[seveniweb]

Hi Ally,

Yes, please reach out to me. I would love to share my story with Parkinson’s. I am a mom of 6 and was diagnosed 4 years ago at the age of 51. I had noticed symptoms approximately 6-9 months prior, but at the time, I had no idea that I had PD. It all began with micrographia (tiny cramped handwriting). I’m very artistic, love to write and always had big loopy handwriting. When my handwriting became tiny and it physically hurt to write, I knew something was off, but I couldn’t figure out what. Months later I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Initially, it scared me and I was almost in disbelief, but pretty much from the beginning, I decided to embrace it, to adapt with it and to make the best of it. I wanted to approach my Parkinson’s with positivity and make peace with it. While there are challenges (especially with walking, stiff muscles and occasional tremors) and losses that I can see and feel as my Parkinson’s subtly progresses and meds are increased, I have grown exponentially in many other ways over the last few years. Right now, I feel inspired. I follow my heart & I tell people what they mean to me. I put forth my best effort and keep on going because there is so much more I have yet to accomplish. For now, PD and I are trying to be friends, to coexist. I am blessed with amazing gains, insight & inspiration every day and I am so grateful for every one! Since my diagnosis, I have started a blog, created graphic art designs and cut files that I sell on Etsy, and about a year and a half ago, I taught myself how to dot paint Mandalas, something I was afraid to try because of my Parkinson’s. I am so glad I had the courage to try, because this has become a very meditative & therapeutic art form for me and I have created a bunch of designs that I am especially proud of (see picture). I will keep embracing this life and trying to do my best for as long as I am able to. I believe in ways, that PD has helped me to face my fears and live in every moment.