Parkinson’s Connect: Empowering Through Mentorship in SW Florida

I was diagnosed with PD in 2015, a month shy of my 58th birthday. My main symptoms were stiffness, rigidity, and slowness of movement. I chose to continue working and tackled my new diagnosis with exercise and supplements. Six months later, I was in my car at a red light. When the light turned green it took what seemed like an eternity for my foot to press down on the accelerator. That day, I told Mark I was ready to start the PD meds.

In October 2015, I met a Care Advisor at the Neuro Challenge Foundation for PD. She shared info about the many FREE resources they offered. I left our meeting feeling hopeful! Mark and I immediately began attending support groups, dance classes, seminars, boxing workouts and Pedaling for Parkinson’s classes.

In 2016, I retired. For my sake and the sake of my family, it was time to do everything I could to keep my quality of life at the highest level for as long as possible. Fast forward to today, ”Team Murphy,” as I refer to our family, is 9 years into our PD Journey. We have learned that just taking the prescription medications is not enough to live a productive life with Parkinson’s.

I believe “It takes a village to navigate life with Parkinson’s”. Our Village includes: family, our PD friends, daily exercise, supplements, acupuncture treatments, massages & quiet time. Also a Spiritual connection is essential. Before I get out of bed, I thank God for the gift of another day, for the gift of my family & friends & for the GIFT of PD. Then I look in the mirror and say: PD…I’m going to kick your ASS today!
From the beginning of our PD journey, Mark and I recognized that the best way to deal with this diagnosis was with courage & a positive outlook. The last thing we wanted was for our kids to think that because life threw me a curve ball, I was going to strike out. On the days I feel sad, challenged, frustrated or angry. I remind myself: I have PD. PD doesn’t have me. PD doesn’t define me. Then I remind myself of my blessings!

Contact Carolina:

I am very fortunate that despite having been diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013, the disease has been progressing very slowly, and so far, has permitted me to live a relatively normal and active life. I believe that fitness and regular visits with my movement disorder doctor are the keys to keeping the disease at bay. I also keep current with research and information about Parkinson’s through sources such as NeuroChallenge, Parkinson’s Place, MJF, as well as belonging to several internet chats and Training Wheels Off, a weekly Zoom group.

As a person with Parkinson’s, committed to living my best life, I am uniquely prepared to help others who may be facing challenges living with Parkinson’s.

Contact Drew:

My wife, Joyce, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2008. In 2017 a fellow PD Caregiver and I formed Mind and Motion (M&M), a Parkinson’s Support Network in Marion Cty, Florida. I established a Partnership agreement with the NeuroChallenge Parkinson’s Foundation in 2018. The main mission of M&M is PD Education, Fitness and Exercise, and Support for both People with Parkinson’s and Caregivers. I manage and coordinate M&M’s Caregiver Support sessions, and often field telephone calls with couples wherein there has been a recent PD diagnosis. I also have two revered adult children who are part of our PD team, in Virginia and Colorado.

• Born in Montreal, Quebec Canada (1940), Schooling -up to High School graduation in Canada.
• Acquired Private Pilot license in Canada (1957) and US.
• BSc Aero Maintenance Engineering, Northrop University, Inglewood, Calif (1960-’64)
• MBA, University of New Haven (1973)
• Project Engineer, Avco Lycoming, Stratford, Conn. (1967-‘73)
• Owned and operated the William Seward Inn in Westfield, NY. (5 years)
• Project Engineering, Purchasing management, International Marketing, Westinghouse Electric Corp. ( 1973-2002), Power Generation Divisions, Concordville, PA, and Orlando, Florida. Position before retiring – Manager of Service Marketing, Europe, Africa, Middle East.
• Retired 2002

Contact Peter:

I have been diagnosed for about 5 years. I exercise a lot! I spend about 20 hours a week at the YMCA. Most all the staff at the Englewood Y know that I have Parkinson. I recently passed my Group Fitness Instructor certificate course, the Y has hired me as a part time Fitness instructor, I have been team teaching the Parkinson Exercise class in Englewood for almost a year. Often the staff will bring members with Parkinson to me so we can talk.

Contact Rick: