Wow, is it July already? Last couple of months have flown by so quickly and I realized I have neglected my blogging. Living with Parkinson's when you still have college and high-school age children can be so time-consuming. In addition to working, I need to take care of my family's needs and mine. It can be quite challenging at times.
I have to say though that in the last couple of months, I have met several people whom I truly admire. These wonderful human beings also have PD, but their spirit is definitely not broken but alive and kicking. Through Team Fox (where people get together to raise funds for research for the Michael J Fox Foundation), I met Michael Westphal. Michael has been diagnosed with PD for almost 12 years. He recently completed a 26.2 miles marathon in Maine in 3 hours and 33 minutes!! How cool is that!! With this event, he helped raised money for Team Fox with over $30,000 in donations and counting. Michael fell several times during his run but each time, he picked himself up. With great determination and perseverance, he crossed the finish line. I can't even run a mile when I did not have PD. I have nothing but great admiration for Michael.
Another new friend I made is Karl Robb. Karl is the author of the blog and book, A Soft Voice in a Noisy World whom I met through blogging. Karl had PD when he was 17, diagnosed at 23 and lived with this disease for over 2 decades. He is a motivational speaker, writer, photographer and he wears many hats. Talking to Karl, I learn very quickly that he is a fighter and in spite of living with a disease that is crippling, he is living life to the fullest. Karl lives in Virginia with his wife, Angela.
From Maine to Virginia to Chicago, we all have one thing in common. No, it is not Parkinson's but it is the fact that we all are fighters; choosing to rise above our disease, meeting our challenges head-on, making a difference and living life to the fullest. Michael and Karl, you both are my everyday HERO!!
