BioNews Staff, writers and editors —

Photo courtesy of Diane Skylis   Day 12 of 30 This is Diane Skylis’ story: Early on, I heard it said that Parkinson’s is an “expensive” disease. Frequent doctor bills are costly, so I thought any disease would be expensive. Why did that statement strike…

Photo courtesy of Dave Steiner Day 11 of 30 This is Dave Steiner’s story: I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in July 2016. I found Rock Steady Boxing York by accident. New to the area, a neighbor recommended Unique Physique, a small, family-owned fitness…

Photo courtesy of Mary Beth Skylis Day 10 of 30 This is Mary Beth Skylis’ story: I was graduating from college when my dad got the diagnosis. He had Parkinson’s. The idea seemed foreign and impossible. This was the man who picked me up when…

Photo courtesy of Kathy Rupnow Day 9 of 30 This is Kathy Rupnow’s story: Seven years ago, my son was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease at the age of 38. When faced with that kind of news, what do you do? For me, the answer…

Photo courtesy of Tamara Sutherland Day 8 of 30 This is Tamara Sutherland’s story: Our Parkinson’s story begins three and a half years after my husband, Marcus, and I were married, when he was 52. We thought his fatigue and mild clumsiness were due to…

Photo courtesy of Dr. C. Day 7 of 30 Dr. C is a research theoretician, brain rehabilitation clinician, and college professor. This is his story: Managing Parkinson’s disease symptoms is a full-time job. Every day is an exercise in mindfulness, positive thinking, and using as…

“It must be borne in mind that most Parkinsonian patients remain mentally alert even as their physical condition becomes severely impaired. At the same time, they are normally extraordinarily self-conscious about their infirmities. … Tremors, speech impediment, walking difficulties, all make one not only impatient with oneself, but also often…

Photo courtesy of Marcia Drost Day 6 of 30 This is Marcia Drost’s story: My name is Marcia Drost, and I have Parkinson’s. I am a wife, mother, grandmother, and educator. Once while teaching a summer school class, I introduced the syllabus, and then the…

Photo courtesy of Joseph P. O’Connor Day 5 of 30 This is Joseph P. O’Connor’s story: After I was diagnosed in late 2016, I realized I had to find something that would give my life a purpose. I found that through clinical trials. I could…

Photo courtesy of Lori DePorter Day 4 of 30 This is Lori DePorter’s story: For the past six years, I’ve been a guest at a party that I never imagined attending — “The Parkie Party.” However, my invitation arrived and the RSVP did not give…