Parkinson’s Disease Society (Singapore) celebrated its 10th anniversary this year with a fundraising walkathon cum outdoor celebration at Bishan Park I. This is the first time the Society is organizing a fundraising walkathon in 10 years, and a celebration event of a mammoth scale. It was an overwhelming success with over 500 participants gathering at Bishan Park I on that day to show their support for the Society.   Our Society was honoured to have the Health Minister, Mr Khaw Boon Wan, to grace the occasion.  Minister Khaw flagged off the walkathon on three different walkathon routes (2km, 1km, and 0.5km) so that participants, regardless of their physical abilities, were able to complete the walkathon at their own pace. With support from families, friends, and volunteers, even those with walking aids and on wheelchairs were able to participate and to complete the walkathon. Everyone had a good time, including the Minister.  The Walkathon was followed by a mini carnival and a celebration concert. 

Overall, the walkathon cum celebration event was an overwhelming success! It was a healthy, fun and educational event for all. All these would not have been possible if without the support from our generous sponsors, supporting organizations, and friends and volunteers of Parkinson’s Disease Society (Singapore). We were also grateful to our members, their families and members of the public who have donated generously to the Society. Through all your efforts, we are pleased to announce that the Parkinson’s Disease Society (Singapore) had collected $62,000. The funds raised will be used to fund the numerous programmes of the Society, in particular to raise the public awareness of Parkinson’s disease, for educational initiatives, and to empower patients and caregivers who live with this illness.

The Parkinson’s disease nurse clinician, Ms Lau Puay Ngoh from the National Neuroscience Insitute shared with the audience on how to cope with symptoms of the disease. She encouraged people with Parkinson’s disease to view their problems as challenges rather than obstacles. This was followed by consultant psychiatrist from Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Dr. Daniel Kwek’s presentation on coping with and accepting the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. The importance of coping with movements and walking for people with Parkinson’s disease was presented by Ms Mahadevi Barathi, a principal physiotherapist with Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

During the forum, the Society launched its new education book for people with Parkinson’s disease entitled “Moving On with Parkinson’s Disease” edited by Dr. Louis Tan, a consultant neurologist with National Neuroscience Institute. Copies of the book are obtainable from the Society.

After the tea break, the Parkinson’s Disease Society of Singapore conducted its Annual General Meeting. About 50 members and observers were present. The President’s report was given by Dr Adrian Tan while the Treasurer’s report was presented by Mr Reggie Thein. This was followed by elections of new committee members for the 2005-2006 term. We welcome new committee members Ms Dawn Tan and Ms Sharon Lee on board together with our new President, Dr Adrian Tan.

An important Extraordinary General Meeting was conducted after this to approve the Constitutional changes for the Society. These amendments were necessary to update the Society’s constitution as the Society moves into its second decade of service to patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Ms Lau Puay Ngoh
PD Nurse Clinician
National Neuroscience Institute/Committee member

Dr Adrian Tan chairing the AGM, flanked
by Ms Diana Lim and Mr Reggie Thein

Dr Adrian Tan giving the welcome
address

Dr Daniel Kwek

Participants learning some exercises

The society held its AGM on 25 September 2004 at the Patient Support Group Room of the National Neuroscience Institute (Tan Tock Seng Campus) at 1.30pm. It began with a sumptuous lunch followed by an interesting talk given by Dr Christopher Lien, Head of Department of Geriatric Medicine, Changi General Hospital. Dr Lien spoke on “Caring for older Parkinson’s disease patients” and provided tips on how best to manage and care for older patients with Parkinson’s disease. This was followed by a lively question and answer sessions with participants asking many questions.

The business part of the AGM followed Dr Lien’s talk at 3pm. President of the Society, Mr Tan Geok Tian gave the welcome address and the President’s report. This was followed by the Treasurer’s report by Mr Reggie Thein. Election of the Society’s committee followed this. The AGM ended with a tea reception which provided an opportunity for further interaction by members of the Society.