What does the Struthers Parkinson’s Center mean for people who are affected by Parkinson’s disease? “Coming to the center has made all the difference in the world,” says Lennore Bevis, whose husband, Roger, has Parkinson’s disease. “It offers Roger the specialized medical care and therapy he needs. But, equally important, it has given him a place to go where he feels like he really belongs.”

Unfortunately, it wasn’t always that way for Roger and Lennore. When he was first diagnosed with the disease four years ago, he and his wife were not yet working with the center. Although they knew he had Parkinson’s disease, they couldn’t understand why his symptoms progressed so quickly. “I tried all the typical medications, but they made no difference. Nothing helped,” Roger explains.

What a difference a day makes
The turning point came in July 2006. Instead of giving in to the disease, Roger and Lennore decided to seek a second opinion from Martha A. Nance, MD, a neurologist at Struthers Parkinson’s Center. Roger participated in the center’s daylong assessment.

Dr. Nance gave the couple a more complete diagnosis of Roger’s condition: progressive supranuclear palsy, or PSP, an atypical form of Parkinson’s that develops rapidly and is less responsive to medications. Roger also saw a physical therapist, occupational therapist, social worker, nurses and a speech pathologist.

“We got all the answers we needed and decided right then and there that we wanted to work with Dr. Nance. We also were impressed with the center’s convenience. They had this integrated team approach, which saved us from having to run all over the place,” Lennore explains. Before this, Roger hadn’t received any therapy.

Club CREATE — Roger’s second home
Although Roger’s disease continues to progress, he has benefited greatly from his association with Struthers Parkinson’s Center and Club CREATE (Center for Research, Educational, Artistic and Therapeutic Endeavors), its therapeutic adult day program.

“They get it,” Roger says. “They know what it’s like to be disabled. They know what it’s like to have to depend on someone for everything you want to do.” Roger spends three days a week at Club CREATE, from about 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thanks to bus service provided by Metro Mobility, Roger can get to and from the center independently.

Ask Roger what he likes best about Club CREATE, and he’ll spell it out for you: “L-O-V-E. Everything they do for you is motivated by love,” he says. He also likes singing and being with people like himself, who also have to depend on others. “It’s so wonderful for him to go out and socialize on his own. It’s been a real upper for both of us,” Lennore adds.

Roger is still able to walk with a walker, but his speech and thought processes have slowed. His wife has become his caregiver and has taken on more responsibilities at home. And although they’ve sold their home and moved into a condo, they remain active with church and friends. Their two adult daughters and their families, including three grandchildren, bring them enormous joy.

The strength to carry on
“Roger and I go to a support group once a month for patients and caregivers — and I go to a caregivers support group twice a month,” Lennore says. “We have learned so much from sharing our experiences, and we’ve also made good friends.”

The couple says they also want to give back to the center that has given them so much. In addition to providing financial support, the couple is offering their input on the center’s redesign and Lennore is a member of the center’s community advisory board. Roger and Lennore have been enthusiastic participants in center fundraising activities, and Lennore serves on the center’s Community Advisory Board.

“Our ability to form a partnership with our patients and their families on many levels is a unique and powerful resource in the fight against Parkinson’s disease and related conditions,” Dr. Nance says.

“The bottom line is, we’re no longer alone. We now have a team of professionals who are making our lives as positive as possible,” Lennore adds. “The center has been a godsend for both of us.”

To learn more about Club CREATE, call 952-993-5495, or visit Struthers Parkinson’s Center.