Fantastic news about a Forest Hills Connection contributor and neighbor:
Forest Hills resident Pat Davies is getting creative in the fight against Parkinson’s disease. A photograph she took of women in Sapa, in the north of Vietnam, has been selected to appear in the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation’s (PDF) 2015 Creativity and Parkinson’s Calendar, and is the featured artwork for the month of February in the nationally-distributed charity calendar which helps to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease.
Pat is one of nearly 400 artists living with Parkinson’s who have shared their artwork and experiences with PDF’s Creativity and Parkinson’s Project. The Project explores, supports and encourages the therapeutic value of creativity in Parkinson’s. Her photograph of women and their intricate embroidery work was chosen among just thirteen of these individuals’ works to be featured in PDF’s annual print calendar, which is distributed nationwide to nearly 20,000 people.
Pat was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2009. A professional who spent 35 years managing major conferences for international organizations, she now uses her skills as a volunteer with PDF, both as a Research Advocate and as a member of its Creativity and Parkinson’s Project. Though she always enjoyed photography, she says that after her diagnosis, she found the hobby to be particularly therapeutic.
“My tactic for dealing with Parkinson’s is to ignore it by staying as active as I possibly can. Being involved in creative activities like photography is both relaxing and therapeutic. It is very satisfying to produce something that gives other people pleasure,” says Pat.
PDF President Robin Elliott said, “We are proud to showcase Pat’s creativity in the calendar. Her work serves as a source of hope and inspiration to the nearly one million others in the US living with Parkinson’s disease.”
To order the 2015 Creativity and Parkinson’s Calendar, contact the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation at (800) 457-6676 or info@pdf.org. To view more of Pat’s artwork and others in the online gallery, visit www.pdf.org/creativity.
About Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects nearly one million people in the US. Although promising research is being conducted, there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s.
About PDF’s Creativity and Parkinson’s Project
Many people with Parkinson’s report that creative activities – such as painting, drawing, playing instruments or singing – ease Parkinson’s symptoms. PDF’s Creativity and Parkinson’s Project encourages those living with the disease to explore their creativity and its potentially beneficial side effects. PDF welcomes all forms of creativity and hosts an online gallery of artwork, shares artists’ inspiring stories and publishes an annual calendar featuring the work of 13 artists living with the disease. To learn more, visit www.pdf.org/creativity.
About the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation
The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PDF) is a leading national presence in Parkinson’s disease research, education and public advocacy. We are working for the nearly one million people in the US who live with Parkinson’s disease by funding promising scientific research while supporting people living with Parkinson’s disease through educational programs and services. Since its founding in 1957, PDF has dedicated $105 million to fund the work of leading scientists throughout the world and $44 million to support education and advocacy programs.
David Bardin says
Stunning photo! Congratulations on this recognition, Pat.
Ken Terzian says
Your attitude about life and your work are both inspiring. Well done, keep going strong!
Mary Beth Ray says
Pat is such an inspiration to us all! In addition to her Parkinson’s work, she serves on the Van Ness Vision Committee, and she is the President of the Board of Directors of Georgetown Ministry Center, a homeless outreach and advocacy center, where she also teaches knitting to the homeless guests. Pat helped initiate Saturday and Sunday evening dinners for Georgetown’s homeless population, and she spends almost every Saturday and Sunday evening cooking and serving 50-60 homeless men and women. We are fortunate indeed to have her in Forest Hills!
Linda Morgan says
I am a fellow patient and good friend of Pat’s! I’ve had the opportunity to view Pat’s work first hand, she is talented in art as well as her administrative talents!