Focus on a Cure Foundation for Parkinson's

The Focus on a Cure Foundation for Parkinson's (http://www.focusonacure.com/) is a charity with a mission- to cure Parkinson's Disease. I have met the Foundation's founders, Ann and Ken Glowienke, and am impressed with their hard work and determination. Ann was kind enough to allow me to interview her about the Foundation and its goals. Here is the interview.

Q: Why did you start Focus on a Cure?
A: After Ken was diagnosed at age 38 with Young Onset Parkinson’s disease, we were both very devastated and unsure what our future would hold. I immediately started researching what Parkinson’s was and what I could do to help Ken. I came across the Michael J. Fox Foundation. They were just about to launch their grass-roots fundraising opportunity called Team Fox, so I jumped at the chance to join. Shortly there after I started to organize our first event, and when all plans were set I finally shared it with Ken. He was surprised and very excited.

Q: What type of events does the Foundation hold?
A: We have held 3 main events. Our first 2 events were held at a neighborhood park district. Our first year we had about 35 family and friends attend. Our second year we had a little over a 100. This past May 2008 we held a “Picnic in the PARKinson’s” at the Morton Arboretum. We had over 360 people come from 5 surrounding states. We also hold Poinsettias for Parkinson’s around the holidays. We have a website that we communicate our current and upcoming events on. http://www.focusonacure.org/ We also have a mailing list as well as e-mail communication.

Q: How did you decide on the name Focus on a Cure?
A: After I told Ken about Team Fox, we decided to come up with a name. I came up with Keep your eye on a Cure. Ken has always loved eagles and they represent who he is and his vision in life. We decided that Focus on a Cure was the perfect name to describe our goals.

Q: How much have you raised to date to help find a cure for Parkinson's Disease?
A: To date we have raised over $40,000.

Q: How can anyone that is interested in assisting Focus on a Cure with its mission to cure Parkinson's Disease help?
A: Anyone interested in making a donation can mail it to:
Focus on a Cure
PO Box 933
Oswego, IL 60543
In the near future secure online donations will also be available. Anyone who is interested in volunteering can contacts us. (info@focusonacure.com)
Check our website for upcoming events, as we always have something in the works.

Q: What challenges have you faced in starting this foundation and in raising money and awareness for a cure?
A: The most difficult part of fundraising is getting the word out there and finding
sponsors. Since we started we have now become our own 501(c) (3) foundation, The Focus on a Cure Foundation for Parkinson’s. We felt this was the next step to help us achieve our goals and also allow corporate sponsors to get involved.

Q: What, if anything, have you learned from this experience?
A: This has truly been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I decided from day one that we were not going to sit back and let Parkinson’s take over our life. I knew we could make a difference in our lives and the lives of others. Starting the Focus on a Cure Foundation for Parkinson’s has given us the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s disease. We will continue our efforts until the day they find a cure.

If you are interested in helping Ann and Ken Glowienke with the Focus on a Cure Foundation for Parkinson's please visit their website at http://www.focusonacure.com/. (They are currently building a new website http://www.focusonacure.org/ which will be online shortly.)