My husband and I finally found a TV character with Parkinson’s
Do you have a long list of binge-worthy shows typed into the notes application on your phone? If you’re like me, you do. Whenever a friend mentions a show they’ve enjoyed, I add it…
The Bright Side — Jamie Askari
Jamie E. Askari is from Cleveland, Ohio, and serves as the managing director of Premier Health Advocates, LLC, a small medical advocacy organization. Her husband Arman was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease in 2009, at age 38. Jamie and Arman have three grown children: Lexy, who is an attorney; Mandy, who is a dietitian; and Jake, who is an undergraduate student studying finance. She has named her column “The Bright Side” (actually, her husband named it!) because of their positive attitude regarding Parkinson’s and all other things in their life.
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How the meaning of Cat Stevens’ ‘Moonshadow’ evolved for me
“Yes, I’m bein’ followed by a moonshadow/ Moonshadow, moonshadow/ Leapin’ and hoppin’ on a moonshadow/ Moonshadow, moonshadow.” — Cat Stevens If I had to choose only one musician to listen to for the rest…
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Nothing beats the love of dogs, especially with Parkinson’s
Growing up, we always had a dog in our family. My mom was particularly fond of schnauzer breeds, so I always had a gray-haired, old-man-looking dog to walk, feed, and keep me company. One…
Shared experiences bring us joy in life with Parkinson’s disease
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of having my entire family around me. But now that my three children are grown and living on their own, having everyone together is rare for my husband,…
This year, I’m rethinking what it means to have a fresh start
Happy 2025 to all! Wishing all of you a happy and healthy year ahead. The time has come for the oft-dreaded New Year’s resolutions. The idea is to reflect on the past year and…
How others (and I) can best respond to a difficult diagnosis
For over 15 years now, I’ve been on the receiving end of all sorts of reactions when it comes to my husband and his early-onset Parkinson’s disease. Strangers are typically caught by surprise…
Let’s celebrate the family caregivers in our lives
It’s been such a warm fall season here in Ohio that it’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. Not only do we celebrate Thanksgiving in November, but it’s also National Family Caregivers…
It takes a village to support Parkinson’s patients and caregivers
I’m a proud great-auntie to three amazing little ones. My youngest great-nephew was born last summer, just a day after my mom’s birthday. He’s the first child of the next generation of our family…
Playing games can have many benefits for people with Parkinson’s
“I accuse Colonel Mustard in the conservatory with a revolver.” Wait, does anyone have a conservatory in their home, and if so, what is it? Is colonel pronounced “col-o-nel” or with the letter “r”?…
Preparing for emergencies with a husband who has Parkinson’s
I’m the ultimate planner — just ask my family. Knowing the next life steps for my husband, my children, and myself offers me a sense of peace and calm. Because of that, I’m constantly…
Early-onset Parkinson’s taught our family to embrace being different
Recently, for a column I was writing, I was looking for a good definition of Parkinson’s disease. I’m always amazed that much of the information out there about Parkinson’s disease doesn’t apply to…
Lessons from a mama bird about giving care to loved ones
I’ve always heard that mourning doves symbolize peace, hope, renewal, and love. While I’m unsure if this old wives’ tale is accurate, I can be sure that the nest of mourning doves on my…
