I was 33, pregnant with my third baby, and started noticing a twitching sensation in my right toe. I chalked it up to stress and pregnancy.
A year later I heard the dreaded words, “Its Parkinson’s.” I left the doctor’s office in a fog. I was so lost with absolutely no idea what to do next or where to go. I’ve been on a roller coaster – feeling like I’m never going to be the same person or feel normal again. This is a hard realization.
Parkinson’s doesn’t care how old you are. It doesn’t care about family history or current health. It just shows up, uninvited and isolating. Parkinson’s Resources ensures no one has to face this disease alone.
When I was ready to face my new reality I started searching for support groups, blogs, and resources online – so much was remote and sketchy. I came across PRO’s Facebook page and started following their events.
When something terrible happens in life, all of your loved ones are there to help. “Let me know how I can help,” is the most thoughtful but useless phrase during that time. You love and appreciate the sentiment. You know you need help, but you just don’t know what kind of help you need. PRO knows the help we need and they provide it. I feel like the staff at PRO are the big comforting hug you need sometimes. PRO became that person for me.
There are so many wonderful Parkinson’s organizations that focus on research, awareness, and health. They do good on so many levels, but you need a group that is ready to join you at a personal level that can hold your hand, get information for you, and direct you to local fitness classes, pharmacies, or transportation. I get a lot of good information on a national level but it is PRO that has provided the most help and support to me. They do it with love, sympathy and empathy. They know how I feel and how to handle the situation.
My first year with my PD was hell, I was alone, frightened, and lost. I found PRO. They gave me the courage to get involved. Now I am 35 years old and know I am not alone. I have help and a path to the future.