I am a 50 year old physician, USAF Veteran, wife, mother and athlete. In 2020 at the age of 46, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. I was devastated, I pictured the worst for my future.
It wasn’t until I met and talked with others, and saw the amazing things they were doing, that that mindset began to shift to a more positive trajectory.
Over the past 2 years, I have been active in several Facebook groups. Some were more positive than others. Eventually, I found The Parkinson’s Fight Club group. I loved that it focused on the positive, and had very strict rules regarding whining and making excuses. It is not tolerated. Interacting with like-minded people with Parkinson’s disease and learning how they have overcome various obstacles and becoming inspired by their journeys has made a huge difference for me.
There have been other groups which I have also found helpful. There is so much wisdom and information that is shared, but if someone newly diagnosed or new to the Facebook group were to try to find it, there would be too much to sift through. A lot of it can be depressing, which is not at all productive or helpful.
Over the last 4 years, I have noticed that the people who look amazing after living with Parkinson’s disease for 15-25+ years have two things in common. They are incredibly positive and they have a great sense of humor and can find something funny about any situation.
I want to create a website made by and for people with Parkinson’s disease where we can continue to encourage a positive mindset and continue to educate and inspire in a way that is organized, so that the newbies can benefit the most.
There are multiple places to leave comments, and I welcome any suggestions to make it better.
Thank you,
Sara
