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It's Time for Change

 


At the end of a year, it is common to look back and take stock of what has been working and what needs to change.  This past year, 2024, marked the eight-year anniversary of my Parkinson’s diagnosis and the seven-year anniversary of being a dedicated, passionate, leader in my local Parkinson’s community. It also was my most difficult year living with the symptoms of Parkinson’s.  I ended the year exhausted, sick with Covid, and beyond frustrated with the status quo of Parkinson’s treatments, and our current healthcare system. People with a neurodegenerative condition like Parkinson’s should not have to fight so hard to get treatments they need. Even with all the research being done, and money being spent, Parkinson’s remains the fastest growing neurological disorder. It is still progressive with no cure. We are still having to fight to ban substances that we know cause Parkinson’s. 

 

The scale has tipped for me this year. In 2025, I will spend more time focusing on my health.  This includes taking more time to explore and make healthier meals. It also includes changing up my routine to include more neurologically challenging therapies and exercises.  I will step outside my comfort zone. Now I just need to figure out how to get there, pay for it, and then of course figure out a way to make it all accessible to more people with Parkinson’s.  It will be a busy year.  There is a lot to do, and we need the whole community to step up and help.  We need everyone, not just those affected by Parkinson’s right now, because if you aren’t affected by Parkinson’s right now, chances are you will be in the future if things don’t change. 

 

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