Embrace the Shake
— Samantha Felder

As a 31-year-old, I spend a lot of time on my phone, whether that means talking to my friends, researching something for work, or playing a mindless game. I think about the difference I could make by spending more time improving my mind and working on my health instead of…

Last in a series. Read part one. I am so honored to have my dad, Craig Barbian, join me again today to continue our discussion from last week about my journey with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Excerpts follow. SF: What is the biggest challenge of having a child with a…

First in a two-part series. With Father’s Day coming up this weekend, I decided to get my father’s thoughts on Parkinson’s disease. I would like to introduce my best friend, biggest cheerleader, and voice of reason: my dad, Craig Barbian. Technically retired and in his 60s, he works part time…

Dear new Parkinson’s patient (aka Parkie), Welcome to your new lifelong community. It’s sort of like you are marrying the disease. “Do you, new Parkinson’s patient, take this disease to be your (maybe not one and only) condition?” “Sadly, I do, until death do us part.” When you’re newly…

“O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” I’m sure many of you recognize that quote from Shakespeare. If you don’t, no big deal, just blame it on the Parkinson’s. But how in the world does theatrical performance have anything to do with Parkinson’s? How will Shakespeare help me in my…

Q: “What instructions do they not need to put on Parkinson’s medications?” A: “Shake well before use.” Q: “How do you greet a person with Parkinson’s?” A: “What’s shakin’?” Corny, I know, but you probably cracked at least a small…

“Parkinson’s? What is that? I can’t get that, I’m too young.” When I was growing up, my parents often told me I was born in the wrong decade. I had more hair than my petite frame could handle, and it often turned into a complete frizz ball. Like my friends,…