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

“Parkinson’s will not define me.” That was my mantra when I received my diagnosis five years ago. Today, I write about Parkinson’s, participate in Parkinson’s research studies, and teach classes to help others fight Parkinson’s. So, maybe it does define me. I…

Have you ever left a follow-up appointment with the neurologist that felt unfinished? If you are having a bad day, it shows. But it may not be disease progression, it may just be a bad day. It is hard to convey a true representation of “how we are doing” in…

Getting started in the morning is one of the most challenging parts of my day. The last dose of medicine is completely gone, and my body feels like an abandoned car. The structure and engine are there, but nothing is running. My body needs a jump-start. For many of us,…

I try to be productive while in the waiting room and today is no exception. However, this time I am not in a neurology waiting room. This time, it’s rheumatology. Why rheumatology? This is my story. When I was diagnosed five years ago, one doctor told me two things that…

A few weeks ago, I impulsively purchased a book of “Joy Notes” at a restaurant gift shop. The purpose of the book is to tear out the notes and share them with someone who needs them. Here is one I am sharing with all of you: “God turns…

Driving. It’s an everyday activity we take for granted, and one more piece of our independence that Parkinson’s disease may eventually take from us. Driving is a complex task that becomes increasingly difficult as Parkinson’s progresses. However, many people with young onset Parkinson’s hope to continue driving for years…

In a classroom far, far, away, in a virtual world called Zoom, there was a teacher named Lori. She and her class of Parkinson’s disease warriors were about to embark on a journey they never could have imagined. The virtual world of Zoom Like the…

I received my Parkinson’s diagnosis five years ago. I fully intended to attack it head-on, starting with exercise. Parkinson’s is not for wimps. Dancing was an important part of my plan but I needed more. The first step of my plan was to find a personal trainer. I…

The feeling of guilt calls to mind the image of a patchwork quilt. Unlike a blanket which is one piece and often uniform in both color and pattern, the quilt is a blend of patches. The patches are all different, each varying in size and color. Some are larger while…

How will we describe the “Virus of 2020” to future generations? Should we refer to it as the virus that boosted online platforms? An online platform allows people to use the internet and other networked sites like social media to exchange information. Yes, the internet and social media platforms can…