JANUARY 2026
Happy New Year fellow HOTPACS members and supporters! Joining and committing to participate in our Parkinson’s support group has been a wise move for my husband of 53 years and for me, a newly appointed personal caregiver.
2025 was a year full of exercise, fellowship and special events arranged by Ida. Steve and I are grateful for recent opportunities to attend programs about legal and future housing decisions, the latest in medications to control movement disorders, educational videos on DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation), sources of reading materials on living with Parkinson’s, and others. Now we look forward to events that Connie will bring to HOTPACS meetings in 2026.
In July and August, many HOTPACS members took advantage of a free six-week program of exercise sponsored by The Delaney at Lake Waco. Physical and occupational therapists from Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Waco led us for an hour of exercise twice weekly at The Delaney. Lunch and fellowship after exercise was included in this program. Dining together at noon gave us time to socialize with each other, and no doubt helped assure improved nutrition. Hopefully similar joint exercise sessions could be possible in the future.
As we look forward in 2026, please send your annual dues, $15 for an individual or $20 per couple, to Treasurer Suzanne Frazier 111 Cobblestone Ln, Crawford TX 76638. Better still, bring your dues to any Tuesday or Thursday afternoon exercise, 3-4 pm at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, and join us for an hour of stretching and balance practice. You are welcome anytime, and we want to keep you on our mailing list for newsletters and include you in the annual HOTPACS directory.
—Susie Moncla, Board Secretary
DECEMBER 2025
On November 13th at our monthly special presentation, exercisers and visitors watched a video entitled “Living with Parkinson’s: Everything you’ve wanted to know, but were afraid to ask,” produced by the Davis Phinney Foundation in September 2024. The interviewee was a Parkinson’s patient and a licensed pharmacist from Hershey, Pennsylvania. He was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 40, sharing that his diagnosis came at the “apex” of his career while working at the corporate office of a large national pharmaceutical company.
His diagnosis took almost two years, and after being examined by doctors with various medical specialties, he finally met with a neurologist who turned his world on end by diagnosing this Triathlon runner with Parkinson’s. For about three years following diagnosis, he controlled his tremor with doses of the commonly used drug, Carbidopa-Levodopa. As time went on, he found it more difficult to mask the symptoms and to continue with an almost normal life.
His movement disorder specialist discussed with him the possibility of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) early in his treatment. For a period, he continued his exercise and tried to compete in Triathalons, but suffered from dystonia, muscle cramps and pain. During the sixth year following his initial diagnosis, he became a candidate for DBS. He described the questions he had for the doctors, the actual procedure and his satisfaction with the outcome.
He continues to exercise regularly and enjoys riding a “spinning bicycle”, but regrets having to give up the regular bicycle because of balance problems. In recovery, he continues to see his neurologist once every six months to review his symptoms and progress. Medications have decreased and he can enjoy hikes and trips with his wife.
Thanks to Ida McBride and Connie Hamilton, who arranged the viewing of the informative video, and thanks to Haley Garner of Visiting Angels for refreshments.
Discussion followed as HOTPACS member and exercise participant Bob Chapman told of his successful surgery in 2022, undergoing DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation.)
~ Susie Moncla, Secretary
NOVEMBER 2025
The Parkinson’s Plan
By Ray Dorsey, MD, MBA and
Michael S. Okun, MD
Co-authors: Ending Parkinson’s Disease, published 2020
The Waco Public Library has recently added to their collection a newly published book entitled The Parkinson’s Plan, written by two medical doctors. The co-authors are both neurologists and specialists in movement disorder.
Their published work, full of case studies of individuals struck with this disease in the prime of their lives, presents potential causes and defenses which may help lower the risk of Parkinson’s. By gathering findings from scientists and clinicians who are leaders in the Parkinson’s field, the authors educate the reader on potential causes and accepted treatments to improve the lives of those suffering with Parkinson’s.
