New York, NY, August 12, 2013 — Wading River, NY, resident Melissa Hahn is one of thirteen artists whose work was selected to appear in the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation’s (PDF) 2013 Creativity and Parkinson’s Calendar. Her photograph entitled, “Reflections of Autumn,” is featured in the month of October in the nationally-distributed charity calendar which helps to inspire others and raise awareness of Parkinson's disease.
Ms. Hahn, a native of Ronkonkoma, is a music teacher and avid violinist. The 36-year-old was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s disease four years ago. She is part of the minority, as only four percent of people living with Parkinson’s disease are diagnosed before the age of 50. As her symptoms limited her music career, Ms. Hahn began exploring photography as a hobby. She says she has found it to be a therapeutic release from her diagnosis.
“It’s good to have something positive to focus on. I forget that I have Parkinson’s disease when I’m taking pictures. When I’m hiking with my camera equipment, it brings me to another place and allows me to express myself in another way,” says Ms. Hahn.
Ms. Hahn soon found she was not alone in this sentiment. More than 300 other people with Parkinson’s have participated in PDF’s Creativity and Parkinson’s Project, which encourages those living with Parkinson’s to explore their creativity and its potentially beneficial effects. Ms. Hahn’s photograph of autumn colored trees reflecting off Lake Plymouth, CT, was chosen among these individuals to be featured in PDF’s annual print calendar, which is distributed nationwide to nearly 20,000 people.
PDF President Robin Anthony Elliott said, “We thank Ms. Hahn for her contributions to the Creativity and Parkinson’s Project, which explores, supports and encourages the therapeutic value of creativity in Parkinson's. Her works, the other 12 featured in the calendar and the more than 300 in our online gallery, are a source of inspiration and hope to others affected by Parkinson’s disease.”
Those interested in ordering a free copy of the calendar or learning more about Ms. Hahn’s artwork may contact the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation by calling (800) 457-6676, emailing info@pdf.org, or visiting www.pdf.org/creativity.
About Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects nearly one million people in the US. Although promising research is being conducted, there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s.
About the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation
The Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PDF) is a leading national presence in Parkinson's disease research, education and public advocacy. We are working for the nearly one million people in the US who live with Parkinson's disease by funding promising scientific research while supporting people living with Parkinson's disease through educational programs and services. Since its founding in 1957, PDF has dedicated $100 million to fund the work of leading scientists throughout the world and $42 million to support education and advocacy programs.
Ms. Hahn, a native of Ronkonkoma, is a music teacher and avid violinist. The 36-year-old was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s disease four years ago. She is part of the minority, as only four percent of people living with Parkinson’s disease are diagnosed before the age of 50. As her symptoms limited her music career, Ms. Hahn began exploring photography as a hobby. She says she has found it to be a therapeutic release from her diagnosis.
“It’s good to have something positive to focus on. I forget that I have Parkinson’s disease when I’m taking pictures. When I’m hiking with my camera equipment, it brings me to another place and allows me to express myself in another way,” says Ms. Hahn.
Ms. Hahn soon found she was not alone in this sentiment. More than 300 other people with Parkinson’s have participated in PDF’s Creativity and Parkinson’s Project, which encourages those living with Parkinson’s to explore their creativity and its potentially beneficial effects. Ms. Hahn’s photograph of autumn colored trees reflecting off Lake Plymouth, CT, was chosen among these individuals to be featured in PDF’s annual print calendar, which is distributed nationwide to nearly 20,000 people.
PDF President Robin Anthony Elliott said, “We thank Ms. Hahn for her contributions to the Creativity and Parkinson’s Project, which explores, supports and encourages the therapeutic value of creativity in Parkinson's. Her works, the other 12 featured in the calendar and the more than 300 in our online gallery, are a source of inspiration and hope to others affected by Parkinson’s disease.”
Those interested in ordering a free copy of the calendar or learning more about Ms. Hahn’s artwork may contact the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation by calling (800) 457-6676, emailing info@pdf.org, or visiting www.pdf.org/creativity.
About Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects nearly one million people in the US. Although promising research is being conducted, there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s.
About the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation
The Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PDF) is a leading national presence in Parkinson's disease research, education and public advocacy. We are working for the nearly one million people in the US who live with Parkinson's disease by funding promising scientific research while supporting people living with Parkinson's disease through educational programs and services. Since its founding in 1957, PDF has dedicated $100 million to fund the work of leading scientists throughout the world and $42 million to support education and advocacy programs.
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