We’re Here, Until Parkinson’s Isn’t

“You can help me or hinder me but you won’t stop me.”

I read that quote somewhere this past week. You’ll have to forgive me, or should I say you’ll have to forgive my faulty Parkinson’s memory. It is the culprit that causes me to forget the things I sometimes would like to remember.

Forgetfulness aside, when I read that quote, it made me think about how we can misunderstand each other when we are trying to live with this disease. We can misunderstand each other, both as the patient and the caregiver, because we don’t understand the disease.

And that is why there is an entire month on the calendar — the month of April — devoted to making others aware by educating and familiarizing those who don’t know much about this disease.

We can make others aware by providing correct, credible information for those who seek it. This information — what Parkinson’s is, how it is treated, and what research is available — can be found on the internet. However, make sure the information about Parkinson’s comes from a reputable site such as The Michael J. Fox Foundation or the Parkinson’s Foundation.

There are hundreds of other places besides these two that offer great information about this disease and how to live your best with it. These are merely a couple.

One of my favorite Parkinson’s books, “Perseverance: The Seven Skills You Need to Survive, Thrive, and Accomplish More Than You Ever Imagined,” is written by Tim Hague, a person with Parkinson’s. There is much to glean for those wanting to make the most of their life with Parkinson’s, or for those who wish to help a person living with this disease. 

Books on the different aspects of Parkinson’s are good for bringing awareness to the Parkinson’s community in many ways. Books are easy to loan or give away, and they can bring understanding to topics a person may find it hard to discuss. Books can teach and educate. They can aid in helping others understand this disease when we just don’t know how to do it alone.

Thinking about the quote I began this column with, others can help us by being aware of what this disease is and what it does or can do. Others can hinder us by refusing to educate themselves. However, we are armed with the experience and knowledge that we’ve gained. And if you are like me, you won’t let this disease stop you.

Like Michael J. Fox once said regarding advocacy: “Here. Until Parkinson’s isn’t.”

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Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.