The introduction details the defining of a then newly recognized disease, dating back to 1817, when a London surgeon, Dr. James Parkinson, published “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy”. The specific disease he was studying had yet to be classified in the medical literature of that time. Symptoms included stiffness, decreased facial expression, depression, anxiety, fatigue, drooling, and digestive issues. The original sampling of people studied by Dr. Parkinson included six individuals, ranging in age from their early fifties to their early seventies. Today, the authors estimate that over six million people are affected by Parkinson’s worldwide. And while a small percentage are thought to be victims of heredity, the large majority have been affected, not by genetics or normal aging, but by the chemicals in our food, water and air.
Throughout the chapters, we meet a host of people, many of whom are young professionals including men and women pursuing medical careers, who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. In reading their stories, we learn about their exposure to pesticides, herbicides and polluted water sources. They describe their personal journeys to overcome the effects of Parkinson’s and the need to educate others. Whether you are a patient or a caregiver, this book offers a wealth of information to you.
—Susie Moncla, Secretary
OCTOBER 2025
It was so wonderful to have a large group in attendance for the Annual Meeting. We had 23 members and 7 guests attend, four of whom joined right away. One of the guests commented on how warm and friendly the group is. The food from Baris was delish, including the desserts provided by members. I was so proud to see so many volunteers helping to clean up after. Helping hands are wonderful.
I am also so proud of Susie Moncla and Connie Hamilton for volunteering to fill two of the most important positions with HOTPACS. Susie is the new Secretary and went to work immediately by recording the minutes of the meeting. I was delighted when Connie called to volunteer for a position, but I changed her mind from Treasurer (she admitted she isn’t good with money) to recommend she be Vice President/Program Chair. She willingly stepped right up and started working. Thanks to you both. Now I feel if something happens to me, HOTPACS will continue its legacy in the Parkinson’s community.
Much credit for the success of our group goes to the editor of our Newsletter, Martha Black who prepares the PD articles from her home in Terrell, Tx. And Caren Phillips in Pearland who makes sense out of the articles I’ve been sending her for the last few years. She corrects my blunders, prepares the Calendar and sends everything in proper form for printing. She also monitors and provides current information to our Website https://www.hotpacs.com.
Thank you all for this wonderful year of growth.
Ida McBride, Historian
Former Secretary
APRIL 2025
Are you ready for a new approach to your Parkinson’s disease? At our March 13 meeting, guest speaker Aaron Clark, AbbVie Pharma Representative, introduced us to VyaleV (pronounced VILEV) and explained that it’s a subcutaneous method to deliver carbidopa/levodopa. She also stressed the need for at least 2½ hours a week of exercise to maintain our quality of life. We thank Ken and Cynthia for arranging this very informative meeting.
Pancakes for Parkinson’s. Many thanks to Haley Gardner of The Blake for hosting another fundraising event that raised almost $300 honoring HOTPACS. The Blake also provided refreshments at our March speakers meeting, and Haley announced that Short-Term and Respite Care Rooms are now available at the Blake. Call (254 )327-1669 for more information.
Members Updates
Lacy Stalnaker moved to Brookdale on the Brazos. He no longer needs two pieces of equipment: (1) an Upright Walker, adjustable to any height; (2) a bed rail used to help get out of bed independently. Both are for sale–Contact Lacy at (530) 624-5141 to negotiate price.
It was great to see Bruce Monroe again, almost unrecognizable with his new snow white beard. Bruce now calls The Delaney home in room #4111.
Thanks also to Shirley for bringing Mary Carmichael to our meeting.
Many thanks to new members, Susan and Brock Merritt for their generous donation.
—Ida McBride, Secretary
MARCH 2025
SPEAKER PROGRAM, March 13. Thanks to Ken and Cynthia Howington, we have obtained an AbbVie Pharmaceutical representative out of Austin who will present a program on Thursday, March 13. Aaron Clark of AbbVie, Neuroscience, will be our speaker. I urge everyone in our Parkinson’s community–including those in The Blake, The Delaney, StoneyBrook, and Brookdale on the Brazos–to find a way to come for this VERY IMPORTANT MEETING.
The VyaleV pump has a much improved method to deliver Carbodopa/Levodopa subcutaneously. This pump delivers medication directly into the intestinal tract, bypassing the stomach entirely. Therefore, there is no interference with the timing of meals. In addition, there are very few downtimes. My friend in Germany uses the VyaleV and has experienced only five down times since she began using it. The down times occurred only when she neglected to turn the pump back on after a shower or early in the morning.
