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…
Chris Kustanbauter, left, is shown with his wife, Mary, and their dogs, Hazel and Duke. (Courtesy of Chris Kustanbauter) Day 16 of 30 This is Chris Kustanbauter’s story: Flashback 12 years, I’m sitting in my neurologist’s office and I hear, “Chris, you have Parkinson’s disease.” My…
Photo courtesy of Steven Oppen Day 15 of 30 This is Steven Oppen’s story: I was diagnosed in 2013, having just received the news in 2011 that my wife had pancreatic cancer. A double whammy. My love of 48 years lost her battle in 2017. I’m experiencing severely…
Photo courtesy of Corrie Trattner Day 14 of 30 This is Henry Hasenbush and Corrie Trattner’s story: It’s difficult to write about my husband’s Parkinson’s disease without acknowledging the heartbreaking, rocky road we traveled. He was initially diagnosed in 2015, and it was confirmed the next year. We…
Photo courtesy of Tommy Stringer Day 13 of 30 This is Tommy Stringer’s story: Having recently resigned from my elected position in the South Carolina House of Representatives after 13 years, may it be said that the only thing progressive about me is Parkinson’s disease. Pardon my political humor,…
Photo courtesy of Debbie Lucchesi Day 12 of 30 This is Debbie Lucchesi’s story: I have been active my whole life, from learning from my dad how to ski by standing on the front of his skis to being a runner in the Chicago Marathon. Originally, my profession was…
Photo courtesy of Christine Scheer Day 11 of 30 This is Christine Scheer’s story: On my 60th birthday, I received a life-changing phone call: My surgery for deep brain stimulation was scheduled for the following month! I was so happy and terrified that I cried…
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