“We were looking for a way to help others while honoring the memory of our devoted mom and wife” – The Mitchell Family.  My dad and siblings have all been active with the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation since our mom, Mary A. Mitchell, was diagnosed. They helped us understand some of the things that she was going through and helped us realize that we were not alone in dealing with the challenges of Parkinson’s. 

When our mother passed away on February 2, 2009, we began the tough task of making all of the arrangements for her memorial. Early on, we decided that rather than just having people send flowers in her remembrance, we would ask that they make donations to the NWPF. It was then that I called and talked with the NWPF and found out that we could set up a special lifetime fund in honor of Mary. Not only would the donations received from family and friends at the memorial go into the fund, but all future donations in her name and the funds I raise in my annual Group Health Seattle to Portland bike ride for NWPF would also go into this fund in her honor. We now have a lifetime memorial established that we know will help others who are also impacted by Parkinson’s disease.

 

The Bacher family established the Mel Bacher Family Fund to honor a wonderful husband, father and grandfather – and to help others who are living with Parkinson's. After his diagnosis, Mel was determined to live life to the fullest and continued to enjoy the things he loves most, including his artwork, traveling the world and spending time with family and friends. Along the way, the Northwest Parkinson's Foundation has been a wonderful resource for information, advocacy and support. While he can no longer travel or draw like he used to, we continue to be inspired every day by Mel's ability to share love and laughter with his family and many friends. It is his hope that this fund can help other families like ours to navigate through their own journey with Parkinson's. "We love you Dad!" – The Bacher Family