Baylor Student Visitors. We were delighted to have Lisa D. Monsisvais, M.S., CCC, SLP and several of her graduate students drop in on our exercise class Thursday, February 20. Lisa is now with Baylor University as an Assistant Professor in the Communication Science and Disorders department. She led us through a brief voice therapy exercise, and then she and the students joined us to exercise with Power for Parkinson’s. Having young people join us really gave us all a spark. She and her students plan to visit again March 20.
The Blake is honoring us again with a Pancake breakfast on FAT TUESDAY, March 4. Refer to the calendar page for details.
Ida McBride, Secretary
FEBRUARY 2025
Update on VyalevTM (Produopa)
In the December Newsletter, I shared information about a new continuous subcutaneous infusion for the delivery of carbidopa/levodopa. AbbVie developed VyalevTM for adultsliving with advanced Parkinson’s disease, and I tried to schedule a speaker for a program in February. However, I was unable to reach an AbbVie representative and learned from someone who has Parkinson’s that AbbVie requires a patient’s physician to contact them directly — both for information and to invite speakers. Therefore, at your next appointment, please remember to do two things: (1) ask your physician about VyalevTM; and (2) ask your physician to contact AbbVie and request a representative to come speak to HOTPACS. Although VyalevTM will not be covered by Medicare until later this year, you really need to have as much information as possible ahead of time.
Member Update
We were sorry to hear that Susie Moncla broke her hip while doing a good deed for her neighbor. She fell while attempting to retrieve his garbage can from the street.
This reminds me, if you have difficulty delivering your garbage can to the street, ask your physician to write a note for you saying you have a disability, and mail the note to: Solid Waste Administration Offices, 501 Schroeder Drive, Waco, TX 76710. You will be placed on a special needs list
and a worker will pick up and deliver the cans for you.
Board of Directors Meeting
Due to stormy weather, our meeting was rescheduled for Tuesday, February 4, at 4:00 pm following Kirk’s exercise group.
Ida McBride, Secretary
JANUARY 2025
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!!
Ida McBride, Secretary
Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to a prosperous New Year.
I’m glad I attended our last EXERCISE class on Thursday, December 19. There were only three of us, and I probably needed the EXERCISE more than the other two. So we got right down to doing the best ever.
Speaking of EXERCISE, I hope everyone will resolve to get back to exercise with us every Tuesday and Thursday. It’s the most important resolution you will make and yet is one of the easiest to fulfill. Our one-hour class every Tuesday and Thursday gives us the best medicine doctors can prescribe, AND gives us the added benefit of socializing, also important for us as we age.
CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON
Suzanne Frazier, Treasurer
Our Christmas luncheon took place on Thursday, December 12, and we certainly missed all our members who were unable to attend. There were 19 members present for a delicious catered meal of turkey, ham, dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans and yeast rolls from George’s.
Social Chair Janice Conner not only planned the luncheon and made all the arrangements, but she had beautiful festive decorations for each table, including a handmade favor for each attendee to take home. Best of all, Janice arranged for a student group from Oglesby High School to help with room setup and prepare plates of food to serve us at our tables. The students also served various pies offered for dessert.
Following the tasty lunch, we were treated to a delightful performance of Christmas music by Classic Voices with keyboard accompaniment. They are a group of seniors that enjoys offering choral music to the community. They also invited us to join them for some caroling as a group. Afterward, the singers were invited to join us for dessert, and we enjoyed visiting with them.
Deep appreciation goes out to Janice for her planning and decorations; to Ida McBride for arranging the Classic Voices entertainment; to the Classic Voices singers; to the Oglesby High School sponsor and student group; and to Father Jason Ingalls of Holy Spirit Episcopal Church for offering our blessing.
DECEMBER 2024
OUR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY will be Thursday, December 12 at Noon. George’s Restaurant will cater and cheerleaders from Oglesby High School will serve us. Lunch is $5 per person and reservations are required by December 1. Call Suzanne Frazier, 254-744-7152 to reserve your meal. A group from the Baylor Singing Seniors will present a program and join us for dessert.
