"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

-Nelson Mandela

WELCOME TO living&living

This is my attempt to help those diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson's Disease recognize that there is life after the diagnosis.

 

MY STORY.

In December 29, 2018, I had just been diagnosed with Parkinson's and when walking out the door, the doctor handed me a pamphlet. Then, she said “see you in four months."   That was it.

 

We were devastated and had no idea what to do next.

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I now know that a little bit of empathy would have gone a long way. If not for my husband, Lee; my boxing group's leader, Denise (pdboxing.org); and, my mentor Sara, who I met during a boxing class, I would NOT have gotten as far as I have.

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After a rough start, including taking too much Dopamine, a doctor switch and a lot of anxiety attacks later, I started boxing, riding horses, cooking, gardening and decorating my home. The funny part is that I never had an interest in any of these things prior to the diagnosis  (except my love for horses).

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I dedicate this blog to those of you who have experienced a diagnosis that lacked empathy, dignity and respect. Know there is hope. Know that people care. Know that loving&living with the disease is possible. 

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