- by Matt Nilsen
You can imagine how challenging it must have been for three people with Parkinson's to complete an 80 km (50mile) trek for Parkinson's disease along the Great Wall of China. We encourage you to read the story about their trip and the events leading up to it. We encourage you to celebrate their strength. We invite you to share in the gratitude we feel for the funds they raised that will bring a cure closer.
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- by Elena Tuero
At an early age, my children used to compare me with "Tickle Me Elmo", I used to wonder why, until my grandson received one as a Christmas gift. I then realized why I was referred to as an Elmo, I was always laughing and shaking.
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- by Matt Nilsen
I've been witnessing the strength of the Parkinson's community again this week, and it has been amazing. It started with a misunderstanding that got person a into one of life's pickles, and needed some help. One of his fellow "Parkies" heard about his trouble, and started networking with friends and acquaintances. This communication crossed state lines and the continental divide a number of times. However, after a couple of days, a web of strangers became a safety net for a person who had nowhere to turn a few short days ago. With the help of a lawyer with Parkinson's disease, this person was able to get some answers and help in resolving a misunderstanding. (I'm sorry that I'm being vague with this one; but, I need to respect some confidentiality issues.)
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Every February, a group of a few hundred people with Parkinson's meet in Washington DC to discuss Parkinson's disease research and how to direct as much funding as possible to it. We received this entry from a person who attended that event.
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- by Matt Nilsen
Today I had a delightful conversation with one of my new friends with Parkinson's. I want to respect her privacy, so let's call her Mrs. J. She is currently wintering in one of the warmer locations in the US; but, she is making her plans to return this spring to her home in the Midwest.
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- by Matt Nilsen
We tend to think of diseases in terms of visual symptoms. If you look at arthritis, you see someone who experiences significant pain when they move certain joints. On an x-ray you can actually see arthritis. It is easy to see the evidence of diabetes by using a simple blood test, and you can see its affects in too many of its sufferers by looking at their feet. The physical manifestations are everywhere.
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by Patricia Lightner
My sincere thanks to Matt for his compliments on my recent newspaper column. Quite frankly, I do get tired of writing articles like that. Actually, I have had one plan on the back burner for a couple years - a little book I would like to write. I envision a small book with photos of my cat, Joey, who has since passed away; and the rambunctious, "keeps me on my toes" cat named Parker I have now.
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By Patricia Lightner
A new year is approaching and it is a time of resolutions and fresh starts. Some things carry over to the New Year - bills, that stain from the holiday parties you can't get out of the carpet, and as if I need to mention it, Parkinson's disease.
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By Brian Donnelly
Usually, my day begins around 7 a.m. It has been this way since the end of July. Now, mind you, I need not set an alarm clock or have someone phone me to wake me out of my sleep. My "alarm clocks" are three lovable felines named, Angel Blue, Lady Royal Blue, and Tara's Willow. As the sun comes up around this time, they may think, "Hey, The sun is coming up, let's get fed." I wouldn't trade my three "girls" and am thankful for them. They save my sanity as I live alone.
After opening my eyes as wide as they'll open, I check to see in what position my body is in. On any day, I am most likely on my right side. My legs are curled up and it's then that I straighten them out. My legs are stiff and the muscles move at first as slowly as an automobile does on a cold, frigid day. Slowly and deliberately, I attempt, usually successfully, to lie on my back keeping my legs straight so the blood can flow on straighter paths. "Okay," I think to myself. "Time to rise up out of bed."
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