Capital Area Parkinson's Society

C.A.P.S. July 2024 Newsletter

July 1, 2024

Letter from C.A.P.S. Board Member,
Rene Ruiz

Hello, my name is Rene Ruiz. Growing up I witnessed first-hand the affects Parkinson’s disease (PD) had on my grandmother’s health and the toll it took on my family. As a result, I am committed to helping us raise awareness to beat PD and ensuring a better future, today. I joined the Board of Directors of the Capital Area Parkinson’s Society (CAPS) in January 2018 and served as the Board Treasurer from 2018-2021. I continue to serve as a board member on CAPS and currently am currently working with the planning committee for our upcoming 40th Birthday Bash event on October 5, 2024.

Since 2010, I have held management roles with a variety of healthcare providers, including skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care, home health, and hospice services. I currently serve as a Director of Business Development with Family Tree Private Care and I am responsible for performing sales, marketing and promotional activities for the Central Texas region. I enjoy meeting with prospective clients and their families and navigating them through the waters of care options and services we provide while at the same time building solid working partnerships with local area hospitals, rehabs, and physicians, among others. I absolutely love what I do, and no two days are alike.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my partner, Jason, and our daughter, Kellie, along with our two dogs, Copper and Oliver. I take pleasure in the arts, traveling, and sharing a good hearty laugh with family and friends.

I love meeting new people and learning new things, so please feel free to say hello and share a story with me. I am thrilled, and truly blessed, to be a part of the CAPS family! This is my way of honoring my grandmother’s life.

Best regards,
Rene Ruiz

Rene Ruiz
CAPS Board Member since 2021

July 2024 Schedule of Events

July 8, 2:00-3:00-Central Support Groups for PWP & Care Partners at Parson’s House
July 12, 10:00-12:30-Shake Shack Austin-Art with Audrey
July 12, 12:30-1:30-Voices of Parkinson’s Speech Therapy
July 15, 10:00-12:30-Shake Shack Social Lakeway-Belmont Villages
July 15, 2:30-3:30 South Support Groups for PWP & Care Partners at Encompass Rehab Hospital South
July 18, 12:00-2:00- Parkinson’s Health Education Meeting- Deep Brain Surgery with Dr. Anant Patel, Neurosurgeon

C.A.P.S. welcomes new board member Mike Hutchison

Michael moved to Austin from Chicago in the Fall of last year and is very much enjoying the weather and all of the outdoor activities that the area has to offer. His work experience spans 25 years in the financial services sector, including investment management and fixed income sales. His father, the late John Hutchinsons, Jr., suffered from Parkinson’s Disease, and Michael was drawn to CAPS by the comprehensive program that it provides not only for PD patients, but for caregivers as well. Michael plans to focus on fundraising efforts for CAPS, in addition to anything that will help ensure a more robust offering.

Volunteer News

CAPS is grateful to Hannah Berry who is helping out this summer with social media and graphic design. Read about Hannah below.

I’m Hannah Berry, currently a college student majoring in communications at Texas A&M. I was born and raised in Austin, TX and graduated from Austin High School. I have two cats and love to hang out with my family and friends. I’m excited to be helping!

July Announcements

C.A.P.S. received $15,000 from the Parkinson’s Foundation to support the Shake Shack Social programs. Thank you again to our volunteer grant writers and board members!
Through support from the Parkinson’s Foundation, Shake Shack Social South starts on August 8,10:00 at the AGE of Central Texas South Campus and will be the 2nd Thursday of each month
An Austin area resource list is now on the website! Consult it for needs like movement disorder neurologists, therapists, home care, Veterans Info and more!
Save the date: CAPS 40th Birthday Party, Tales of Triumph, 4 Decades of Support, October 5, 2024. See our webpage with details for questions. Know of a business or individual interested in sponsoring or donating to this dynamic event? Please contact Christi at [email protected].
Aging Services Council’s Caregiving in Central Texas Guide is now available. Pick up copies at Age of Central Texas 3710 Cedar Street, see online copy at the Aging Services Council’s website.