Melvin Weinstein died of Parkinson’s disease five years ago, but Marsha Anthony is making sure her father’s name lives on. Anthony remembers his philanthropic ways.
“His passion for giving never waned no matter how physically disabled he became,” she said.
A few months ago, she started the Melvin Weinstein Parkinson’s Foundation; a nonprofit organization to help financially challenged Parkinson’s patients.
“It took me until the beginning of this year to put the suffering behind me. I’d seen people on TV who were doing things for others and the thought came in my mind,” said Anthony of the Great Neck area. “My inspiration was because we could buy the things he needed while other people cannot.”
During the 10 years Weinstein had the debilitating disease, Anthony said her mother, Mollie, was able to get the equipment, supplies and renovations needed in their Richmond home to make each day a little easier.
“But, even with all that, it’s still a daily struggle,” she said. “The thought of the less fortunate Parkinson’s patients not having their needs met is simply not acceptable to me.” The foundation will help Parkinson’s patients acquire equipment such as walkers, canes, lift chairs, wheelchairs and shower seats. “It can help them to stay a little more independent and by helping them that way we kind of help the caregiver,” said Anthony.
“It’s really a horrible disease as it progresses, and I just want people to get the things they need.” The disease affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans, according to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation in New York. Symptoms include .muscle rigidity, tremors, slow movements, poor balance and other walking problems. Anthony’s daughter, Traci Corcoran, 27, is a partner in the MWPF and executed the legal work for the organization.
Reprinted with permission and grateful thanks to THE BEACON, a community section of the Virginian Pilot. Published January 2, 2003
She Launched A Foundation In Her Dads Name To Help
BY SANDRA JILL PENNECKE CORRESPONDENT
To Corcoran, it’s a way honor the grandfather who never saw her graduate from law school. “We were focused on his needs for so long,” said Corcoran. “Now, we are able to help others. We don’t want to offend anybody. We just want to help people.” MWPF has already helped its first patient, Mary Pearce, of College Park.
“I was honored, humbled and very appreciative of what she did,” said Pearce, who was provided with a bath chair and shower hose. “I just realized that I needed it because I started to lose my balance in the shower. She makes it so easy, and you still hold on to your self-respect.” Dale Caudill of Kempsville Lake is ecstatic about the creation of MWPF. “There are people who slip through the holes and don’t get the services they need,” said Caudill, who also suffers from Parkinson’s.
“All of your coins are really accounted for, and when these emergencies come up it’s hard. There’s a real need for what she’s doing, and she’s going to help a whole lot of people.” “Her father must’ve been a fine person, because he raised a wonderful daughter,” said Caudill who met with Anthony and Corcoran immediately after learning about the foundation. “I just want to get the word out to as many people as I can,” said Anthony.
For details about the Melvin Weinstein Parkinson’s Foundation, call 313-9729 or e-mail help@mwpf.org. Donations can be mailed to 2224 Va Beach Blvd., Suite 205 Virginia Beach, VA 23454.