Parkinson’s can’t stop us from making treasured memories
My most treasured moments come from just a handful of days in my life. The first was the sunny, beautiful day in July 1995 when I married my husband, Arman. Then there are the…
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.
Featured Post
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…
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Exploring some helpful Parkinson’s resources available online
Besides my husband, Arman, we don’t have any friends or family members with Parkinson’s disease. However, we do have a relative, Rose Brown, who’s a social worker working solely with Parkinson’s patients.
My husband’s Parkinson’s diagnosis prompts ever-evolving feelings
If you’re reading this column, there’s a good chance you have some connection to Parkinson’s disease. I say this because I don’t often receive comments from readers who aren’t touched by Parkinson’s in…
Promoting understanding during Parkinson’s Awareness Month
If someone says the words “Parkinson’s disease,” what’s the first thought that comes to your mind? How do you visualize this disease? I can’t help but think about how I used to visualize…
When traveling with Parkinson’s disease, pack less and laugh more
Traveling can be so stressful that it often feels like we need a vacation after the vacation. For my husband, Arman, who has early-onset Parkinson’s disease, and me, all of the relaxation…
My husband’s guide to living with Parkinson’s: Humor and support
Whenever anyone asks my husband, Arman, how he is doing, his standard reply has become, “Living the dream.” He usually gets a good laugh from this response, and they quickly move on to other…
The treacherous terrain of health and prescription drug insurance
I love doing one kind act for a stranger each day. I have done this for as long as I can remember. It was quite a challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic, though, since…
I finally try a caregiver support group, and — surprise! — it helps
I never thought I’d be interested in a support group for Parkinson’s caregivers. When my husband, Arman, was diagnosed, we were both in our late 30s, and I certainly didn’t think I…
Reframing our thoughts can be a useful tool in navigating Parkinson’s
I was in line behind a young mother at the grocery store last week. She was probably in her early 40s and had three beautiful children in tow. The line moved slowly, so I…
As caregivers, we must remember the importance of independence
One of my most vivid parenting memories involves my oldest daughter, Alexa, who’s now 27. We lived in Boston then, and I had enrolled her in a preschool program for 3-year-olds. She would…
Worry goes hand in hand with life as a Parkinson’s caregiver
There’s a small white church near the entrance to my old neighborhood. I used to drive by it daily. Outside the church was a large sign where meaningful quotes were posted. Over the 20…
How opening up about living with Parkinson’s has been beneficial
Until recently, my husband, Arman, and I have been very private about his Parkinson’s diagnosis and our life dealing with the disease. He was diagnosed in 2009 with early-onset Parkinson’s at age…
