I hooked up with my new buddy “Parkinson’s” officially in 2016. Since then, we go everywhere together, the good, the bad and yes, the ugly, While challenging, this journey has provided me the opportunity to meet so many great people and build a solid support group. I am a lucky guy!

Just like you, there are things in my life that are important. These things are my family, my friends, my coworkers, the Detroit Tigers, and MY WOLVERINES…GO BLUE!

I will tell you what makes me and my story different than the others. I have lived in Michigan 62 years. My first car was a Dodge Dart. I broke my neck and carried at 198 bowling average. I mow the lawn. I have gone through the challenge of telling my family, declaring at work and maintaining a full-time position, co-leading the disability support group at work, running a PD conversation group, buying a hi-rise toilet seat and medicine for constipation, making videos to promote understanding, helping organize the Grand Rapids Hero Walk, and being a caregiver for a family member with epilepsy. Through all of this, I have learned to be as comfortable speaking to a hundred people as I am to one. We can talk about anything and everything.

Maintaining a positive perspective is what gives me the strength to stand up and advocate for everyone in my community. Part of this is that I love my medical team. They have got my back. I laugh every chance I get. I love to kick PD’s behind every day. I love to see others do the same.

This is what I know: I have Parkinson’s. I know eating well and exercise are key to any health battle. I have an amazing network to help me stay in touch with what is going on in the world regarding PD and I pay attention. I take my meds and do not miss medical appointments. I listen, I read, and I figure out what works to win. Then I do it.

Why am I doing this? I want you to win. That means winning however you define it. Each step we take towards winning brings all of us closer to winning.

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