Bell Area Parkinsons Support

09/03/2026

Hi Members,

We WILL have a BAPS-West meeting Friday afternoon at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall at 2:30. I had considered canceling this Friday's meeting because I'm sure some will be kicking off the Labor Day Weekend Friday. Two couples have recently learned about BAPSd. I hope both will join us Friday afternoon. I've told them about the wonderful group of members at the meetings in Killeen and the information shared. Join us if you can.

As of last night, 36 BAPS Member Surveys have been completed. That sounds great until you learn that more than 96 email addresses are on this mailing list. The BAPS-North email list has 120 addresses. For both groups, many emails are used by two members. The surveys are anonymous, so you'll see reminders for a while. BAPS is a volunteer group of members, not a non-profit organization. Even the new member who hasn't yet attended a BAPS meeting can complete a survey.

The survey is for everyone who receives BAPS emails or has asked to be contacted by BAPS—whether you attend meetings regularly, occasionally, or not at all. What we learn will help us plan our future. The survey takes about 5–7 minutes, and your responses are anonymous unless you choose to identify yourself. If multiple people in your household are BAPS members, please complete a separate survey for each person. We want each person to have the opportunity to share their own experience and needs.
CLICK HERE to complete the BAPS Member Survey
or paste https://forms.gle/G5Pw16DUHHxBHiDF9 into your browser.

If completing an online survey isn't comfortable for you, just reply to this email with your phone number. Someone from BAPS will call you, read the questions and choices, and record your answers.

Gayle

NOTE: St. Andrew's UMC is located at 206 W. Fowler Ave in Killeen. Many take the Trimmier Exit off I-14 and travel North between the 1st National Bank and Red Lobster. Fowler Avenue meets Trimmier at the 2nd signal light. Be aware that no street sign for Fowler is easily visible. If you're at the correct intersection, you'll see a sign for Downtown straight ahead.

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Gayle S. Shull
254.718.4197; [email protected]
Coordinator, Bell Area Parkinson's Support (BAPS)

08/25/2026

BAPS Member Survey: Please help us. Your input is requested.

BAPS has grown and changed since our first meetings in 2022. As we look ahead, several BAPS members have worked together to develop a survey to better understand our fellow members' experiences, interests, and priorities.
The survey is for everyone who receives BAPS emails or has asked to be contacted by BAPS—whether you attend meetings regularly, occasionally, or not at all. What we learn will help us plan our future.

The survey takes about 5–7 minutes, and your responses are anonymous unless you choose to identify yourself.

If multiple people in your household are BAPS members, please complete a separate survey for each person. We want each person to have the opportunity to share their own experience and needs.

CLICK HERE to complete the BAPS Member Survey
or paste https://forms.gle/G5Pw16DUHHxBHiDF9 into your browser.

If completing an online survey isn't comfortable for you, just reply to this email with your phone number. Someone from BAPS will call you, read the questions and choices, and record your answers.

Thank you for being part of BAPS and for helping us plan together for the future.

Bell Area Parkinson's Support (BAPS) has grown and changed since our first meetings in 2022. Before making plans for the future, we want to hear from the people BAPS exists to serve. This survey is for all who receive BAPS emails and others who have asked to be contacted by BAPS, even if you are not...

08/25/2026

Hi members,

I'm looking forward to catching up on what's going on and how all are dealing with our triple-digit heat. Friday afternoon at 2:30, members with Parkinson's and medical support guests gather in the Executive Conference room right off the lobby at CTCOG in Belton. At the same time, caregito share.vers and other family members are in a nearby room to the left just past the lobby with Shawn. I know some are traveling or hosting family and friends for summer fun. If you can attend, I think we'll have some good group discussions and learn from one another.

Gayle

(NOTE: CTCOG's address is 2180 N. Main Street, Belton. This was the former Walmart location, so there's plenty of great parking. The groups both meet from 2:30 to 4:00.)
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Gayle S. Shull
254.718.4197; [email protected]
Coordinator, Bell Area Parkinson's Support (BAPS)

08/12/2026

Upcoming Calendar Activities - as of August 9th, 2026

08/12/2026

Dear BAPS-North members,

Richard Trautman, texted me last Wednesday that Kathleen passed away the previous evening. He added "It was a rather peaceful passing, for this, we are grateful." Kathleen was a lively member of our BAPS meetings until recently when dealing with cancer pushed her Parkinson's to the back burner. Dossman Funeral Home is handling arrangements. A celebration of Life will be held in Oklahoma City at a later date. Kathleen grew up and attended college in Oklahoma and retained ties there. Richard's contact information: [email protected]; 405.620.3908; 4121 Sunflower Lane, Temple, 76502. This photo is from Kathleen's obituary:
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One suggested donation recipient is the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Kathleen will be missed.

