Parkinson's Support Group to host Davis Phinney Foundation on Friday

Parkinson's disease doesn't care how many races you've won, even if you're Olympic Bronze medalist and Tour de France champ Davis Phinney.

Phinney's celebrated professional cycling career included 328 victories, more than any other U.S. cyclist. He was active from the late 1970s until he retired from cycling in 1993.

Seven years later, he was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson's disease at age 40. He went on to establish the Davis Phinney Foundation to advocate for the Parkinson's community and help people take charge of their condition while living their best lives. The foundation's mantra is, "Every victory counts."

"Their whole purpose is to help people who have Parkinson’s live well today with Parkinson's," said Rick Howell, a Coeur d'Alene resident who was diagnosed with Parkinson's about nine years ago.

"They really focus on how to help people manage medications, how to get into a good exercise program, nutrition, mindfulness, all the things that help you with Parkinson’s," he said.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system. Symptoms can include involuntary shaking, slowness, stiffness, loss of or poor balance, sleep disruption and cognitive impairment.

The Coeur d'Alene Parkinson's Support Group will host representatives from the foundation during the free Living Well with Parkinson's seminar from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Friday at the Coeur d'Alene Public Library.

Speakers will include Executive Director Polly Dawkins; Kevin Kwok, a recently retired biopharmaceutical operations and consulting executive as well as an advocate for people living with Parkinson’s; and Shan Havins, who was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's.

"I am really hoping people get out of this is something they can use, whether it's a caregiver helping a family member with Parkinson's or a person with Parkinson's themselves," said Howell, who is coordinating the seminar.

Other topics will include physical activity, social engagement, cognitive activity, self-advocacy and community advocacy.

"Parkinson's is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disease in the world right now. It keeps going faster and faster," Howell said. "I just want to educate the community."

According to the Parkinson's Foundation — a Miami-based nonprofit — 5,200 Idahoans are living with Parkinson's. By 2030, 1.2 million people across the U.S. are expected to have been diagnosed with the disease.

The Coeur d'Alene Parkinson's Support Group was founded in 2006 and incorporated in 2012. The nonprofit offers services, programs and support for individuals and families living with Parkinson's.

"It's really incredible there is a group like this in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho," Howell said.

Visit cdaparkinsons.com for details.

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