THANK YOU TO MICHELE GARCIA, Mobility Coordinator with Waco Transit, for explaining the city’s program to transport people with disabilities as needed. Rides are door-to-door for only $3 to your destination, and $3 back to your pickup location. This service is available everywhere in McLennan County, including China Spring and McGregor. Ida McBride has extra application forms for the rides which require a doctor’s signature to certify disability.
The FDA has approved VyalevTM (Produopa) for adultsliving with advanced Parkinson’s disease. AbbVie developed this continuous subcutaneous infusion for the delivery of carbidopa/levodopa. It has demonstrated superior improvement in motor fluctuations, with less “down” time and more “on” time without troublesome dyskinesia. Medicare coverage is expected in the second half of 2025. See more information on AbbVie’s web site, https://www.news.abbvie.com
My friend Jaton in Germany has been using this pump since February 2024 and has found it superior to any other medication offered. I will see if I can find an AbbVie representative to present a HOTPACS program for this method. — Ida McBride, Secretary
NOVEMBER 2024
THANK YOU. . .
To Haley Gardner for presenting our October program “What To Expect From Assisted Living” and recommending visits to several different places before we actually need to move to assisted living.
Haley also assured us that we have the “right to fall” and that falling would NOT prevent us from being accepted as a resident in assisted living. Many facilities have a nurse on staff 24/7, and medications would be administered according to our doctors’ prescriptions, since time intervals before and after meals is critically important for Parkinson’s patients.
To Bill Steinhauser, filling in for Kirk and leading exercise October 22. We really appreciate all you do for HOTPACS.
To Kirk Thorpe for committing to lead exercise both Tuesday and Thursday, November 19 and 21.
NOVEMBER PROGRAM – Thursday, 11/14/2024
Waco Transit Service: For those who plan to remain in our homes but are no longer able to drive, have you considered what other transportation options are available? On Thursday, November 14, Michele Garcia of Waco Transit Demand Service will explain the process of applying for flexible and low-cost transportation throughout McLennan County. You can schedule transportation to:
- local doctors
- shopping
- even twice a week exercise (hint, hint)
THANKSGIVING WEEK – NO MEETINGS
Holy Spirit church will be closed Tuesday and Thursday, November 26 and 28.
CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON & PROGRAM
Please mark your calendars for Thursday, December 12 and plan to attend. More information to come later about menu and program. —Ida McBride, Secretary
OCTOBER 2024
We want to thank The Blake for the Taco Bout a Good Cause fundraiser on September 10 that raised $255 on our behalf! Haley Gardner, Director of Sales at The Blake, will be our featured speaker on Thursday, October 10. She will discuss decisions we must make when considering transition to assisted living.
Thanks to everyone who attended our Annual Meeting and luncheon. We are so grateful that Ken Howington volunteered to be elected by acclamation as the new President of HOTPACS. Ken is a native of Waco and currently resides in Robinson with his wife Cynthia, who was diagnosed with PD in 2010. Ken attended McLennan Community College and began his career in banking with Citizens National Bank. He later moved to Community Bank and Trust as an internal auditor, retiring in 2017 as Executive VP, Cashier, COO, acting CFO, and now serves on the board of directors of Community Bank and Trust. Ken and Cynthia have three children and nine grandchildren and enjoy following their grandkids’ sports and activities.
Caren Phillips donated a U-Step walker to HOTPACS. This walker was designed for people with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s. Because of its weight and size, it is best used at home, and a more portable walker used for travel. Members are welcome to use the U-Step at home
as long as needed to decide if they want one of their own. Medicare will pay for the U-Step if prescribed by a physician.
Contact Ida McBride, 254-716-4402, if you want to try the U-Step at home, or if you want the last one of three donated HOTPACS t-shirts, size large, gently used.
SEPTEMBER 2024
HOTPACS ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
All members and their families are invited to our Annual Meeting and Potluck Luncheon. The meeting starts at 12 Noon on Thursday, September 12, with lunch immediately afterwards. Baris Italian Restaurant will provide the main course and salad. Members are asked to bring sides and desserts, enough servings for yourselves and a few extras.