We meet Friday afternoon at 2:30 in Room D9 at CTCOG, 2180 N. Main Street, Belton. We'll have a short introduction of Dr. Ryan Coughlin, Clear Sky Rehabilitation Hospital in Harker Heights, followed by introductions of new members and support group updates and discussion. The meeting slides are attached to give attendees a heads-up and provide information for those who are not able to attend. You'll find information about Dr. Kamuth, neurosurgeon, who will speak to a Joint BAPS meeting in Killeen next Friday, an update on Jacob's free adaptive exercise program, a note of thanks from Dr. Alex to those who provided stories on short notice, upcoming events, the community blessing, and QR codes for the Symposium slides and our BAPS page.

This information arrived too late to be in the slide packet. Five slots are available for UMHB OT Counseling at the CRU Clinic - but act quickly. Several BAPS members have participated in recent semesters and speak highly of the benefit they received. Julie Newan (254.295.4872), UMHB scheduling POC, wrote: This year, we will have five client slots available. A doctor's referral is preferred but not required. If you have a doctor's referral, it may be faxed to 254-295-4878. If you are interested in participating and do not have a doctor's referral, please complete this Microsoft Form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/NPq6f27niz.

Things to Know

Services are student-led and faculty-supervised.
Treatment plans are individualized to each client's needs.
Appointments are held on Tuesday or Thursday mornings, beginning in September, for 11 weeks.
Participants will attend weekly recurring appointments on their assigned day and time throughout the program.
Placement confirmations will be sent via email after all submissions have been reviewed.

I look forward to seeing many of you Friday afternoon at CTCOG if not earlier at Beat Down Boxing (M-W-F) or Heart of Texas Gymnastics (Tu-Th)

Gayle
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Gayle S. Shull
254.718.4197; [email protected]
Coordinator, Bell Area Parkinson's Support (BAPS)

08/04/2026

BAPS Members,

Georgia Vaughn told me that I could share her words and her contact information with you. "Here comes the hardest part for me to tell you that Jim died, last Friday July 24th, peacefully in his sleep! The joyful part is being reunited in Heaven with our son Justin and grandson, Landry James, his namesake! It was also Landry’s birthday, so lots of celebrating and catching up! He missed his boys SO much!"

Jim was a founding and enthusiastic member of the BAPS Boxing Program. Jim was also a custom builder and many were present about a year ago when he gave a presentation to us about ways to make our homes ready to support our Senior needs. Georgia's contact information follows: [email protected]; 254.721.1508; 4121 Sunflower Lane, Temple, 76502. The attached photo of Jim and Georgia was pulled from a 2022 group print.

Extending our thoughts and prayers to the Vaughn family.

OTHER INFO:
1. Thanks to the many who responded to my recent short-notice requests for stories about your experience with Dr. Alex and Supportive Palliative Care. Excellent, heart-warming input.

2. Those of you who haven't been able to attend our most recent meetings in Temple are likely not aware of an amazing adaptive exercise program for those with Parkinson's Disease and their family member care partners. The 90-day pilot for the program will start soon - at no cost to participants. Jacob Puleo has structured a pilot that can include classes and individual sessions on Tuesday and Thursday between 9 and 2 and instruction in homes at other times. Family caregivers are welcome to exercise, be present to support, or take a break from caregiving. The location is Heart of Texas (HOT) Gymnastics, 6110 S. General Bruce Drive, Temple. Jacob will be present at HOT Gymnastics on Tuesday (Aug 4) from 9 to 2 to show you the gym's padded floor and equipment. Visit and talk with you about your exercise needs.

