Receiving a Parkinson’s diagnosis immediately prompts a cascade of questions encompassing all aspects of life, including career choices. This can be especially challenging with young-onset Parkinson’s disease. What will I look like? Will I be able to care for myself and my family? Should I keep my…
Life, Lemons, and Lemonade
— Lori DePorter
Lori DePorter lives is Pennsylvania with her husband, Mike. She has three grown sons and a granddaughter. Diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease at 45, Lori became an advocate for Parkinson’s and others with disabilities through health and wellness, writing, public policy, and community outreach. She is a certified personal trainer, a Rock Steady Boxing coach, a PMD Alliance Global Ambassador, and a support group educator. “Life, Lemons, & Lemonade” shares her story and Lori hopes it will empower others to see that life with Parkinson’s is different, but it can still be good.
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There’s a time and a season for everything, as the familiar passage notes, but I didn’t appreciate that sentiment until now. Growing up in Pennsylvania allowed me to experience the changing seasons in all of their glory. Winter brought snow, spring brought new life with flowers, summer was for swimming,…
When I was newly diagnosed, one of my physicians asked me, “What brings you peace?” I don’t remember my answer, but I do remember that he told me to find something. Recently, while sitting outside on a beautiful day, I realized that finding peace is not as complicated as I’d…
Using a healthy diet and hydration as tools to manage Parkinson’s symptoms seems like a simple concept. Drink water and eat a balanced diet. Yes, it sounds easy … but you’ll find it’s challenging once you give it a try! However, if you start…
When the Michael J. Fox Foundation and DNA-testing company 23andMe collaborated to gather genetic data for Parkinson’s research, I quickly signed up. Using 23andMe’s service would allow me to both learn about my ancestry and contribute to important research. It was a win for everyone. But I…
“Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.” – Michael J. Fox “Love the people that have been given to you. … Love your family.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz There you have it. One quote from a celebrity and one from a Catholic priest. Both are short…
In a virtual classroom far, far away, the Zooming continues. As a Rock Steady Boxing coach, I conducted class via Zoom for the first time more than a year ago. Since then, our class has spent…
Who knew a year ago that our accessories would include face masks? We wear them to protect one another. For some of us with Parkinson’s disease, this mask protects us, but it hides another — the Parkinson’s mask. This mask is not an accessory. It’s a symptom that makes…
I initially started this column by writing about my menopause journey and trying to add some levity to it. This was after my friends jokingly “welcomed me to the party.” However, as I continued writing and researching, I realized there may be more to the menopause story when it comes…
Was there a moment that made you realize that you have a life beyond your Parkinson’s diagnosis? Let’s call it an “aha” moment. Maybe you have more than one. I actually have had quite a few, but two have had a profound influence on how…
A parent’s diagnosis of young-onset Parkinson’s disease can affect children at at any age, particularly because the diagnosis has a profound impact on the parent. Many of these kids seem to grow up faster than their peers. Some are young enough when a parent is diagnosed that they will…
“Snowflakes. One of nature’s most fragile things, but just look at what they do when they stick together.” – Unknown As I look out my window, it is snowing. Watching the snow fall reminds me of a blog post I wrote…
Recently, my husband, Mike, commented on my ability to recall song lyrics. When we are in the car, I start singing along to any song that comes on the radio. Granted, most of the time it is classic rock, but I also cross into other genres. I have never received…
This New Year’s Eve was, well, different. Our tuxedo, gown, and sparkly shoes were replaced by shorts, T-shirts, comfy pajamas, and slippers. My husband, Mike, and I didn’t have a plan, but ultimately, we spent New Year’s Eve creating our own date night. We cooked dinner, made a fire, played…
While many holiday traditions were on hold at the end of last year, one tradition remained in our house: the annual Santa Letter. It started over 20 years ago, when our boys were young. Every year, they would find a letter carefully hidden in the Christmas tree, and then…
I never realized the benefits of music until I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Early in my diagnosis, I met Alexander Pantelyat, MD, co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Music and Medicine, who introduced me to both music and dance. Together with boxing and other exercises,…
Growing up, I had always wanted to be a teacher. However, when applying to colleges, I was encouraged to try engineering. My dad had always wanted one of his kids to be an engineer. I was the youngest and his last chance. So, I decided…
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