30 Days of PAR

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…

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…

Photos courtesy of Ken Salter Day 3 of 30 This is Ken Salter’s story: It has been more than 12 years since, at the age of 46, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. I have found exercise to be the best medicine. A…

Courtesy of Jean Mellano Day 2 of 30 Jean Mellano is the author of “Slipped Away.” This is her story: In May 2020, I wrote an article about my pet bunny, Budgie, and how he has helped me emotionally…

Photo courtesy of Diane Tunis Day 1 of 30 This is Diane Tunis’ story: I am 70 years old, a retired teacher, and have been married since 1975. I have two grown children and three granddaughters. I’m very fortunate to have my best friend and only sister Janice…