuroscience Inc., a Kansas City pharmaceutical company that makes Azilect, a drug designed to treat the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The company underwrote the publication of Proud Hands.
Teva Neuroscience paid $250,000 to publish 25,000 copies, which are being distributed through the American Parkinson Disease Association Inc., an organization that focuses on research, patient support, education and public awareness. The cost for Proud Hands is a $15 donation to the association. About 6,000 copies will be distributed to neurologists’ offices, Sheehy said.
Bill Hillman of Sun City Center, Fla., is being featured in a video being done through Teva, Sheehy said. Hillman, a former high school physical education teacher, has developed a series of useful exercises, Sheehy said.
“He is so excited about life and his opportunities to do things,” Sheehy said of Hillman.
As are the other authors of Proud Hands, including Jordan.
“My math skills are still intact, so I can tutor,” Jordan wrote. “Sewing for grandchildren or making quilts keeps me active. The Lord has provided many blessings. Life is good.”
•American Parkinson Disease Association: www.apdaparkinson.org
•Parkinson Foundation: www.parkinson.org
•To register for the Webcast of the Unity Walk on Saturday, go to www.unitywalk.org
Don’t forget…
Forks & Corks, a benefit for Harvesters, being held from 6 to 9 p.m. tonight at the Kansas City Convention Center’s Grand Ballroom, 13th and Wyandotte. More than 60 local restaurants and beverage purveyors. Tickets, $85, are available at the door.
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