3. August 7 - BAPS Meeting in Killeen
August 14 - BAPS Meeting in Belton - Intro talk by Dr. Ryan Coughlin, Clear Sky Rehab followed by Support Group discussion.
August 21 - Joint Meeting in Killeen - Dr. Kamuth, Neurosurgeon will speak to us about DBS and other brain and spine surgeries
August 28 - BAPS Meeting in Belton - separate meetings for Caregivers and People with Parkinson's

Gayle
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Gayle S. Shull
254.718.4197; [email protected]
Coordinator, Bell Area Parkinson's Support (BAPS)

07/22/2026

Hi members,

I'm looking forward to catching up on what's going on. Friday afternoon is a meeting where members with Parkinson's and medical support guests gather in the Executive Conference room right off the lobby at CTCOG in Belton. At the same time, caregivers and other family members are in a nearby room with Shawn. I know some are traveling or hosting family and friends for summer fun. If you're able, please attend.

The day before our meeting, Dr. Soileau, Movement Disorder Specialist for several BAPS members, is hosting a Q&A session at the GAPS meeting in Georgetown. The location for this meeting has changed to Redeemer Georgetown, 1904 S. Austin Ave, Georgetown. Doors open at 2:30. The meeting is 3:00 - 4:30. Here's a photo of Dr. Michael Soileau for those who don't know him.
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Also, Save the Date for our next Joint BAPS Meeting: Friday, August 21. This Joint Meeting will be at our BAPS location in Killeen. This is a great opportunity to talk with Dr. Kamath and see St. Andrews UMC on Fowler Ave, where we meet.

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Final note. Our list of information sources and support organizations members recommend has many updates. The current version is attached. One sad note is that there will be no UMHB CRU Clinic Occupational Therapy sessions for People with Parkinson's for the Fall Semester. The sessions that many of our members were helped by were a special project for some graduate students. Julie Newman does have BAPS on her list to contact if there's a new opportunity.

Gayle
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Gayle S. Shull
254.718.4197; [email protected]
Coordinator, Bell Area Parkinson's Support (BAPS)

07/15/2026

Hi BAPS-West Members and Guests,

I'm looking forward to seeing many of you this Friday afternoon, July 17! We’ll be gathering at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church from 2:30-4:00. Since we don't have a formal presentation, it’s a wonderful chance for us to welcome our new members, answer any questions, and catch up on everyone's updates.

Just a quick note that Friday, July 31, is a Fifth Friday. That means we won't have a meeting that day anywhere. Don't be thrown by this change to our every-other-week cycle.

Also, I'm excited to share that Dr. Michael Soileau will be presenting at the GAPS meeting on July 23. He always provides such helpful updates on Parkinson’s research. Please note the new location for this session: Redeemer Georgetown at 1904 S. Austin Avenue, from 3:00-4:30. I've attached some info on his current clinical trials as well.

You have two more opportunities to exercise as part of the pilot program for BAPS Can Move. Just show up at the outdoor National Fitness Court in the NE corner of the Lions Club Park complex, Wednesday (15th) and/or Saturday (18th) morning at 8 am ready to exercise. There's a short walk from parking to the court, so plan to be parked by about 7:50. All who have joined at least one class are invited to the celebratory breakfast at Menos Restaurant following exercise on Saturday, July 18. Congrats to Luis Rivera for turning inspiration he received from Dr. Eric Rhoden's Fitness that Fits presentation at the Symposium into a program that is highly applauded by those who join in.

Several BAPS-West members are veterans, so I wanted to repeat an item with an update. I've heard positive comments about Chandril Chugh, MD, a neurologist at the Temple VA who isn't a movement disorder specialist, but is familiar with Parkinson's. Some have a referral to use an outside source which lets them be supported by Dr. Shawagfeh, a movement disorder specialist, at the BS&W Temple Clinic. Thanks to George Losoya's introduction, I learned about team-focused support for Parkinson's patients at the Austin VA clinic at 7901 Metropolis Drive (near the Airport). This is not the formal team approach that is directed for ALS support. It's an informal agreement among providers at the Clinic who support patients with Parkinson's. Dr. Elisa Griswold, a palliative care provider at the Austin VA Clinic, is part of this cooperative effort. At times during our conversation yesterday, I thought I was talking with Dr. Alex about palliative care - in a very positive way. BAPS-West member Clark Madsen speaks highly about the support he received from Dr. Ko, a neurologist at the VA Austin clinic. Austin is a long drive away, but the team uses telemedicine to visit by computer when appropriate.

Warmly,

Gayle Shull
254.718.4197
Coordinator, Bell Area Parkinson's Support (BAPS)

07/06/2026

Hi Members,

I hope to see many of you on July 10 for the Speech & Swallowing presentation at CTCOG in Belton. The meeting time is 2:30 - 4:00. Steven Darroh, a Speech Pathologist and President of Loud and Clear, Inc, headquartered in Austin. is joining us by Zoom from Austin. Brian Joyce, M.M., M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech Language Pathologist at BS&W, will join us to hear the presentation.

