World Parkinson’s Disease Day (11 April 2023)

“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” C.S. Lewis

“Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more so that we may fear less.” Marie Curie

The Naming of the Disease: Dr. Jean-Martin Charcot, considered a pioneering clinician of modern neurology, suggested that James Parkinson’s name be linked to the disease. The paper published by Parkinson was persuasive that his Shaking Palsy represented a new disease.

Parkinson’s thoroughness in describing this disorder led others, including Dr. Charcot, to suggest this disorder be named in his honor. Dr. Charcot proposed the name “Maladie de Parkinson” (Parkinson’s disease).

You get the feeling that Dr. Parkinson would have never dreamed of naming his disorder after himself instead of “Shaking Palsy.” f you have the time, look over Parkinson’s detailed and descriptive essay, It is freely accessible here.

“Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.” Roy T. Bennett

World Parkinson’s Disease Day is April 11: Parkinson’s Disease Awareness month is the month of April. We commemorate World Parkinson’s Disease Day on the birthdate of Dr. Parkinson. James Parkinson was born on April 11, 1755, and died on December 21, 1824.

“While I breathe, I hope (Dum spiro spero).” South Carolina State Motto

A Day of Thanks: For this Day, I want to thank everyone involved in maintaining my health. Professionally, I have had the best care from Dr. Daniel Roque at UNC Hospitals (Neurology, Movement Disorders Clinic) and Dr. Susan Berendzen at UNC Hospitals (Medicine, Primary Care). My move to SC opens a whole new chapter of medical care, and the story continues.

Some incredible Physical Therapists (PT) have challenged me to get better. Many thanks to Rebecca Bliss (Durham, NC), Jennifer Bazan-Wigle (Tucson, AZ), and Diane Meyer (UNC-CH). Likewise, moving to SC has led to changes in finding the right PT to help me.

A big thanks to Susan Elwell, who has chosen to be with me and my Parkinson’s. I cherish your willingness to be part of this journey.

My long-time golf partners in NC were an extraordinary group of friends for over a decade on the golf course, Nigel Mackman, Walter Bach, Kim Griffin, and Joan Taylor.

Family matters. My sisters Tina Alvarez and Kitty Kuhnert and a whole list of cousins and extended family have always been there with their caring support.

Finally, to all of the readers of this blog, I owe a huge thank you. I have met several of you over the years and genuinely admire your battle with Parkinson’s. I look forward to hearing from you and continue suggesting stories and areas you want to read about. Keep your head up, and stay positive and hopeful. We have much to live for amid Parkinson’s.

“It’s supposed to be hard. If it were easy, everyone would do it.” Jimmy Dugan, A League of Their Own

“The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things. The good things don’t always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don’t always spoil the good things and make them unimportant.” Doctor Who

Cover Photo Image by Gabriele M. Reinhardt from Pixabay