Children with disabilities

BANGOR — United Cerebral Palsy of Maine will hold a free workshop for professionals and parents of children with disabilities at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 14, at the Bangor Daily News, 491 Main St. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. For more information, call 941-2952.

Arthritis Walk

BANGOR — Robin Spencer-Laurie of Hampden and Deer Isle has been named the

2011 Bangor Arthritis Walk Ambassador. Along with her family and friends, she will lead the

annual Arthritis Walk at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 21, by the Sea Dog on the Waterfront.

Spencer-Laurie, who has arthritis, calls on the community to join her in supporting the

Arthritis Foundation in its efforts to prevent, control and cure the more than 100 different types of arthritis and related diseases.

“I have had rheumatoid arthritis since I was 2,” Spencer-Laurie said. “I started having swelling and aching in my right knee and it slowly progressed to all my joints. I was able to attend school full time, graduated in 1977, and also completed an associate degree in legal secretarial at Husson College in 1979. After college I went in for my first replacement surgery, right hip. It seemed like I had, on average, one surgery a year thereafter, the last one was June of 2010.”

She has worked as a legal secretary and also operated her own insurance agency.

In 2003 Spencer-Laurie formed Team Downeasters and joined the Arthritis Walk in Bangor, going on to become co-chairman and chairman of the event. She also was asked to become an advocate and attend the arthritis summit in Washington. The Bangor Daily News did a front-page story about her in 2009.

“I am currently ‘retired’ and still working with the Arthritis Foundation as an advocate and chairman for the Bangor Walk,” Spencer-Laurie said. “I take any chance I get to talk about the foundation, the work they do, and the work the advocates need to do to keep our senators and congressman aware of the effects arthritis has and will have on Americans.”

Though she has pain on a daily basis, she said, “It is my hope that some day, through continued research, children will be able to get the medications they need to avoid the pain, deformities and limitations that I have gone through the past 49 years.”

Join the Bangor Arthritis Walk at the Sea Dog, walking individually or on a team for one mile or three miles to raise funds and awareness. After the walk, rheumatologist Dr. Geoffrey Gratwick will present a patient informational seminar.

To donate to Robin or register, visit www.bangoraw.kintera.org. For information contact Patti at 800-639-2113 or pmaccabe@arthritis.org.

11th Walk for Wishes

BANGOR — The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine will host its 11th annual “Walk for Wishes” at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 21, at Cascade Park on State Street, just beyond Eastern Maine Medical Center. Registration begins at 9 a.m.

The Make-A-Wish foundation grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. For more information, call 322-2306 or e-mail lgleeson@maine.wish.org.

Hemophilia fundraiser

EDDINGTON — The Hemophilia Alliance of Maine will hold its first fundraiser at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at Backdoor Dance Studio. The Hemophilia Alliance of Maine is new, and organizers said they were very pleased to have an organization dedicated only to Maine.

“Being the parent of a hemophiliac, I know how desperately the bleeding disorder community here needs support,” said one volunteer. “We have to drive to Boston for any social or educational support.”

For information, visit http://www.mainehemophilia.org

Tai Chi for Osteoporosis

BANGOR — Tai Chi is thought to help people with osteoporosis including strengthening bones, improving balance and increasing relaxation. A program about Tai Chi for osteoporosis will be offered by the Rev. Dr. Bruce M. Young of Bia Tai Chi at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 19, during the Caring Connections Bone Health Information & Discussion Group at the Bangor Y on Second Street.

Young has studied and read widely in the martial arts since 1988. He is a senior trainer and certified instructor for the Tai Chi for Health programs of Dr. Paul Lam. The talk is free and anyone wanting to learn more about this topic is welcome to attend. A calcium-rich snack and recipe will be provided.

Space is limited, so RSVP to Robin Long at 941-2808. Caring Connections is a cooperative program of the Bangor Y and Eastern Maine Medical Center, supported by the fundraising efforts of Healthcare Charities.

Celiac sprue support

BANGOR — The Celiac Sprue Support Group meets 7-8 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month at St. Francis Center, 294 Center St. For information, contact Ann Delaware at 827-2733.

Women’s Health Week

OLD TOWN — In celebration of National Women’s Health Week, Penobscot Community Health

Care reminds women age 21-65 to take time to schedule their annual pap, mammogram and wellness appointments.

PCHC will hold an informational booth 8 a.m.-noon Thursday, May 12, at Helen Hunt Health Center, 242 Brunswick St.

PCHC is also a Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program participating provider. The MBCHP provides free breast and pelvic exams, pap tests, and mammograms for women who meet certain guidelines. Visit http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/bohdcfh/bcp/ to learn more.

For information on PCHC offices and programs, call 992-9200.

Brain injury and stroke

BREWER — The Brain Injury and Stroke Support group meets 4:30-5:30 p.m. the third Monday of the month at Maine Center for Integrated Rehab, Twin City Plaza, Wilson Street. The group is open to the public and is sponsored by MCIR, Alpha One and Brewer Rehab & Living Center. Survivors and families are invited to join a supportive and educational environment to offer others encouragement and information and learn from the group and speakers. For more information, call 989-2034 or visit www.biin.org.

Ladies appreciation

BREWER – The Brewer Parks and Recreation  Department will host its eighth annual Ladies Appreciation Night 6-9 p.m. Thursday, May 19, at Brewer Auditorium. The event offers women an evening of health and beauty pampering of their choice.

Preregistration is required by May 13 with a $10 charge for residents, $15 for others. Forms are available weekdays at the rec department. For information, call 989-5199.