Ally

Challenging experiences in life can be very isolating, and while I’m sure none of us would wish PD on anyone, sometimes it can help to have a friend or family who is on the same journey. Does anyone else in your family have PD? Were they diagnosed before or after you? Have you found it helpful to have someone to relate to?

Medication can be confusing, especially when you’re taking multiple kinds for multiple reasons. Do you feel like you understand all of the medications you’re taking and why? Does your doctor make time for questions about medications during your appointments? Have you found any helpful resources (like websites, books, etc.) that could help others…[Read more]

I’m a millennial, so it’s really on brand for me to love the Internet. It’s been fun to meet and interact with people all over the world through the magic of the Internet, including all the awesome folks I’ve met in this forum. Recently I started a degree program that is offered completely online, which is a totally new way of learning for me. I’m…[Read more]

It occurred to me this week that the year 2020 is only 6 months away! I can hardly believe it. I’m going to set aside some time this weekend to reflect on the last 6 months and the 6 months yet to come. I have moved forward on some goals but I still have a long way to go on others. I need to sit down and make a plan to make the most of the next…[Read more]

In an interview with CNN in 2010, Michael J. Fox had this to say about Parkinson’s disease:

“I refer to having Parkinson’s as a gift. People are dubious about this, but it’s a gift that keeps taking, because it’s really opened me up to more compassion.”

What do you think? Do you agree? You can read other motivational quotes from Michael here.

What was your earliest symptom of Parkinson’s disease? Did you talk to your doctor about it right away, or did you wait awhile? Did you immediately suspect it was PD or was hearing your diagnosis a surprise to you?

I’ve been a bit quiet this week and that’s because I’ve been travelling in the Caribbean, specifically Trinidad. I had a wonderful time there but it was VERY hot and humid so I spent a lot of time indoors. Will you be travelling at all this summer? Where to? How has PD changed your outlook on/approach to travelling? Did you travel a lot before…[Read more]

I am on my way to downtown Toronto right now for the Raptors parade — yes, we won! I had to wait for over an hour for a train that wasn’t stuffed to the gills with people and I was amazed by the number of parents travelling with young children and strollers. It made me wonder if anyone on board or waiting had accessibility needs, and if the…[Read more]

HelpGuide.org lists four ways volunteering can improve your life:

1. Volunteering connects you to others
2. Volunteering is good for your mind and body
3. Volunteering can advance your career
4. Volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life

Do you volunteer? If you do, do you volunteer for causes related to PD or for other causes? If you…[Read more]

Are there any other NBA fans in this forum?! This NBA Finals is really exciting for all of us in Canada – the Toronto Raptors are up against the Golden State Warriors to win the Championship! We’ve had a team in Toronto (Canada’s only NBA team) for 24 years but this is totally our year. Tonight is game 6 against the Warriors in Oakland. We’re all…[Read more]