We will have a Mystery Guest Speaker you will definitely not want to miss. Plus, we will have lots of door prizes, and you must be present to win. So please mark your calendar. It will be a good time for our homebound members to come meet and greet new members and reacquaint with old friends. We will not have exercise on that day.
The Board has been “underwhelmed” by the number of volunteers who have agreed to participate on committees for next year. As a result, we will no longer be able to have speakers monthly, nor will we have regular caregivers’ meetings. We are grateful Bruce agreed to serve as President for another year. Please consider volunteering for any of the openings listed in the May Newsletter–we especially need a program chairman.
In the meantime, we will continue our exercise meetings on Tuesdays with Physical
Therapist Kirk, and on Thursdays with a hybrid class of exercise videos from Power for Parkinsons and other sources coordinated by Ida. Remember, exercise is medicine, not only for those with PD but also their caregivers.
It’s time to send your membership dues to Treasurer Suzanne: $15 for single membership, $20 for two. Make a check to HOTPACS and mail to 111 Cobblestone Lane, Crawford, TX, 76638.
By Ida McBride, Secretary
AUGUST 2024
We are now at the end of our Fiscal Year 2023-2024 and looking forward to new beginnings. Of course, we need to know if you will be with us again for the coming fiscal year 2024-2025. The annual dues fee to continue membership is $15 for a single person or $20 to include your care partner. NOTE: our dues were not affected by inflation at all, but still include free exercise twice a week and 10 monthly newsletters except June and July.
Martha Black researches news from the medical front on new treatments for PD and improving your quality of life and includes the latest in our newsletters that are emailed or printed if members prefer. Our newsletters also include breaking news from Washington. Thanks to the efforts of the Michael J. Fox foundation and others lobbying for PD patients, President Biden signed into law the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act. The US Health & Human Services agency will establish the National Parkinson’s Project, a first-ever federal initiative to prevent and cure Parkinson’s disease and atypical parkinsonisms like Lewy Body disease and dementia.
HOTPACS still needs volunteers to allow us to serve People With Parkinson’s (PWP) in Central Texas in the future. We especially need a Program Chairman and a Caregiver discussion leader. Until someone steps forward, we will continue to exercise every week with Kirk on Tuesdays and “Power for Parkinson’s” every Thursday in virtual sessions on YouTube at the church. Next month we will have a Pot Luck meal on Thursday, September 12 to start the new fiscal year. Meat and drinks will be provided by the Board. More details will come in the September newsletter.
JUNE & JULY 2024
There will be no messages from the Board of Directors until August. Newsletters are not published in June and July.
MAY 2024
By Ida McBride, Secretary
At our September General Meeting, I became Secretary for our group and plan to remain as secretary. However, I’ve been wearing more hats than I can handle for the last few years, and now I am asking for volunteers to take over the following five responsibilities.
- President: Most of all, we need a new president since Bruce is no longer able to preside due to his declining health. We must have a president to fulfill the requirements as a non-profit. If you are interested, just let me know by the end of July.
- Program Chairman: This is probably the most challenging of all the positions I took over. My husband Mickey passed away in 2016, so I’ve not really been part of the Parkinson’s Disease network since then. Without a committed Program chairman, we might as well become an exercise only group. We only have seven programs to plan each year.
- Communications Chairman: If we have a volunteer for programs, then we will also need a volunteer to support the Program Chairman by sending information to the Waco Tribune and to call or text members to remind them of our program meetings.
- Refreshments Chairman: Someone needs to solicit various agencies to sponsor our programs by providing refreshments. No one has ever turned me down because it gives them an opportunity to provide information about the services they provide.
- Caregivers Group Chairman: Someone needs to counsel and support our caregivers and to be there for them at least one Thursday every month.
I have loved serving and supporting HOTPACS and will be available to all volunteers to guide and support them during the learning process. I am not going away. I’m just no longer able to do all of the above. Please volunteer.
APRIL 2024
TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS, PAST AND PRESENT, THANK YOU!
This month, I would like to honor our volunteers who have given so much of their time and energy to support the mission of the Heart of Texas Parkinson’s and Caregivers Support group. HOTPACS could not succeed without you!
