An Ambassador – just what does that mean? The definition from the dictionary is “a person who acts as a representative or promoter of a specified activity.” That still doesn’t tell the whole story.
PMD Alliance is a young nonprofit and is still forging the path in the movement disorder communities, finding ways to bring information and resources to the people impacted by those disorders. Just by virtue of being new, that means that the PMD Alliance team is small. In order to have the desired impact across the country and in as many regions as requested, the team needs help. The awesome thing about ambassadors is that they often don’t recognize they even ARE ambassadors. They usually just appear “for such a time as this” – when they are needed and are the greatest help to the team.
This is definitely the case with our featured ambassador, Judy Reynolds.
Judy has been part of the fabric of PMD Alliance since its inception. With PMD Alliance starting in Arizona, one of the key areas was the Phoenix area where she lives. Judy was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s and from the start took charge of her health and well-being. She didn’t allow Parkinson’s to define who she was and determined to do whatever was within her power to maintain and even improve her quality of life despite her diagnosis. She learned everything she could. She participated in every activity that she could. She joined every group and attended every educational event she could.
While attending educational events offered within driving distance, Judy crossed paths with PMD Alliance – for such a time as this – she would become an ambassador before she knew it. She was always available to assist, but it didn’t stop there. She is passionate about others impacted as she is and making sure that everyone has an opportunity to learn as much as they can about their diagnosis and take an active and positive role in their day-to-day lives and care. Judy began early to take the initiative in leading support groups and talking to those who are newly diagnosed as well as those who have struggled for longer periods of time. Her smile and warm, inviting spirit are a natural introduction to conversation and the opportunity to offer hope.
As one of our first ambassadors, Judy has been willing to pilot programs with PMD Alliance, some with great success, and some with greater opportunity. She has always been there to promote the programs and resources that PMD Alliance has to offer to the movement disorder communities at local events, in support group meetings, at the monthly Get Out! gatherings, in one-on-one conversation, in being the eyes and ears for the team to bring back ideas and suggestions for better opportunities and programming. She is a terrific example of representing the heart of PMD Alliance.
For such a time as this, the entire PMD Alliance team would like to recognize the impact that Judy has had on the growth and success of the organization. It can’t be done without all our ambassadors. Judy, you are very appreciated!
