In this 10-minute video, viewers are introduced to Baltimore City resident Dwight Bolden, a participant in the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center’s Violence Intervention Program (VIP). The program, which was developed by Dr. Carnell Cooper in 1998, focuses on ending the cycle of violence that doctors and nurses in the Shock Trauma Center witness everyday.
Throughout the interview, Bolden discusses how he became involved in the VIP, including his first impressions of the program, how he grew to rely on the support and motivation he received from others in the group and how the program helped him turn his life around for the better. Thanks to the positive reinforcement Bolden received from the VIP, he is now on the road to continuing his education and looking forward to a brighter future with his family.
By Stacey Mann
Executive Director, Promises for Parkinson’s
“Dad, did you have too much coffee this morning?”, I hesitantly inquired. Something was wrong – he knew it and I knew it. But he ended the conversation quickly, “Yeah, something like that.”
A month went by before I noticed it again. Three more months went by and finally the diagnosis came. Even though we had an inclination of what it could be, hearing the words “Parkinson’s disease” made us all stop and reevaluate.
That was almost five years ago. Each day, Parkinson’s poses a new challenge for my father, as it does for over one million Americans. Building model rockets for his grandchildren, creating beautiful furniture out of pieces of wood and capturing the world around him in breathtaking photographs have all been shelved due to Parkinson’s.
Determined to help my father with his battle, I began researching Parkinson’s. I had no idea that Parkinson’s affects more people in the United States than multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and ALS combined. Why could I not find walks and runs supporting Parkinson’s? Where were the silver ribbons on people’s lapels? Something needed to be done. Something that would bring hope to my father — take the camera and woodworking tools from the shelves and put them back into his hands — remove the fear that he was now seen only as someone with Parkinson’s, instead of the incredible man he is.
Summoning the courage and strength I inherited from my father, I began the journey that is Promises for Parkinson’s. A non-profit dedicated to bringing hope to Parkinson’s disease patients, Promises for Parkinson’s supports scientific research that aims for a cure and a better way of life for those living with the disease by planning various public events that incite others to help make a difference.
I am excited about our first big event: Hike the Park for Parkinson’s. I feel that we will make a positive impact on the lives of those living with Parkinson’s. Hike the Park for Parkinson’s is set to take place on September 4, 2010 in Oregon Ridge Park. Participate with us in one of two ways. Hike the James Campbell trail, a 2.9 mile trek including the famous Oregon Ridge ski slope or register as a Loop Walker, which takes you around a paved, fairly flat .5 mile path. Special activities on hike day include motivating music, artists painting scenes of the day and a children’s area with carnival style games and prizes. Promises for Parkinson’s is proud to donate the proceeds raised by Hike the Park for Parkinson’s to Maryland’s Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Center.
Join us, won’t you? Register to hike today by visiting www.hikethepark.org and help me conquer Parkinson’s disease one hiking boot at a time!
When my son Ryan and I started talking about climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa’s tallest mountain, it was last December, and I thought then — as I do now — that it sounded like a thrilling kind of “bucket list” idea. While we are both avid sportsmen and runners, neither of us has ever taken on a challenge this big.
Getting ready for a trip is almost as fun as the trip itself. The mountain guides have sent us emails and lists upon lists of things we can and cannot carry with us. Hiking boots, waterproof pants, two pair of socks, parkas, gloves, hats, gloves and rain gear. Check. Check. CHECK. Anti-diarrheal meds, bug spray, malaria pills, more bug spray, sunscreen, and typhoid meds. Check. Check. CHECK. High altitude pulmonary edema: Diamox. CHECK!
Now, the countdown has begun. Today, only about a week from leaving, my excitement is now combined with some trepidation and anxiousness. I have worried about everything from cell phone and e-mail access to rechargeable solar batteries. And now, a bath towel. Seriously, we need to carry our own bath towel? I am hoping for a chance to bathe, especially after climbing through a 90-degree plus rainforest. But a towel? Why doesn’t the mountaineering team provide that? Should I bring my own soap, too? Shampoo? Now, I am worried if I need to pack a roll of toilet paper! A little anxious, yes — we are allowed only ten kilos to carry on our back.
We decided we would challenge ourselves even more and raise money to help support research at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Eighteen months ago, a dear friend’s daughter was medivacked to the UMMC Joslin Diabetes Center, where she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 14. Talk about a lifetime challenge for her and her family! We are deeply touched by how well she has managed her disease with maturity and responsibility, so Ryan and I decided JRDF needed a hand.
These tough economic times have hurt the financial coffers of all charities, so for every foot we climb, we hope to raise $1. Our goal is to summit at 19,341 feet, with $20,000 raised being our ultimate target. We hope to drum up a whole lot of excitement back home to help us reach our goal.
By Richard Colgan, M.D. Director of Medical Student Education Department of Family and Community Medicine Editor’s Note: Dr. Colgan is the author of “Advice to the Young Physician: On the Art of Medicine.” Also, get more tips from Dr. Colgan on this topic by listening to this podcast. Choosing a primary care doctor can be [...]
By Jailene Reyna Pediatric Cancer Survivor Editor’s Note: In April 2009, Jailene Reyna was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer diagnosed most often in children and young adults. After beginning chemotherapy to treat her illness, Jailene lost all of her hair. In an effort to regain her self-image, Jailene visited the UMGCC Center [...]
In this interview, Dr. Laura Finkelstein, a general pediatrician for the University of Maryland Hospital for Children and the new Pediatrics at the Harbor (PATH) clinic, provides an overview of the clinic’s history and the services offered to patients. She also explains the clinic’s mission, and talks about the features that make this new clinic [...]
By Malissa Carroll Web Content Developer Editor’s Note: Both Mallow Munchies and Max’s Empanadas are featured in the August 2010 edition of Baltimore Magazine. Pick up a copy at a local retailer or visit the magazine’s Web site for more information and to see all of “Baltimore’s Best.” Great things are happening at the University [...]
By Chris Lindsley Blog Editor In 2006, Baltimore Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts wanted to create a unique family-friendly event to benefit the University of Maryland Hospital for Children (UMHC). Roberts, who had open-heart surgery as a child, is passionate about giving back to kids, and has been a regular visitor to UMHC throughout his [...]
By Bob Paff UM Hospital for Children Board Member Host of CBS Radio Show “Communicating to Win” Editor’s Note: Bob Paff will interview Dr. Keyvan Rafei, UMMC’s head of pediatric emergency medicine, on his radio show “Communicating to Win” on 105.7 FM from 7-8 a.m. on Sunday, August 8. As a father of 6 it’s [...]
By Kathy Schuetz UMGCC Web Site Editor The University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center hosted a Hawaiian-style celebration for cancer survivors on June 27, 2010. Watch a video of the uplifting event, including survivors sharing their perspectives on what it means to be a cancer survivor. //
