Our Founder: Beginnings & Penguins

Our Co-founder

An involuntary kick motion in pharmacist Ed Ewell’s left foot was diagnosed as restless leg syndrome, but because his father had Parkinson’s disease, Ed watched vigilantly for other changes. When he developed a tremor in his left hand he knew it was time to see a neurologist, and in 1999 he too was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

In his years as a pharmacist Ed had met countless people who where experiencing anxiety and depression as a result

Ed Ewell, co-founder of the PRC

of PD. And although Ed knew many medical professionals he still struggled to find solid information and answers about how to live well his PD.

Frustrated, but never one to give up, in 2001 he co-founded the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Parkinson’s Resource Center of Spokane (PRC). Here patients, caregivers, and medical providers receive education, find empowerment, and gain awareness about relieving symptoms. Ed has also been instrumental in bringing live TeleHealth meetings to Spokane, and to more than two dozen rural locations in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Alaska.

But why the Penguin?

Mascot of the PRC

On a long-awaited cruise to Antarctica with wife Jacquie, Ed — who known for his sense of humor — noted that penguins are striking in appearance, tough, resilient, and walk  “like people with (advanced) Parkinson’s.”

All joking aside he says, “They stick together and help take care of each other.” Thus Parky the Penguin became the official mascot of the PRC. When the PRC staff meets a Parkinson’s person for the first time they receive a Parky doll will Ed’s words of reassurance, “You’re one of us now…you’re not alone.”