Our editors Martha Black and Caren Phillips prepare our monthly newsletter and our Directory. The newsletters keep us in touch with each other and are filled with information about PD, our calendar of events, birthdays and anniversaries. Caren also updates our Web Site hotpacs.com.
Kirk Stokes and Vice President Don Carr lead our exercise groups every Tuesday and most Thursdays. Exercise can be as good as–if not better than–medicine.
Our new Treasurer Suzanne Frazier brought our accounting system up to a new level. She also guided me and Caren in our application for a grant from the Parkinson’s Association. The application process was a new and daunting experience for each of us, and the results are not yet known.
Janice Conner planned and organized the socials we had at the annual General meeting and Christmas luncheon in 2023. Our largest group attendance was at these two events. We are thrilled when our long-term members come against all odds. Socialization is so important for the quality of life for people living with PD, both patients and caregivers.
Bill Steinhauser and his crew, Don Carr and Bobby Childress, set up our room for exercise and speakers. Then before leaving, they return the room to its previous setup.
Marjorie Hanlin faithfully mails supportive greeting cards to members whenever she is notified of special needs.
Next month, I will present the challenges for HOTPACS to move forward and continue offering education, exercise, and socializing to people with Parkinson’s and other movement disorders. We will need to overcome these challenges in order to remain a functioning support group and nonprofit organization indefinitely. —Ida McBride, Secretary
MARCH 2024
Thanks to Ken Howington for the following summary of last month’s program presentation.
On February 8, a large audience or our group members and a visitor were privileged to hear a talk by Sara Meig. She is a trained Alzheimer’s Association educator and Director of Marketing & Public Relations with Rainey & Rainey attorneys. Ms. Meig shared specific methods to communicate with a loved one who has dementia, and she explained how dementia progresses through early, middle and late stages. She gave examples of how a caretaker or family member can respond to a confused patient’s attempts to communicate as they experience mental decline. Ms. Meig identified concerns the caregiver should be aware of and how to respond to a patient’s communication needs as dementia progresses through each stage. Her numerous examples of how to join a patient’s reality, and bring respect and calm to each conversation, were only a small sampling of her very informative presentation. Brett Cox, owner of The Grandson home care organization, provided refreshments. The Grandson provides assistance with companion care, personal care, household help and more. To request home care help, call 254-242-0772 or email brett@thegrandson.org.
Guest Speaker, March 14
Paul Filmore, PhD is the owner of Waco Neurotherapy. He is board-certified in quantitative EEG analysis (QEEG-D) and in neurofeedback (BCN). He applies neuroscience methods to help clients optimize their brain function. Before he opened his clinic on Wooded Acres, he taught in Baylor’s Speech Pathology program until 2022.
FEBRUARY 2024
January Speaker: We were privileged to have Robin Papathanasiou from Acorda Therapeutics speak to our group January 8. She discussed Inbrija, an on-demand levodopa rescue inhaler used to treat OFF periods suffered by people with Parkinson’s disease. One of the important things she mentioned was that the inhaler should be used as soon as one feels the OFF period starting. It only takes 10 or 15 minutes for the inhaled levodopa to relieve the symptoms, because the action bypasses the intestinal area and goes straight into the blood stream and to the brain. The inhaled medication can be taken as needed up to 5 times each day. Robin demonstrated how the medication is used and urged members to email her at rpapathanasiou@acorda.com so she can provide samples to their neurologists. She encourages members with PD to try the medication to improve their quality of life. She emphasized that since carbidopa/levodopa medication taken orally is absorbed in the intestinal area, it is very important to drink plenty of fluids during the day to prevent constipation from interfering with the effectiveness of the medication.
Speaker February 8: Sarah Meig Greigo is a trained Alzheimer’s Association Community Educator and the Administrative & Marketing Director with Rainey and Rainey, Attorneys at Law. The title of her presentation is “Effective ways to Communicate and Maintain a Relationship with Someone with Dementia.” Refreshments will be provided by Brett Cox, owner of The Grandson Home Care in Waco.
— Ida McBride, Secretary
Heart of Texas Parkinson's and Caregiver's Support Group 