I am a retired Teacher. I taught Physical Education in the Grande Prairie Public School District for 33 years. As a child, I swam competitively. I played basketball in high school and college and was a University of Alberta Panda. I played any sport I could get involved in and have always been very active.
In September 2023, at the age of 65, I was diagnosed with Parkinson Disease (PD). It took more than three years to arrive at a diagnosis. After many visits to my family doctor, chiropractor, massage therapist, and physiotherapist, I finally saw a neurologist. Within ten minutes of arriving, he concluded I had PD. It was a shock and felt like it came out of the blue. Having watched my neighbor struggle with PD, I wondered if my experience would be the same.
It became my mission to learn as much as possible about PD by reading books, searching the internet, and watching YouTube videos. I started paying more attention to what I ate and learned about the importance of continuing to be physically active. Six months after my diagnosis, my husband randomly saw an online advertisement for the Parkinson Association of Alberta (PAA), and we joined.
Through the PAA, I have attended group meetings in Grande Prairie, joined online education programs, participated in three weekly Zoom exercise classes, and shared experiences with others with PD. In 2024, I also attended the Parkinson’s retreat in Canmore, which was a very positive experience.
I am blessed with only minimal changes due to PD at this time. I have some balance/mobility issues and get tired faster than I used to, but I am still very active and able to do most things on my own. I am thankful for my incredible support system. My husband, Don, helps out when needed. My adult sons are also very supportive. I find great joy in my three terrific grandchildren. I am also surrounded by wonderful friends who are always ready to lend a helping hand. I golf, walk, garden, lift weights, swim three times a week, and enjoy coffee with my social circle.
If I could offer some encouragement for those affected by PD, it would be to stay positive, keep active, surround yourself with positive people, and enjoy life. PUSH through by learning about PD, remember that each journey is unique, know your limitations, and ask for help when needed. If you are not already connected to the PAA, I encourage you to get connected. I would have joined sooner if I had known about them. The PAA has been a powerful resource on my journey through PD.
