Diagnosed at 53
Diagnosed at 53I grew up in Montreal and moved to California at 18. My journey with Parkinson’s Disease began at age 53. At the time I was working as a Manager for a Mutual Fund Organization and upon diagnosis, my initial reaction was one of mixed emotions. I didn’t understand the many facets of Parkinson’s Disease until I attended a support group meeting where I learned that Parkinson’s Disease does not discriminate between age and symptoms of the disease. It was then that I decided then to get educated and take a positive step forward.
I served as the Co-President the Orange County APDA Chapter. Through this experience I became keenly aware of the many dynamics of Parkinson’s Disease as I observed people of all ages sharing their experiences and optimistically searching for a cure. My work fueled my enthusiasm for finding a cure and I was privileged to be a part of organizing a Gala Event for the APDA OC chapter at Long Beach Aquarium that raised $150,000. It was my honor to work alongside Karen Sherman, who skillfully undertook this fundraising project with me.
The success of this fundraising event combined with the unending loving support from her husband and daughter have infused me with a healthy dose of optimism.
In the 13 years since my diagnosis, I have witnessed new medications and been the recipient of deep brain stimulation which helped to ease me dystonia and tremors.
I take advantage of new forms of exercise for the body and for the voice and am proud to be a member of the Orange County Tremble Clefs. Singing is liberating and joyful and makes me feel “TRULY BLESSED!”