BioNews Staff, writers and editors —

Michael Morale (left) and Nick Morale (right). Photo courtesy of Michael Morale Day 26 of 30 This is Michael Morale’s story: On Oct. 10, 2015, my father, Nick Morale, drew his last breath, but his battle with Parkinson’s disease started long before his passing. Not long after my mother’s…

Photo courtesy of Nikki Louiselle Day 25 of 30 This is Nikki Louiselle’s story: Nearly 4½ years ago, on Nov. 7, 2017, I heard words I was completely unprepared for… words that weren’t on my radar. “You have Parkinson’s disease.” As with almost any medical diagnosis, age, it…

Victoria Madrigal (left) with a young Jessie M.F. Photo courtesy of Jessie M.F. Day 24 of 30 This is Jessie M.F.’s story: I have 10 aunts, four on the British side of my family, six on the Spanish side. Among my Spanish aunts, one of them is particularly special.

Photo courtesy of Lynne Sweilem Day 23 of 30 This is Lynne Sweilem’s story: The path my life has taken was a surprise even to me. I was born with a perpetually positive outlook and resiliency. This led me to want a purpose-driven life helping others. As I grew…

Photo courtesy of John Alexander Day 22 of 30 This is John Alexander’s story: Twelve years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.  Early on, I heard about the importance of exercise in controlling disease progression. Exercise was considered as important as taking…

Photo courtesy of Cathy Chiaramonte Day 21 of 30 This is Cathy Chiaramonte’s story: My journey with Parkinson’s began one spring day 10 years ago when I (then 53 years old) was at the blackboard teaching my seventh grade science students. As I raised my right hand to the…

Photo courtesy of Mike O’Connor Day 20 of 30 This is Mike O’Connor’s story: After retiring some years ago, my wife and I became “Bucket List Adventurers,” dedicating our time to travelling the world to experience and photograph places and cultures which were largely outside the normal tourist destinations.

Photo courtesy of Melissa Livingston Day 19 of 30 This is Melissa Livingston’s story: I was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) at 45. It took four years and four doctors before I heard the words: “You have Parkinson’s.” Probably one of the most devastating statements ever…

Photo courtesy of Patrick Pelkey Day 18 of 30 This is Patrick Pelkey’s story: My name is Patrick Pelkey. I’m 68 years old and a lifelong resident of New London, Wisconsin. I was diagnosed over 19 years ago with Parkinson’s disease and first heard about woodcarving while I was…

Photo courtesy of Darlene Barbian Day 17 of 30 This is Darlene Barbian’s story: What is it like to have a child with Parkinson’s disease? When I try to answer this question, many emotions go through my mind. Just trying to find the right words to describe how I…