Two Important Life Lessons I Learned From Parkinson’s Disease
When my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013, I didn’t expect the disease to transform my worldview. But it did. Learning about the disease instilled a sense of fear…
Shaking Things Up
— Mary Beth Skylis
Mary Beth Skylis (she/her) lives in Colorado, where she works as a full-time freelance writer. As a columnist for Backpacker Magazine and Women’s Health, she spends most of her time learning about the latest developments in the outdoor and health industries. When her dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013, she began conducting research and looking for ways to share her journey. Joining Bionews was the result. Now she works as a forum moderator and continues to share monthly musings about life with Parkinson’s disease.
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The importance of holding on to hope
A few months ago, my mom called me up and asked if I’d be willing to take her and my dad to a holy site in France after my sister’s wedding. Every year, about…
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Busting Some of the Most Common Myths About Parkinson’s Disease
I once attended a neurology appointment with my dad, who has Parkinson’s disease. His doctor asked him what dosage of levodopa he’d been taking, and after he responded, she scolded him for…
My Dad’s Response to the Suggestion of Adaptive Clothing Surprised Me
I recently discovered that there’s an entire retail market for adaptive clothing, which can help those who struggle to dress themselves in traditional clothing. Some brands make polo shirts or pants that appear standard,…
Speaking to a Therapist Regularly Can Offer Many Benefits
For most of my life, those around me have perceived therapy as taboo. I was taught that if you’re in therapy, something must be wrong with you. From that perspective, it’s a…
Assessing Dad’s Driving Ability as His Parkinson’s Progresses
Few things enable personal freedom as much as a car. When you live in the great automotive state of Michigan, just a short one-hour drive from the headquarters of companies like Ford and General…
Reflecting on Several Years of Writing About Parkinson’s Disease
I published my first column with Parkinson’s News Today in April 2019, confiding in readers about my dad’s struggle with Parkinson’s disease. Since then, I’ve written more than 60 columns, telling stories…
Parkinson’s Has Made My Dad Even More of an Empathetic Listener
“It looks like I’m getting surgery next month,” I texted my dad one morning. I’ve been dealing with a mystery pain in my foot for nearly a year. Every time I run or rock…
Finding a Way to Let Dad Know He Isn’t a Burden
I don’t think feeling like a burden is that uncommon when we’re struggling. I’ve felt this way before. Even though I needed help, I didn’t want anyone to have to adjust their lives to…
Parkinson’s Management Is an Everyday Battle for My Dad
The Parkinson’s diagnosis came as a shock, even for me — and I wasn’t the one receiving it. My dad received the news of his diagnosis nearly 10 years ago. Like most of…
No Change Is a Welcome Change for My Dad, Who Has Parkinson’s
Family gatherings at home are often supercharged with emotion, tension, and anxiety, but I’m grateful for the time spent together. Attending these get-togethers gives us an opportunity to remember what’s most important and deepen…
How to Stay Engaged After Parkinson’s Awareness Month
Every year in April, Parkinson’s Awareness Month comes and goes, and I find myself wondering if anything has changed. Did the temporary boost of attention spark change in the medical community? Did fundraising…
Promoting Parkinson’s Awareness Brings Us Closer to a Cure
My experience with Parkinson’s disease was limited until my dad was diagnosed with it in 2013. A man in our church had it, and I used to notice his unsteady hand. Eventually, he stopped…
Finding Support and Understanding Within the Parkinson’s Community
When my dad, Jim, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013, he fought the idea of pursuing Parkinson’s-specific exercise classes and seeking out others in the Parkinson’s community. Nobody wants to admit they’re…
Our Capabilities Define Us, Not Our Limitations
Over the years, I’ve found myself attracted to writing stories about the underdog. I love learning about people who come up against seemingly insurmountable odds, only to overcome them through sheer grit, ingenuity, and…
A New Parkinson’s Exercise Class Opens Near My Dad
“Mary Beth, I’ll be starting a new Parkinson’s exercise class this week,” my dad told me early one morning. Before COVID-19 hit, Dad was religiously taking Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) classes at…
Worrying About My Parents Now That They’re Empty Nesters
My little sister recently packed her bags and drove to Oregon, making my parents first-time empty nesters at their home in Michigan. The last of the flock has flown the coop, eager to explore…
