PADs for Parkinson’s of San Juan Island enjoyed a very successful 2017 and would like to acknowledge all who are making this ground-breaking program possible. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our training volunteers and handlers for our 15 fabulous sniffer dogs and to the many who provided financial support. We extend our very deep gratitude to our sample donors who are battling Parkinson’s Disease. The work we do is for you.

Due to your support, we are able to announce that 2017 ended with the level 2 (experienced) canine unit correctly identifying Parkinson’s Disease at the rate of 90 percent.

We were pleased to share news of our program with fellow islanders through our first exhibit at the San Juan County Fair, and wider exposure through the feature story on KING5 (www.king5.com/article/news/health/dogs-train-in-san-juans-to-sniff-out-parkinsons-disease/281-459969018) Seattle NBC affiliate, and video of the dogs on San Juan Update at (sanjuanupdate.com/2017/06/pads-for-parkinsons) and award-winning coverage from the Journal of the San Juan Islands.

Both local and national funding sources recognized our work and we thank them for their generous support. To Paddle for Parkinson’s, the San Juan Island Community Foundation, the Ann Moss Foundation, the Henry W. Bull Foundation, and the many individuals who have supplied needed funds, we extend our sincere gratitude for recognizing the work of PADs and enabling us to continue this important work.

Lisa Holt, program director, and Richard Lind, board president

PADs for Parkinson’s