Next meeting: October 10, 2011

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Wellness and Recovery Group
meeting at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas.


The October meeting is scheduled for Monday, the 10th, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (directions below).


Samantha Elandary, MA, CCC-SLP, the CEO of the Parkinson Voice Project (formerly Texas Voice Project), will give a presentation about her organization.


Please note that you do not have to have Parkinson's to benefit from this therapy, provided free of charge if you qualify. This therapy is for other neurological disorders as well.

Executive Director and Co-Founder of Parkinson Voice, Samantha Elandary graduated from the University of North Texas with her bachelor’s degree in communication disorders and English and her master’s degree in speech-language pathology. She worked for six years in a Dallas hospital where she treated speech and swallowing disorders in patients with neurological diseases. She developed a special interest in treating Parkinson’s patients and was fascinated that this population could make tremendous improvements if provided intensive therapy.

In 1998, Samantha became frustrated when she realized that some patients were not receiving the care they needed due to insurance limitations. She left the hospital and started on her quest to provide every person with Parkinson’s the opportunity to receive voice treatment regardless of whether or not they had the means to pay. She provided voice treatment out of her home and created “The LOUD Crowd,” a maintenance program which allows patients the opportunity to receive on-going vocal practice and encouragement through weekly speech groups, a singing program and other engaging activities. In 2005, with the support of her mentor, Jim West, and the National Parkinson Foundation, Samantha started Texas Voice Project for Parkinson Disease. The program is run entirely off of donations and a “Pay It Forward” system.

The Parkinson Project website is http://www.parkinsonvoiceproject.org/about.html

Please send a reply email to Kimberly Aikman (aikmank@gmail.com) or call 214 289 0286 so we know to expect you.

Directions to Presbyterian Hospital:

Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas is located on Walnut Hill Lane, just east of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway). The meetings are in the

Fogelson Building, Ground Floor, Classroom A

Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas

8200 Walnut Hill Lane

Dallas, TX 75231

When turning into the campus from Walnut Hill, the best route of entry may be the driveway prior to the light. The Fogelson Building is to the right when facing the main hospital entrance, and is next to the Margot Perot Center. Using the underground parking is the easiest way to reach the meeting location; if entering from the main floor, cross the foyer (past the stairs) and take the elevators to the ground floor. Classroom A is to the left off the elevators.

Parking costs $2.00. There is no attendant in the booth at night so we are not able to use our free parking passes.

Neither Lifelines: The Brain Injury Wellness and Recovery Group nor Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas support, endorse or recommend any method, treatment, or a program for persons with a brain injury. The intent of the group is to provide support and make information available. Attendance in the group is not a substitute for an informed discussion between a patient and his/her health care provider. No endorsement is intended nor implied.