Personal Stories of Patients
A Blessed Life
No one I know wants to have Parkinson’s, including me. But sooner or later, life will put real challenges in front of all of us. When I think about the nine years since my diagnosis, I find that they’ve been some of the best of my life. Because of PD, I’ve been willing to open doors to a different kind of reality — not just walk by them.
While I always worked hard before Parkinson’s, most things came easily to me. With PD, “easily” is not an option. That humbled me and made me think. I came to the conclusion that Parkinson’s is not the end, but the beginning: of testing my own mettle, of recognizing that there are many things far crueler than PD in this world, of realizing that I didn’t have time to feel sorry for myself.
I reached out to help where I could; I’m in the trenches helping other PWPs get information or obtain a walker or join a support group in the Rocky Mountain region. So many people I never would have met otherwise have become friends. I’m truly inspired by the twinkle in their eyes, their capacity to see humor in both good and bad times, their resolve to keep living life to the fullest. And I have the stability and comfort and love of a wonderful family and a partner who could have walked out but elected to stay.
Parkinson’s is a battle. But it’s a battle that energizes me and gives me new purpose. Don’t get me wrong: I have my fair share of not-so-good days. I’ve had setbacks to rebound from. But I’ve also gained insights that I hope made me a better man. My life is blessed.
+Read/Write comment
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1.
Thursday, 05 May 2011 20:07
posted by
Lindsay
Hi Cecilia, we'd love to help you. PAR has lots of programs to help strengthen you and support you. On our patients page we have a list of support groups and exercise classes that could be helpful! Contact us to see how we can better serve you. (303) 830-1839
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2.
Wednesday, 13 April 2011 05:23
posted by
Cecilia
I also have been diagnosed with Parkinson's for 9years. I just moved to Denver area. Iam only 41years old and hear i have such a rare form of Parkinson's Disease. I know I showed signs before that. I was givin so many tests. I been checked flor cancer, Lupus,MS,and every other disease. One person who worked at the VA hospital said i showed signs but was puzzled about my age. She was right. That was 9years ago. I really dont know much about my disease. I moved to tnis area to find out more and get better treatment. I have exsperienced alot of prejudicism here though. I dont look sick and i look young. I try to do everything for myself. IKt took me a minute to grasp that I had this illness. With counceling iam more indapendent. Some people ignore the fact that im sick when i dont have an advocate speaking for me. Ihave children in the Military. It is so hard to believe thier is discrimination against the disabled with Parkinson's Disease. I dont like to go anywhere becauseI feel i constantly have to exsplain why im limited at times (lately its been rough). Maybe someone can help me with my delemas
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Summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro
PAR Saved My Life
Life with PD
Yoga and Parkinson's
Paul Zeiger practices yoga with PD
