Pam Wood of Dallas, Texas, plans to give a speech at her Team Fox fundraiser on November 23—a Western Swing Dance. After a month of vocal therapy offered by a local nonprofit, the Parkinson Voice Project, Pam is ready to share her message loud and clear. She says, “For the first time in my life, I feel I have a real purpose — to raise funds and awareness for this disease. I want to do everything while I’m able to.”

A reporter from The Dallas Morning News followed Pam during her vocal trainings. Read an excerpt from the full story below.

Early on, Wood decided Parkinson’s would not turn her “into a statue.” When she had trouble speaking clearly, she resolved it wouldn’t silence her either…

The voice she’s found is stronger than she’s ever had, said Karyn Bloom, a friend of nearly 20 years who attended the graduation [from her training program]. “It’s definitely a voice of conviction.”

…Now that she has a louder voice, she intends to use it.