Mary Beth is a freelance writer specializing in personal narratives. Her work focuses on the outdoors and the transformative powers of nature. When her dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2013, her search to understand the disease materialized through language. She now writes to help others understand the disease and how to be a compassionate caregiver.Several years ago, my dad decided he was ready for deep brain stimulation (DBS), a procedure that would implant electrodes into his brain to target common Parkinson’s symptoms like tremors and dyskinesia (involuntary, erratic, writhing movements). I’ve written about the massive impact that the procedure has…
Every year, the holidays sneak up on me, and I’m left scrambling for the perfect Christmas gifts. My dad, who has Parkinson’s disease, is particularly tough to shop for, so I’ve taken to looking for Parkinson’s-friendly gifts over the past few years. One year, I set up a…
When my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013, I didn’t expect the disease to transform my worldview. But it did. Learning about the disease instilled a sense of fear and sadness in me. At first, I saw only the horror that Parkinson’s creates. How could a…
I once attended a neurology appointment with my dad, who has Parkinson’s disease. His doctor asked him what dosage of levodopa he’d been taking, and after he responded, she scolded him for not following her directions. I soon discovered that Dad had been taking less levodopa than he’d…
I recently discovered that there’s an entire retail market for adaptive clothing, which can help those who struggle to dress themselves in traditional clothing. Some brands make polo shirts or pants that appear standard, but upon further examination, actually have features such as Velcro and magnets. Other brands offer slip-on…
For most of my life, those around me have perceived therapy as taboo. I was taught that if you’re in therapy, something must be wrong with you. From that perspective, it’s a resource people seek only if they’ve experienced a big trauma, or perhaps behavioral problems. This…
Few things enable personal freedom as much as a car. When you live in the great automotive state of Michigan, just a short one-hour drive from the headquarters of companies like Ford and General Motors, this reality seems even starker. People use vehicles to go to the grocery store, church,…
I published my first column with Parkinson’s News Today in April 2019, confiding in readers about my dad’s struggle with Parkinson’s disease. Since then, I’ve written more than 60 columns, telling stories and sharing information I’ve learned. I’m rather proud to have looked Parkinson’s in the eyes so…
“It looks like I’m getting surgery next month,” I texted my dad one morning. I’ve been dealing with a mystery pain in my foot for nearly a year. Every time I run or rock climb, I end up with a burning sensation in my toe. A recent MRI revealed…
I don’t think feeling like a burden is that uncommon when we’re struggling. I’ve felt this way before. Even though I needed help, I didn’t want anyone to have to adjust their lives to help me. Asking for help makes me feel like I’m taxing to those I love. And…
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