Jeanne Carpenter is a life-long Springfieldian, except for a short time while her
husband was in the Air Force. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in March. Thankfully, she and her husband were told about PGO right away and have been thrilled with the resources they offer. They utilize Rock Steady Boxing, Ping Pong for Parkinson’s, the exercise classes at F8, Encore! Music therapy, and attend the monthly PGO meetings as well as extra meetings sponsored by PGO and fun activities like the recent tailgate party. They also have found the printed resources to be very beneficial. In addition, they quickly saw how welcoming the group is and are loving their new friendships and feelings of community with others in similar circumstances.
Jeanne has a strong desire to share with both Parkinson’s patients and the community about this disease and the resources available. She and her husband decided one way they can make the best of this huge change in their lives is to share with others. When talking with the community, they almost always hear, “I had no idea” (what Parkinson’s entails). When talking with people about PGO with those who have been diagnosed, they almost always hear, “I had no idea” (about what was available, and most at no charge)!
Through her past work in the school system and through her church, she has developed a passion for utilizing contacts to share about different entities and opportunities and has been dubbed a community liaison. Prior to Covid, she led a group of people in the area for learning about these organizations. She currently facilitates a group called “Love and Grace Ministries,” which makes items for hospice and home health care organizations, cancer patients, Newborns in Need and Pregnancy Care Center.
Jeanne is currently starting a group called Crochet Connections for Parkinson’s patients to help strengthen and maintain arm and hand flexibility and create and strengthen new neuropathways. She looks forward to giving back to PGO and watching it continue to develop and grow!