23 March 2009

President’s Report for 2008

It is my pleasure to present to you the report for Parkinson’s Disease Society Singapore for 2008 at the AGM on 16 May 2009..

To date, our membership stands at:

Corporate Membership            5  
Life Membership                120  
Ordinary Membership (2008)

Senior: 12

Non-Senior: 13

Total Membership for 2008 is 150

Here are some of the highlights for 2008:

Ten members from the Society joined the first batch Line Dancing Class from March to May. All except one participant were new to this. Hesitating initially because of fear and movement restrictions, they finally swayed with the music after much encouragement since the dance steps were choreographed for them.

In conjunction with World Parkinson’s Day, a public forum was held on 12 April 2008 at Singapore General Hospital. Many healthcare professionals were there to share information on care and management of Parkinson’s Disease with the over 200 participants present.

Just before 2008 AGM, we had the privilege to listen to a talk given by Dr Lim Kah Leong, Research Scientist, Head, Neurodegenerative Lab, NNI titled “Updates on the Cause of Parkinson’s Disease”. Many present found the talk very interesting.

Thanks to Novartis, on 5 July, about 70 people, comprising members, caregivers and volunteers spent a very enjoyable morning at the Jurong Bird Park. After the fun-filled outing, they adjourned for a sumptuous lunch. This was followed by a talk by Dr Prakash, a consultant neurologist from SGH on non-motor symptoms of PD. The finale of the day was the announcement of the winners of the Parkinson’s Star Award. This PDSS initiative was to encourage patients to stay active physically and mentally. With the appropriate medical care and active management of the conditions, patients can equally enjoy a good quality of life and churn out nice paintings and calligraphy, touching poems and intricate handiworks and the likes.

On 16 and 30 Aug, PDSS and the International Y’s Men Club of Singapore (Alpha Chapter), a service club of YMCA Singapore, jointly organized two karaoke sessions. The objective was to provide an afternoon of entertainment for our members and to give them an opportunity to exercise their vocal cord, to expand their lungs and at the same time build up their confidence and self-esteem.

The popular karaoke sessions were bought them back again on 8 Nov and 6 Dec. This time round, prelude to the singing,
Mr. Majid taught the participants Breathwork and of course this helps them to sing even better.
 
It is really very gratifying and inspiring to see our members participate in our social events. All these activities have definitely energized them, re-enforced their self esteem and help them realize their self-worth. We will have more of such events in the future.

The PDSS website, newsletters, monthly support group meetings at NNI(TTSH), SGH and NUH, public forums and traveling exhibitions as some of the avenues of our reaching out to patients and caregivers to provide support and share with them updated information of the illness and activities of the Society.

I would like to record my sincere appreciation and thanks to the Board Members for the period under review. 

Thanks to the sub committee members, secretariat of SNSA for their services and use of place, Y’s Men Club, Alpha Chapter for adopting our Karaoke sessions and all volunteers, not forgetting the staff members from HAVI Logistics and sponsors for your great support and help, our Auditors, J K Medora & Co for their pro bono work and our web designer for hosting the website as well.

To all the members for support us in all our activities.

I want to mention that PDSS Board requires that all Board/Committee members to declare actual or potential conflicts of interest, and we have done so, and we will do this annually.   The PDSS did not employ any paid staff in 2008.

The governance checklist could be viewed via the Charity Portal website www.charities.gov.sg
Members of the public could enquire about the Society’s submission of the Governance Evaluation using their SingPass.

I welcome the New Board and hope to see them move on with the Vision plans.

Vision: Empowering lives and enhancing care of all people living with Parkinsons

Mission: To promote awareness and understanding of Parkinsons and related disorders by educating patients, carers and
               their communities, and to support them holistically in their journey with Parkinsons

Best wishes, to all

Ms Julie Lau
President
Parkinson’s Disease Society Singapore