Glynn County’s Parkinson’s Disease Support Group’s First Meeting December 2

Glynn County’s Parkinson’s Disease Support Group will be having its first “informational” meeting on Thursday, December 2, 2021, at 11 a.m. in the St. Simons United Methodist Church Parlor located at 624 Ocean Blvd., St. Simons Island.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurologically-related movement disorder that causes tremors, muscle stiffness and difficulty with balance, walking, speech and coordination. As the disease progresses, patients require the assistance of caregivers to help them maneuver through everyday life. If a family member is assuming the caregiver role, it can be stressful and challenging without support, guidance, and help from others. The support group is meant to be an outlet for people to share information and help each other better manage the side effects of this disease.

The focus of this group is to “provide an avenue for patients, caregivers and families to share information about symptoms, struggles and the latest treatment options,” says Mike McKinney, cofounder of the group. McKinney shared that after researching the area for similar offerings, there were none to be found between Savannah and Jacksonville.

Tilman Blakely, cofounder and Parkinson’s patient himself, says that “Everyone in contact with this disease has a different life, a different story, different symptoms and different knowledge about treatment options.”

If you are interested or have any questions about the support group, please contact Tilman Blakely by email at ttbdogstyle@yahoo.com.

Southeast Georgia Health System