The first thought that ran through my mind when I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease was, isn’t that an old person’s disease where folks walk hunched over? Living with Parkinson’s disease is a full-time job. From researching the disease to become even a little knowledgeable, to participating in as much exercise for as long as I can as it is the one proven way I can help myself, to doctor visits: MDS Neurologist, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, GI doctors to name just a few.

Having Parkinson’s disease is not something you forget – each and every day since I was diagnosed 8 years ago it has come up in one way or another. For inexplicable reasons that the medical field maintains is not Parkinson’s disease related, I have had 2 complete rotator cuff tears, 1 partial rotator cuff tear and an off the bone meniscus tear in my knee – all of which required surgery and months of rehabilitation. There are many times I think, “now what? just one more thing” in my litany of setbacks. I am frustrated that after 100 years as an identified disease, currently, there is no cure.

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and you can make a difference. Share my story with anyone/everyone. Join or donate to our team For Goodness Shake (direct link: http://www3.parkinson.org/goto/goodnessshake2025). Organizations like this and many others have walked alongside people impacted by the disease providing reliable resources, empowering education, understanding and a compassionate community.

In closing, my greatest blessing from living with Parkinson’s disease is all the amazing people I have met. To the 60+ people in the local Support Group I facilitate, to meeting Ninja Warrior winner, Jimmy Choi, to talking to local high school science classes about “real life” with the disease, joining a Rock Steady Boxing class and meeting progressed People with Parkinson’s who go through amazing lengths to come to meetings or symposiums and choose JOY every day.