PARKINSON RESEARCH FOUNDATION Announces Director of Patient Programs, Services and Advocacy

The Parkinson Research Foundation is pleased to announce that Marilyn Tait has joined the foundation as the Director of Patient Programs, Services and Advocacy. Tait, is a graduate of Thomas Jefferson University School of Nursing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Tait has forty years experience in healthcare marketing and program development. After specializing in oncology for 30 years, Tait embarked on her new career at a time in her life when many might have been already planning their retirement. Recruited by a large neuroscience practice in the '90s to develop a rehab program for Parkinson's patients after functional neurosurgery, Tait bulked up her knowledge of Parkinson's disease by going straight to the source - spending days in the homes of patients and their caregivers so she could observe firsthand the challenges involved in their care. During her time with the neuroscience practice Tait developed a center of excellence for Parkinson’s disease.

As a neuroscience nurse educator, Tait plays a vital role in the continuum of care for Parkinson's patients. Her medical background enables her to help patients and caregivers navigate the numerous resources available, while her personal experiences and observations enable her to fill in the gaps of patients' and caregivers' social and emotional needs. She also shares her knowledge with medical providers to help educate them about the unique needs of patients and caregivers.

Parkinson's disease does not mean a patient's life is over, emphasizes Tait. "You've got to move. Parkinson's disease slows down everything - your thinking, your mobility, your lifestyle - but you've got to drive it forward. And they do - my patients, I'm just so proud of them. They do phenomenal with the belief through constant reinforcement that you have Parkinson’s, Parkinson’s does not have you." “We are honored to work with Ms. Tait in our ongoing commitment to promote quality of life for patients and their caregivers through education, support, wellness programs, and advocacy. That includes research to determine what medications and therapies work best,” said Larry Hoffheimer, PRF Chairman.

The Parkinson Research Foundation is a nonprofit health organization providing Parkinson's disease research, information, education and advocacy. The mission of PRF is to help cure Parkinson's disease and to improve the lives of all people affected by the disease. To fulfill this mission, the Parkinson Research Foundation funds research, publishes scientific findings, and provides funding for information and other services to people with Parkinson's disease, their families, caregivers, health care professionals and the public. PRF is also actively involved in advocating for scientific research and for the rights of people with Parkinson's disease. For more information, please visit our website at www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

Parkinson Research Foundation
Danielle Auger
8586 Potter Park Drive
Sarasota, FL 34238

This release was published on openPR.