Board of Directors


Laura Louizos

Meet Laura, an unstoppable force of love, compassion, and resilience. In 2018, her life took an unexpected turn when her beloved mother was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Despite the struggle and sacrifice that came with being a primary caregiver, Laura faced these challenges with grace and determination.

When her mother passed away in May 2019, Laura turned her pain into purpose, focusing on spreading awareness for PSP. Her mission? To shed light on this often overlooked condition.

After the loss of her mother, Laura sought solace in the serene beauty of Barbados, a journey that lasted from September 2020 till February 2021. When she returned, she enrolled in a Personal Support Worker (PSW) course, furthering her knowledge and skills in care-giving.

Laura's newfound abilities were put to test when her father experienced a near-death medical episode in January 2022. Undeterred, Laura once again stepped into the role of a caregiver, showcasing an unyielding strength that continues to inspire.

Today, Laura volunteers full time for the Coleen Cunningham foundation (CCF) for PSP Awareness, using her personal experiences to raise awareness about PSP. She supports others navigating the same challenging journey, standing as a beacon of hope and a pillar of support. Laura's journey is a testament to her dedication and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world of PSP. She continues to inspire many with her resilience and courage.

 

Bill Cunningham

Meet Bill, a man whose strength and resilience is matched only by his dedication to a cause close to his heart.

In late 2018, his life was dramatically altered when his wife was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a condition that often remains under the radar. After a brave battle, his wife passed away in May 2019. This loss deeply affected Bill, leading to subsequent medical issues.

However, adversity only fuelled his resolve. Turning his personal experience into a collective cause, Bill joined the board of the Coleen Cunningham Foundation, named after his late wife, where he serves as chair. He now devotes his time and efforts to this significant mission, channeling his experience and grief into a force for change.

Bill's story is one of resilience in the face of loss, of transforming personal pain into a broader purpose. Through his work with the Coleen Cunningham Foundation, he continues to raise awareness about PSP, supporting those who are dealing with the challenges it brings, and honoring his wife's memory in the most meaningful way possible. His journey serves as a beacon of hope and strength for many others touched by PSP.

 

Terry Louizos

Introducing Terry, a pillar of support and strength, whose unwavering commitment has been instrumental in his family's journey.

When his wife Laura's mother was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) in 2018, Terry didn't hesitate to step up. He managed the home front, providing the necessary support that enabled Laura to dedicate herself fully to her role as a caregiver. His strength allowed Laura to focus her energy and love on her mother during this challenging time.

Even after the passing of Laura's mother, Terry continued to serve his family and extended his efforts beyond. Embracing the cause close to their hearts, Terry now serves as the vice-chair on the board of the Coleen Cunningham Foundation.

Terry's story is a testament to his love, resilience, and dedication. His willingness to step into whatever role was necessary for the wellbeing of his family demonstrates a unique strength of character. Through his work with the Foundation, he continues to contribute significantly to raising awareness about PSP, providing invaluable support to others on a similar journey. His story inspires many, a quiet but powerful reminder of the strength of unity in facing life's most significant challenges.

 

About Us: 

The Coleen Cunningham Foundation serves individuals and families dealing with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) and Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD).

Mission

The Coleen Cunningham Foundation (CCF) is dedicated to honoring the legacy of Coleen Cunningham by providing comprehensive support to individuals and families affected by Atypical Parkinsonism. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those impacted by these rare neurological disorders through compassionate care, advocacy, and education. We strive to foster a supportive community, offer respite and hospice care, and advance the understanding and management of Atypical Parkinsonism.

Objectives

1. Provide Compassionate Respite and Hospice Care

  • Respite Vacations: Offer families affected by Atypical Parkinsonism the opportunity to create cherished memories through specially designed respite vacations.
  • Respite Hospice in the Caribbean: Establish a dedicated hospice facility in the Caribbean that provides comprehensive care and relaxation for families, ensuring a serene environment for both patients and caregivers.

2. Support and Empower Families and Caregivers

  • Support Groups: Facilitate regular support group meetings to provide emotional and practical support for caregivers, patients, and families.
  • Educational Resources: Develop and distribute educational materials to help families and caregivers understand and manage the complexities of Atypical Parkinsonism.
  • Advocacy: Advocate for the needs and rights of those affected by Atypical Parkinsonism at both the local and national levels.

3. Advance Medical Understanding and Management

  • Collaborative Research: Partner with medical institutions and researchers to support studies aimed at understanding Atypical Parkinsonism and developing effective treatments.
  • Medical Insights and Training: Provide healthcare professionals with the latest insights and training on Atypical Parkinsonism to improve patient care.

4. Promote Awareness and Education

  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Conduct campaigns to raise public awareness about Atypical Parkinsonism and the challenges faced by those affected.
  • Educational Events: Host seminars, webinars, and workshops to educate the public, healthcare professionals, and policymakers about Atypical Parkinsonism.

5. Foster a Supportive Community

  • Online Community Platform: Create and maintain an online platform where individuals and families can share experiences, find support, and access resources.
  • Engage with Stakeholders: Build partnerships with organizations, companies, and individuals dedicated to supporting neurological disorders to enhance our outreach and impact.

6. Expand Global Reach

  • International Collaboration: Work with international partners to share knowledge, resources, and best practices in the care and management of Atypical Parkinsonism.
  • Resource Distribution: Ensure that educational and support materials are accessible to a global audience, reaching as many affected individuals and families as possible.

Commitment to Excellence

At the Coleen Cunningham Foundation, we are committed to excellence in all our endeavors. We pledge to uphold the highest standards of care, compassion, and professionalism in our services, ensuring that every individual and family we support receives the best possible assistance and guidance.

Together, we can navigate the challenges of Atypical Parkinsonism, creating a brighter future for those affected by this condition.

No One Walks Alone!

Laura Louizos
Executive Director
Coleen Cunningham Foundation for
PSP Awareness

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