If you're not able to come to CTCOG in Belton, you can also join the session by Zoom. The Zoom meeting will open at 1:30 in case anyone needs to check their computer setup.

Join Zoom Meeting on Friday, July 10, between 2:00 and 2:25 so you're in when the meeting begins at 2:30.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83958884388?pwd=VyUEoS9ZpdnzCthUpjZvLatSTPt7w7.1

The full meeting will focus on Speech and Swallowing unless there's time after questions are answered.

CORRECTIONS AND NEW INFORMATION:
Summary:
- Member Julie Rife told me about a Hoverround motorized chair she offers at no cost to someone who can benefit.
- There's a different meeting location for the July 23 meeting where Dr. Soileau will present.
- We now have details about the clinical trials Dr. Soileau is starting and better contact information.
- George Losoya gave me contact information for Dr. Elisa Griswold at the VA Clinic near the Austin airport. Talking with her led to information about how the clinic works with patients with Parkinson's. I also learned about the website she and her husband provide for information about hospice and hospice organizations in Texas.
- BeechBand made a big announcement about their 100E model with an extended battery life at the same price.

1. Hoverround Motorized chair - BAPS Member Julie Rife just wants someone to benefit from John's Hoverround. If you need the motorized chair, contact Julie at (225) 993-1928 to see if it's still available or let me know. Here's a photo of the chair.

2. Updated information about July 23 GAPS meeting and clinical trials:
Thur, 23 - Dr. Michael Soileau, Movement Disorder Specialist, presents at the GAPS Meeting. He usually has an update on what's new with Parkinson's research followed by Q&A. Location is Redeemer Georgetown (1904 S. Austin Avenue), 3:00-4:30. Also, Dr. Soileau has clinical trials underway. The attachment from his office documents the basic requirements for consideration for each study. If you think you may qualify for one of the studies and want to learn more, email [email protected].

3. Several BAPS members who are veterans are searching for a medical support team. I've heard positive comments about a neurologist at the Temple VA who isn't a movement disorder specialist, but is familiar with Parkinson's. If you're his patient, please give me his name. Some have a referral to use an outside source which lets them be supported by Dr. Shawagfeh, a movement disorder specialist, at the BS&W Temple Clinic. Thanks to George Losoya's introduction, I learned about team-focused support for Parkinson's patients at the Austin VA clinic at 7901 Metropolis Drive (near the Airport). This is not the formal team approach that is directed for ALS support. It's an informal agreement among providers at the Clinic who support patients with Parkinson's. Dr. Elisa Griswold, a palliative care provider at the Austin VA Clinic, is part of this cooperative effort. At times during our conversation yesterday, I thought I was talking with Dr. Alex about palliative care - in a very positive way. BAPS member Clark Madsen speaks highly about the support he received from Dr. Ko, a neurologist at the VA Austin clinic. Austin is a long drive away, but the team used telemedicine to visit by computer when appropriate.

Like Dr. Alex has her Inyanga Health website, Dr. Griswold and her husband have created TexasHospices.com. The flyer with QR code is attached. Neither Dr. Alex nor Dr. Griswold may reference their private website while on duty. I have no such limitation. I checked out the TexasHospices website, and I think our members preparing for hospice use will benefit. There are guides about what to consider and expect. There is also a searchable database of hospice organizations. At first, my searches weren't finding some of the hospice organizations in the local area that our members recommend. I learned that my searches for "3-star and above reviews" were eliminating hospice organizations with no reviews. I recommend you start your searches without limiting the search based on reviews. Put in your zip code and no other restrictions and you may find 50 organizations. You can then use reviews to learn more about the organizations.

4. BeechBand - The 8-hour 100E version is now available for purchase at the same cost. The 100D version that BAPS received at no cost so we could let members assess benefits - or not - are still available for that purpose. www.beechband.com. If you have a BeechBand or are interested in more information, there is a July 14 webinar at 7pm BST/1 pm CDT for US and Canada. BeechBand will email the joining link, and also share it on their page, Instagram, and our Facebook community page closer to the time. You can visit beechband.com to become a member of their community.

Gayle
254-718-4197
Coordinator, Bell Area Parkinson's Support (BAPS)