Page created by: Katie Waid

Deb Labosky was born on November 13th, 1953 in Michigan. She was the only child of Paul and Catherine Buntaine. She grew up loving to write and read and eventually earned her Bachelor's degree in English. She moved to Nebraska to work for a local newspaper. She then worked her way up to become the marketing director of The Nebraska Medical Center. She had her first child Michael with her first marriage, and then eventually her second child, Katie, with her second marriage.

In 1999 Deb began to notice her foot would involuntarily drag whenever she walked. Numerous neurological tests would confirm early-onset Parkinson's Disease. Her progression of Parkinson's was slow but painful physically, emotionally, and mentally. She would alternate between dyskinesia and dystonia. Slowly, her independence was taken away bit by bit in ways such as her drivers license, ability to walk, etc. Perhaps her biggest lost was her inability to write. A brain stimulator, numerous medications, and therapy were no match for her aggressive form of PD. Eventually, my father and I had to make the decision to put her in a nursing home facility for her own safety after caring for her at home for so many years. She would become completely dependent on staff to be fed, changed, and bathed.

In January of 2016 my mother decided to go on Hospice care. I was living in Las Vegas at that point because my husband got stationed there with the Air Force. I was able to see her for the last time in August of 2016 for two weeks. She had a comfortable and safe decline and I was able to tell her I was ready if she was ready to let go. I didn't want to see her suffer anymore.

On November 29th, 2016 my mother, Deb, was called home. My dad happened to be in Vegas visiting us so we were all together when we got the news. I wish I could have been there to hold her hand so she knew she wasn't alone, but all my mom ever wanted for me was happiness and I know she knew I was with her in her heart. She left behind four beautiful grandchildren who only got a glimpse of the wonderful Grandmother and woman she was.

Parkinson's disease is a heartbreaking for those suffering, and for those who have to watch their loved ones endure a slow decline. I am often angry at it for taking away my mother so early. I pray that one day we can find a cure for Parkinson's disease and am proud of how far we have come with research and new ways to diagnose sooner and more accurately.

In loving memory of Deb Labosky
November 13th, 1953- November 29th, 2016