Celebrate the Activism, Advocacy & Artwork of Jackie Hunt Christensen

14900 Bass Lake Road,Maple Grove MN 55311

21 May, 2022

Description

Isn't it ironic that we hold Celebrations of Life for folks when they're not around to enjoy them? Let's flip the script and have mine now! Let me start by saying that I have NOT been diagnosed with any new terminal illnesses, and none of my doctors has given me an imminent expiration date;Parkinson's has seriously affected my ability to communicate, which really bothers me. I have been experimenting with an app that speaks what I type. Having this celebration this Spring will allow me to use the app to interact with a large number of my friends and family at one time, and while my typing skills are still pretty good.Don't we all need a party right now?!In college, I came across this quote and have made it my personal mission statement: I cannot believe that the purpose of life is to be happy. I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be compassionate. It is, above all, to matter, to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference that you lived at all. ~ Leo Rosten Unwelcome intrusions like Parkinson's disease, Covid and Vladimir Putin have taught most of us that life can change in an instant. I have tried very hard to make a difference in this world. Call me arrogant, but I’d like to hear how I’ve done so far (but while I still have time to do an “extra credit” project, if necessary!). I love you all so much, and I want to try to create an opportunity to thank you for being a part of my life, in a way that is fun, festive and communal. I hope that you will join me and my family at Fish Lake Regional Park Pavilion on Saturday, May 21st, 2022, 1-4pm! Dress code: festive! Event style: open-house (building seats 75)No park admission feeParkinson's-friendly building (handicapped-entry doors, accessible restrooms)Hand sanitizer will be availableRefreshments will be served. Children are welcome. Dogs are NOT ALLOWED in the Pavilion, but are welcome in the park. In fact, there is a six-acre fenced dog park about 0.25 miles from the Pavilion. What to bring: ● Anecdotes or stories about Jackie, photos, poems, etc., to share with the group -- just remember that this is a family show! * Unless you explicitly state that you do NOT want what you share to be included, all shared items will be included in a keepsake book that will be created after the event. ● Proof of Covid-19 vaccinations and recent negative test (same-day to 48 hours prior). ● Your free ticket. By obtaining a free ticket, you are agreeing to abide by the current MN Department of Health guidelines for indoor gatherings. If you would prefer not to comply with the guidelines, please join the Zoom group. If you can't attend physically, but want to join us by Zoom, send an email with the subject "I wanna Zoom" to [email protected]. As we get closer to May 21st, you will be emailed the call information. If you can't attend physically or virtually, but still want to celebrate Jackie, you can email your anecdotes, photos, etc., to [email protected]. * Unless you explicitly state that you do NOT want what you share to be included, all shared items will be included in a keepsake book that will be created after the event. Keep scrolling down to see more photos! Jackie, welcoming attendees to the 2nd Annual Young-Onset Parkinson's Network Conference, which she helped to organize. Bloomington, MN, July 2004. The Christensen family, December 2021: Alex, Aly Meier, Paul, Jackie, and Bennett