Indiana State Coordinator This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   - IN 05 (317) 845-0494

Indiana State Coordinator This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  - IN 05 (317) 570-0545

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Indiana advocates at the PAN Forum

Click here for a listing of Parkinson's Support Groups in Indiana.

Dee Garrett Receives Murray Charters Award

      At the 2009 Research & Public Policy Forum, PAN was privileged to honor two outstanding advocates for their work on behalf of the Parkinson's community.  Deloris “Dee” Garrett received The Louis Fishman Advocacy Award and Carolyn Stephenson received The Murray Charters Award For Outstanding Service to the Parkinson's Community.  Each of these women individually shows the power of advocacy both in their local communities and in the entire Parkinson's disease community.  The awards were presented on March 15 during the Joan Samuelson Advocacy Awards Dinner, named in honor of PAN's founder.

The Louis Fishman Advocacy Award was established in 1996 by a gift from the Louis Fishman estate.  Mr. Fishman requested that his memory be honored by recognizing others for their commitment and perseverance.  It is awarded each year to an advocate who has devoted his or her personal time to the fight against Parkinson's disease.

Garrett's professional experience, business contacts, in addition to her civic volunteer activities have given her the skills and contacts she needs to be a successful advocate.  Garrett, a licensed psychologist, chose to do advocacy work after serving as president of her state psychological association.  She trained in advocacy techniques in Washington.

Garrett's style of advocacy relies heavily on networking, knowing people, seeing opportunities, and taking advantage of them.  Her many licenses allow her to meet with different professionals as an equal to get their cooperation.  As a problem begins to surface, Garrett works on solutions with interested parties.  For example, when a significant number of people called her wanting help or support after being diagnosed, Garrett recognized this as a problem.  She began to collect and review materials that could help people.  She hoped that when patients left a doctor's office, they could be given material that would give them help, information, and hope.

Dee is active in numerous civic organizations including the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Contemporary Art Society, Herron School of Art, Dance Kaleidoscope, Indiana Repertory Theatre, the Christamore Guild, the women's committee of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the board of Partners, which provides shelter for the homeless, and the IN/KY Lutheran Synod.

Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in September 1999, Garrett looked for ways to help in the fight against Parkinson's.  She began by joining the board of her local Parkinson's association.  Her knowledge of advocacy led her to PAN where she became the State Coordinator for Indiana.  Since joining PAN, she has worked to establish relationships with Senators and Congressmen, written letters to members of Congress, given speeches to educate the community, worked PAN tables at various meetings, recruited new members, and written articles for local papers.  She has also participated in four clinical trials.

Upcoming Events

August 8, 2009 - Luncheon fundraiser in Hammond, IN from 11 am - 3 pm for the Michael J. Fox Foundation at the Jean Shepherd Center in Hammond, IN. The event will include a silent auction, raffles, and door prizes. The cost is $25/person. This is the sixth year for this benefit and is thanks to the work of Kerry and Mona. For more information, contact either Kerry or Mona at (219) 228-6434.

Annual Indianapolis Parkinson's Symposium - date to be determined.