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Throughout April, Parkinson’s News Today is recognizing Parkinson’s Awareness Month with a variety of stories that represent different perspectives on life with Parkinson’s that we hope help to inspire and empower our readers. These stories highlight some of unique challenges of living with Parkinson’s, as well as stories of hope and inspiration and other topics that help to generate awareness among the Parkinson’s community. Follow along with the series here or visit us on Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #ParkinsonsSpotlight.

Hoping to bike my way into the Guinness World Records

Bruce at the North Trails in Marquette, Michigan, in 2016. Photos courtesy of Bruce Closser. This is Bruce Closser’s story: I’ve been an avid cyclist for years and riding my bike across the continent has been a bucket-list item for a long time; however, it never seemed compatible with…

Finding his community was key for patient living with Parkinson’s

Photos courtesy of Mark Milow This is Mark Milow’s story: With a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, there are a lot of things to consider. And that’s further complicated with a diagnosis of early-onset or young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) — having symptoms before age 50. When you’re in that…

How I’m making the most of my life with Parkinson’s disease

Charlotte Juarez after participating in a 5K as part of a recent Walt Disney World Marathon; she and others helped raise more than $100,000 for Parkinson’s research at the event. (Photos courtesy of Charlotte Juarez) This is Charlotte Juarez’s story: I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s two years ago,…

Loss of sense of smell in Parkinson’s isn’t so terrible for one patient

Photos courtesy of Christine Scheer. This is Christine Scheer’s story: After almost three years of masking, endless hand washing, keeping a safe distance from others, and getting all the vaccinations, including boosters, I tested positive for COVID-19. Why? Because I threw caution to the wind that fateful weekend…

Parkinson’s crept on ‘soft paws’ into young woman’s life

Ruth Geiser as a young woman, shown in a photograph taken around 1982.  (Photos courtesy of Ruth Geiser) This is Ruth Geiser’s story: It took some time until I became aware of it, sneaking in on soft paws. At the age of  24, I realized something had changed, putting…

In Parkinson’s care, it’s never too late for movement and exercise

Katie Nathan performs an exercise demonstration. (Photos courtesy of Katie Nathan) This is Katie Nathan’s story: Movement and exercise are vital for improving and maintaining our health, and this couldn’t be more important for people with Parkinson’s disease.  I’m a licensed physical therapist who specializes in Parkinson’s care.

Long path to Parkinson’s diagnosis leads woman to new outlook

Kim at a dinner celebrating her and her husband Tony’s wedding anniversary. (Photos courtesy of Kimberly Campeta) This is Kimberly Campeta’s story: Ironically, I think I’m happier since my Parkinson’s diagnosis, which I know sounds strange. I imagine it’s because I no longer take life’s blessings for granted.

News

April is the month to educate, raise awareness about Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s Awareness Month in April is a global opportunity to bring attention to the progressive neurodegenerative disease, as well as to educate communities about available resources, according to patients and advocates. Since 1997, World Parkinson’s Day has been celebrated on April 11. It commemorates the birth of James Parkinson, the…