The Capital Area Parkinson’s Society is vital to central Texas families coping with a Parkinson’s diagnosis, with outstanding seminars and conferences, monthly educational programs, and regular support groups.

But our involvement doesn’t stop there.

Executive Director Christi Cornell, a licensed social worker, got a call from a woman with Parkinson’s who clearly needed help (we’ll call her Elizabeth). Christi visited her in her mobile home and subsequently lined up a group of volunteers to help clean out her living space. These volunteers picked up and purged, clearing pathways for Elizabeth so she could walk safely from room to room.

Christi also assessed additional needs, and was able to use CAPS Cares funds, a program that provides emergency funding for those in need, to purchase hearing aids. Then Christi worked with Elizabeth to ensure that Elizabeth’s sister was named as her medical power of attorney. This ended up being critical to the family, as Elizabeth’s health unexpectedly took a turn for the worse.

When both Elderwheels and CAPS hadn’t heard back from Elizabeth after several attempts to contact her, Christi made the decision to call 911. EMS found her unconscious, as she had had a series of strokes.

Sadly, Elizabeth passed away in the hospital a couple weeks after she was found. But since Elizabeth’s sister had been set up as her medical power of attorney, her family was able to visit her and make end-of-life decisions.

Elizabeth is among a growing list of individuals diagnosed with PD who rely upon CAPS to provide comfort and connection during their illness. The CAPS Cares programs provide vital services and funds for those most in need, and CAPS is grateful to have had such a positive impact on the life of Elizabeth in what turned out to be her final years.

If you would like to make a donation to help more and more families with Parkinson’s, please visit our website.