Parkinson's Support Group to Benefit from Diners

December 8, 2009

Lancaster County Parkinson's Support Group is one of the three non-profits chosen for this month to receive a portion of the income of Loxley's Restaurant in Lancaster. December diners may choose from one of three charities, including the Lancaster Parkinson's support group, with 5% of their total bill donated to that organization.

Loxley's, which opened this summer, is located at the Heritage Hotel, 500 Centerville Road, Lancaster. The restaurant shares the name of a character from the story of Robin Hood, which included giving to the less fortunate.

Parkinson's disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that affects one in 100 people over age 60. Approximately 15% of individuals are diagnosed under the age of 50. It is a disorder of the central nervous system which leaves the patients less able to direct or control their movement and can also affect mind, mood and memory. The cause of Parkinson's disease remains unknown. An estimated l.5 million people in the United States are living with Parkinson's.

The mission of Lancaster County Parkinson's Support Group is to provide emotional support and education for families living with Parkinson's in monthly support group meetings held at Landis Homes, 1001 East Oregon Road, Lititz.

The group is also committed to raising funds to help find the cause and a cure of the disease.

One-half of all donations received will be used to meet the group's educational goals, through financial support for ongoing research projects of the professionals who give presentations at their meetings. The remaining half of donations will go directly to the Michael J. Fox Foundation which has an aggressive research agenda.

According to group coordinator Ruth Johnson, "It is vitally important to support research efforts to ensure the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson's today and in the future."

For more information about the Lancaster Parkinson's Support Group call 509-5494.

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