Page created by: Jenna Jamison

In 2009-2010 my father shared with me and his family at his baby shower for his first son that he was diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease, the heartache I felt then I still feel today. I was the oldest child (16 years old) of 3 with our little brother on the way, hearing those words at such a young age all I could think of was the worse, almost as if in that moment I was going to lose my dad. I did not understand what Parkinsons Disease was but the look on my familys face told me it wasnt anything good and with the best of my dads ability he explained it to me the best way he could and encouraged me to be strong and understand that he wasnt going to let Parkinsons define who he is.
I like to look at my dad as the man, a hero, an inspiration and just all around awesome dude! As I grew old and begun to do my own research as to my fathers illness, being that I am the oldest child I want to know everything I can in order to help my dad and be there for him and my family when times get tough. I learned that my dad was categorized as young onset being diagnosed in his 40s, which only about 10% of patients with PD are diagnosed between 50 years old and younger. I wondered all the time why him? How could someone who is healthy be diagnosed with something so rare at such a young age, he had so much to live for. As the months and years continued to past and I grew older I still continued to research and be as educated as I could with Parkinsons Disease, making sure I was always up to date with whatever I may need to know and be my dads biggest fan, support system and team member during this long fight.
Today, 2018 we are still kicking Parkinsons butt and in the last 8 year I have witnessed my dad go through life changing experiences good and bad. My dad is a true fighter and Im so proud of him for always staying positive and having faith in God. As I say WE are kicking Parkinsons butt one step and day at a time because no one deserve to face this alone, no matter what. My dad is my hero and Im so honor to call him my dad. Keep fighting this fight and never give up, we are going to get through this.

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