Thursday, April 1, 2010

Happy National Parkinson's Month

April is here, and so it's the start of the first "official" National Parkinson's Month. I'm preparing to send out my Parkinson's Quilt square (hopefully today) and I've designed and printed flyers for the local Parkinson's Walk which happens May 1st. I'm going to donate to my friend Pokie's Parkinson's Walk efforts, and I've dug out a week's worth of Parkinson's themed t-shirts to wear to work. I'm ready!!

I feel suddenly energized, ready for a new start. The cloud of depression is lifting, and I'm reminded of the old saying about silver linings; how every dark cloud has a silver lining, that is. Here's a list of some of mine:

  • I HATE being cold. Silver Lining: I LOVE warming up again, especially if it involves a blanket, a fireplace, a cup of hot chocolate and a window to view the storm.
  • I HATE crowds. Silver Lining: I LOVE the crowd reaction at shows and movies. It's part of the whole experience to me.
  • I HATE being dragged out of my comfort zone to do something new. Silver Lining: once I get there, I LOVE the feeling of adventure and novelty, and later on, I love the feeling of acccomplishment.
  • I HATE Parkinson's. Silver Lining: I LOVE the friends that I've made, the inspiration they've given me, the rearrangement of my priorities, the closer relationships I've forged with my family. I also love the feeling of having a purpose; my purpose is to do what I can to cure this stupid disease, in my own little way. My purpose is to keep fighting for my right to have the full, happy life I've always envisioned.

2 comments:

Tammy Christian said...

I wanted to invite you to “Parkinson’s Disease Check-up: What’s New, What’s Next in PD Management” today, Wednesday, April 7 at 4-5 PM (EST) with Daniel Kremens, M.D., co-director of the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Center and assistant professor of neurology at Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University.
During this online check-up, Dr. Kremens will begin with a brief overview of recent developments in PD treatments, and why they may offer hope for patients and their loved ones. After the presentation, you will have the opportunity to ask Dr. Kremens questions about Parkinson’s disease, such as:
• What does the latest research suggest about the best strategies for managing PD?
• How close are we to finding a cure?
• What can patients do to take control of their own PD?
• What new therapies are currently in development for PD?
Availability is limited for this one-time-only check-up, so please confirm your participation at your earliest convenience. Hopefully you are free today!
Sincerely,
Tammy
Tammy Christian | Rx Mosaic Health | Assistant Account Executive | 711 Third Avenue, 18th Floor | New York, NY 10017 | t: 212.336.7521 | f: 212.336.7501| http://twitter.com/Rxpertise

Judy in TN aka In10city said...

Somehow I can relate, and I love your contrasts!

About Me

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I'm a lucky lady. I have a wonderful husband of 27 years, a fantastic 25 year old son (I'm so proud of him!) a loving and supportive family, the best friends in the world, a job that I love, and... Parkinson's Disease. I was diagnosed in September 2006. That was a jolt, but I'm learning to deal with it.