According to Parkinson Voice Project Volunteer Linda Swanson,
“Get ready to flashback to the 1960’s with this family-fun performance by The Loud Crowd® (a group of 100 people with Parkinson’s whose voices have been restored at Parkinson Voice Project). Lamb Chop and Mallory Lewis, the daughter of Shari Lewis, will MC this special event on Saturday, September 13, at Heights Baptist Church. Lewis’ father has Parkinson’s. In addition, another member of Lewis’ family who lives in Dallas and also has Parkinson’s will be performing in the show. Sing Out! is a celebration of the rebirth of communication for people with Parkinson’s. Each performer has undergone Speak Out! ®—an intensive therapy program developed by Parkinson Voice Project that strengthens the muscles used for speaking and swallowing. There is no charge for the show; however, reservations are required. Visit www.ParkinsonVoiceProject.org or call 469 375-6500.
“During the Sing Out! performance, Parkinson Voice Project will officially announce that it has received a $300,000 Challenge Grant from one of its Dallas patients. Every donation (up to $300,000) received before December 15, 2014 will be matched dollar for dollar. Mallory Lewis and Lamb Chop will be signing autographs and taking photos with donors after the show. If you’re unable to attend the show, you can still help Parkinson Voice Project meet its $300,000 Challenge by clicking here: http://www.parkinsonvoiceproject.org/waystogive.html
“One in one hundred adults over the age of sixty are diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Eighty-nine percent of these patients are at risk of losing the ability to speak. There are an estimated 9,000 people in the Dallas-Fort Worth area diagnosed with Parkinson’s. This neurological condition can cause the voice to become soft, weak, and hoarse, making it impossible to communicate effectively. However, after just twelve Speak Out! therapy sessions, vocal strength and quality are restored. Click here to see a before and after video of someone treated at Parkinson Voice Project: http://www.parkinsonvoiceproject.org/story2.html
“Something unique about Parkinson Voice Project is that all of its therapy services are provided through a Pay It Forward system– no patient is billed for therapy, and insurance is not filed. The entire program is funded through donations. Because of this special funding model, no Parkinson’s patient has ever been denied treatment at Parkinson Voice Project.
“This past July, Parkinson Voice Project received national recognition from NPR’s Diane Rehm during an interview with vocal artist, Linda Ronstadt, who has experienced voice loss since her diagnosis with Parkinson’s. Diane Rehm endorsed the therapy services at Parkinson Voice Project stating, “I highly recommend it. I have witnessed the difference it can make in people who undergo the training.” Click here to listen to a clip from the Diane Rehm Show.
“For more information about Parkinson Voice Project, visit: www.ParkinsonVoiceProject.org or call 469.375.6500.”
* Photos provided by Parkinson Voice Project