Page created by: Cathy Flynn

My older brother, Gary Mazzola, was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2012.

Gary was a family man, friend, musician, actor, director and did everything and anything for his beloved community theater in Tehachapi, California. Gary now has a bench placed in his honor in front of the theater. I was extremely thankful to have moved back to California in time to see his final acting performance as Norman in the play On Golden Pond in 2022. The play was great and he was amazing in it! At the time his Parkinson's was worsening and so his doctor prescribed an injection type medicine and that helped him greatly.

In 2023, Gary decided that he wanted Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and had the electrodes placed in December and then the transmitter was placed in January. Just after the surgery to place the electrodes, Gary had what the doctors call a "honeymoon" period. It was as if he didn't have Parkinson's for almost 2 weeks. It was glorious for him. His doctor told us it was a preview of what could come with the DBS, so we were so hopeful.

Sadly, Gary passed away February 26, 2024 before they could get the DBS to work for him. I am sad beyond words and miss him so very much.