Page created by: Jan's biggest fans

Imagine sitting in a doctor's office after 5 years of getting no real answers to the symptoms that have progressively gotten worse and hear the doctors say you have Parkinson's Disease. While I could hear the words all I could see were the tears coming down my sister's face. A few of his words registered as I was trying to listen and take notes. Neurodegenerative brain disorder, no cure, progressively gets worse. I forced myself to snap out of what I thought was a bad dream and focus on my sister and how we were going to fight this life altering disease.

As the doctor continued to explain in medical terms that many would have to research, my sister seemed to understand much of what he was saying due to enormous amount of research she had done on her symptoms almost on a daily basis.

As he continued to explain what Parkinson's Disease is, his explanations helped me to understand the uncontrollable tremors my sister has to endure every minute of every single day. It gave me a better understanding of why it was a challenge just walking from one room to another and why at any given moment she could lose her balance and fall. I started to understand why she had gone from shoes that lace or buckle to shoes that she could slip her foot into. It helped me see why plates with sides help her to get her food on the fork so she can attempt to juggle it to her mouth. I now understand why she had to get her hair cut in a short, yet sassy style, because she could no longer hold her arms up to dry or style her hair.

While my sister and I have always been close, I decided then and there that while I may be a couple hours away we would make sure her appointments were scheduled on my days off so I could drive down and not only take her to her appointments, since she can't drive, but to actively participate in improving her quality of life.

It is our goal to participate in any and all opportunities that may contribute to not only finding a cure, but also educating and bringing awareness to others about PD.