BrightStar Care of Howard County is a proud sponsor of Maryland Association for Parkinson's Support (MAPS)
BrightStar Care supports many clients with Parkinson’s and we support MAPS, the only association of this kind in Maryland. Since we are a sponsor, we wanted to share some facts about Parkinsons to help create awarness for those living with the condition and helping find a cure.
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MAPS (Maryland Association for Parkinson Support) was incorporated in 2014 and received its tax -exempt status in 2015. MAPS is a volunteer-driven organization whose mission is to “provide programs and services that encourage healthy lifestyles for all those affected by Parkinson’s Disease”.
MAPS is a quality resource for patients and their families and there are now almost 500 people taking advantage of the programs that MAPS sponsors and that doesn’t count all the people who visit the web site and call with questions. There are now seven very well attended MAPS-sponsored exercise programs, one very well-loved and well-attended vocal/singing program and one very well attended caregiver’s support group. MAPS is adding new exercise programs and classes all the time – three of the newest programs are ROCK STEADY BOXING on the Eastern Shore (one in Grasonville and one in Easton), Rock Steady Boxing at The Myerberg Center and Pedaling for Parkinson’s at the Dancel Y in Howard County.
ALL MAP PROGRAMS ARE FREE and MAPS intends to make sure they stay that way – we feel that no one living with Parkinson’s should have to pay for a class because having Parkinson’s already exacts too high a price!
There is a mushrooming demand for more programs and more classes and more support groups focused on the people who are dealing with Parkinson’s on a daily basis. Right now we are looking at requests for another pedaling program at the Dancel Y, a Yoga program in Howard County, four more Rock Steady Boxing classes in Harford County, two more Rock Steady Boxing classes on the Eastern Shore, a possible aqua program at the Dancel Y and because we know that research shows that vigorous exercise 2-3 times per week actually changes the brain and leads to a better quality of life we know that there NEED to be programs like these in each and every Maryland county.
ALL MAP programs and support services are offered AT NO COST TO THE PARTICIPANT because we feel that living with Parkinson’s is enough of a burden!