Embracing Realistic Optimism in the Mess of Parkinson’s Disease
While I have talked a lot in my columns about staying positive and looking for the good in all situations, I want to reflect on this. When you live with a loved one who…
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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How Our Parenting Style Evolved After the Parkinson’s Diagnosis
When our first daughter, Alexa (whom we call Lexy), was born in 1996, we were in our mid-20s. My husband, Arman, and I were obsessive first-time parents, documenting in detail her feedings, diaper contents,…
A Lack of Understanding Creates an Opportunity for Positive Change
Our family loves musical theater. My husband, Arman, and I used to go to the theater often before we had children, and we were thrilled when our kids also took an interest. Our daughters,…
Memories of a Parkinson’s Diagnosis Spur a Flood of Feelings
We vividly remember very few days in our lives, and the rest of our memories tend to blur together. I’m always amazed at how accurately I remember specific events from childhood, like witnessing my…
How We Disclosed a Parkinson’s Diagnosis to Friends and Family
What is the best way to let your family, friends, and colleagues know that you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD)? Or any disease for that matter? When is the appropriate time?…
A Parkinson’s Disease Problem, or a Me Problem?
Sometimes I treat my husband, Arman, like a child. Actually, more like a baby. It’s not because this is my nature; quite the opposite. Although I did baby our youngest child, Jake, a bit…
The Day Our Son Noticed His Dad’s Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease
As my husband, Arman, our son, Jake, and I arrived at our local hardware store one day many years ago, I never could’ve imagined it’d still be a vivid memory for Jake, who was…
Looking at Life on the Bright Side, Even With Parkinson’s Disease
When I was a college student, my eyes were opened to the world of Parkinson’s disease when our beloved Michael J. Fox was diagnosed in 1991. At only 29 years old,…
