Life, Lemons, and Lemonade – a Column by Lori DePorter

Parkinson’s disease involves a series of wait-and-see scenarios. Which part is worse: the waiting or the seeing? If you’d asked me that question before my Parkinson’s diagnosis, the clear answer would’ve been seeing. For me, ignorance was bliss. Fast forward a decade, and my answer has changed. I’ve…

Little things can sometimes make a big impact when life happens and fate changes our plans. Everything is constantly changing — including my looks. During a recent conversation about permanent makeup, I announced, “I miss eyeliner and mascara.” Seeing the perplexed look on the faces of those around…

Becoming a grandparent while I have young-onset Parkinson’s disease is a milestone, and life with Parkinson’s is all about celebrating one day, one goal, and one milestone at a time. Diagnosed at 45, I prayed to God to help me be a good mom and, eventually, a fun…

When Barbara Salsberg Mathews moved, the world moved with her. Barbara is an artist, mother, and Parkinson’s disease (PD) patient and advocate on a journey she calls “A Shaky Start.” She uses dance and her experience as a professional mime to manage her symptoms. Barbara unexpectedly…

Ten years is a long time to fill a self-care toolbox, but mine will never be complete, and the same tool will never be at the top. I have favorites, however, and one is my regular therapy session. Whether it’s in person or through telemedicine, I’ve come to depend…

Last week, I met with congressional staff to share my Parkinson’s story and gain support for the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act. As an advocate, I often teach, write, and facilitate support groups, but this was my first experience with public policy. According to the Michael J.

According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, rare diseases affect over 300 million people globally. That seems huge, but it encompasses over 7,000 different rare disease communities. In the U.S., a rare disease is defined as one that…

Welcome to year 10 of my life with Parkinson’s disease. The cure I’d expected hasn’t been found yet, so my journey continues. While there are times of contentment and sadness, there is also joy and laughter as I find humor in the irony of growing older as someone with…

The definition of “caregiver” is different for everyone, depending on where they are in their lives. My husband, Mike, and I never defined him as a caregiver because I wasn’t struggling physically, despite my Parkinson’s disease. Struggling emotionally is a different story, and he’s been my rock and…

Now that we are in the first week of January, how’s your New Year’s resolution going so far? Many of us with young-onset Parkinson’s disease have already spent years caring for our families at the time we’re diagnosed. Then we must also do our best…