August 14, 2007

Re: Carol Woodbury-Witham

        Personal trainer, Optimum Performance

To Whom It May Concern:

Carol Woodbury-Witham has worked with several of my patients with Parkinson's Disease. She has developed an exercise program which seems to have provided substantial benefits, both physically and emotionally, for these patients. They enjoy immensely the camaraderie, cardiovascular training, balance training and movement training that the program provides. The program clearly enhances their quality of life and seems to facilitate in other activities of daily living.

Sincerely,

Robert W. Stein, M.D.

RWS/dem

September 27, 2007

To Whom It May Concern:

Without reservation, I can recommend Ms. Carol Woodbury Witham and the “New Pathways for Parkinson’s” program she has designed and implemented to anyone with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and to the caregivers, loved ones, and healthcare providers who support them.  As the nurse case manager at a retirement community with many residents who have PD and the co-facilitator of our local Parkinson’s Disease Support Group, I have had the unique opportunity of observing firsthand the significant benefits of Ms. Witham’s program.  At our monthly PD support group meetings, it has been remarkable to watch the progression of improvement and stability in the overall status of those members participating in the Pathways program as compared to those who are not. 

Participants in the program exhibit significant improvements in balance, coordination, posture and gait.  They report fewer falls and increased ability to go beyond “freezing” episodes more quickly and effectively.  Interestingly, the benefits of the program also seem to go far beyond just the physical.  Participants notably seem to have improved mood, alertness and overall vitality as well.  They and their loved ones have consistently reported feeling that their confidence, self-esteem and general outlook on life have been enhanced by the Pathways program.  In our monthly PD support group, these participants’ caregivers and loved ones often talk about how these physical, cognitive, and emotional changes have translated into their greater functional independence with Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s), decreased tension and strain in interpersonal relationships at home and more frequent ability/desire to engage in the normal aspects of living – beyond a life of chronic disease.  From my observations and these numerous anecdotal reports, there is no doubt in my mind that the “New Pathways for Parkinson’s” program has clearly had a positive impact on the quality of the lives of these men and women and those who love and care for them.

I am perhaps most impressed with how holistic the design of Ms. Witham’s program is.  I have seen the program demonstrated and greatly appreciate how she has beautifully and effectively integrated the best of so many modalities, practices and techniques from both Eastern and Western traditions to address the unique challenges of the whole person living with PD.  I firmly believe that this is the key to the successful outcomes of this program.  The Pathways program is also uniquely designed to meet each individual where he/she is at, while allowing that person to still benefit from the support, socialization and motivation that a group offers.  Moreover, Ms. Witham has managed to incorporate the much overlooked, but invaluable healing tools of fun and laughter while simultaneously addressing the strength and flexibility, cardiovascular, balance and movement needs of her clients.

Ms. Witham has created a safe haven of support, encouragement and nurturing for those with PD in her Pathways program while providing them with the exercises so critical to the maintenance of their optimal level of performance.  Her program reflects her remarkable commitment and dedication to improving the lives of those with PD.  I wholeheartedly commend her efforts.

Most sincerely,

Suzanne Miller, RN,BSN,CCM

Health Services Coordinator

Quarry Hill Retirement Community

Camden, Maine