Page created by: Michelle Bourque

Grace Bourque (my mom) unfortunately passed away just 3 months ago, at the age of 76. Way too early in my mind.
She had been diagnosed 17 years earlier with Parkinson's.
This terrible disease took over her body, but not her mind. She was always sharp as a tic.
She struggled daily with everything she needed to do to get through the day.
About 8 years ago, she was being seen by an incompetent neurologist, who prescribed twice the amount of medication she should have been taking, which brought on a psychosis that lasted almost 2 years. The worse time in all of our lives.
She had become angry and aggressive, many hallucinations, was sleepwalking and falling almost every night. So many mornings she woke up all bruised up not remembering what happened. She had been hospitalized.
Fortunately, she found a new neurologist, who cut the amount in half, and things got a bit better.
Of course, from then it's up and down. Usually, she had one relatively good day (not what I would qualify as good, but good for her), followed by one bad day.
It of course broke our hearts to see her suffer. Suffer to accomplish the simplest tasks, going to the bathroom, brushing her teeth, eating, everything.
She rarely complained. She was the strongest woman I've ever met with the most beautiful spirit.
I miss her every day.
I will work to raise money on her behalf to help others suffering with this terrible disease.