With April designated Parkinson Awareness Month, the Kingdor National Parkinson Foundation will heighten awareness of this progressive, debilitating condition that affects many people in The Bahamas. Highlighting the festivities will be the foundation's 15th Annual Gala Ball at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort and Casino, Cable Beach this Saturday under the patronage of Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling.
Six people will receive the Kingdor National Parkinson Foundation's Prestigious Award for their outstanding roles in the country - men and women of substance and style.
Mavis Johnson-Collie will be recognized for her contributions to community and church locally and internationally, and in recognition of her most recent appointment to the leadership of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the oldest black greek letter sorority (107 years old).
Franklyn "Frankie" Ferguson will be honored for his outstanding role in the field of photography and photojournalism in The Bahamas and abroad.
Alpheus Finlayson will be acknowledged for his involvement in track and field in The Bahamas and globally.
Linda Crawley Gibson will be recognized for her meritorious work in the field of insurance and the establishment of the Atlantis Medical Walk.
Cheryl Johnson Newell will be recognized for her hard work in establishing the Down Syndrome Organization to assist people, both young and older, who are intellectually challenged.
Harrison Thompson will be honored for the role he has played as a veteran public servant and permanent secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and his outstanding contributions to nation building.
The evening promises to be one of elegance, entertainment and dance and the foundation invites attendees to walk the red carpet and take their best photo.
The ballroom's ambience will be spectacular, and the four-course scrumptious meal will be prepared by world-renowned chefs. Entertainment will be provided by Visage and the legendary international performing artist Freddie Jackson.
The public is invited to join the foundation and dance the night away and engage in the joy of movement.
About Parkinson's
While the foundation does not have a definitive number of people living with the disease in The Bahamas, officials said, based on studies and international statistics on any population, there are perhaps eight percent of older people affected by the disease. The onset of Parkinson's disease usually occurs at 60, but there is a growing number of younger people being affected as well.
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