My Journey

Welcome to my page. I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease 4 1/2 years ago (just before my 33 birthday). This past year, a group of my friends, family, and I ran in an endurance run to raise funds towards awareness and finding a cure for this neurological disorder. This year, we would love to organize a race soley for this purpose. I will share my story as I try to run, and give you details on how our racing plans are going. Thanks for sharing my journey with me:o)

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

In Training

Well, its been awhile since I've blogged because it's been awhile since I've ran. This year has been not a good one as far as running is concerned. We were in an accident Dec. 30 2010, and I was not able to run until April. Since April, it has been full of disappointments with my progress. Not sure if the desire wasn't there or what, but I am blogging to tell you I AM BACK!

I have been running a little more regularly and ran in a race this past weekend. While I was so far away from a good time, I was able to finish before Beethovens 5th was over - the whole goal of the race. It felt so good to be out there again! This Saturday is the Her Times race...I am excited to participate in this one. It's one of my favorites! It's supposed to be sunny with a high of 42 degrees! Gonna be a cold one...Wish me luck!!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

My Aha Moment

Well, the videos are out. Mutual of Ohmaha aha moment tour released videos for our city July 18. I can't believe I still have such strong emotions after 6 years, but I guess that never really goes away. Just gets easier to smile through it all!

angelcharmer123@yahoo.com

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Race called life

I enjoy running. I love how it makes me feel, I love the competitivness that rears it's head during a race, I love the fact that I can get more accomplished mentally in a short 1/2 hour run  than I can thinking and planning something for days! But what I especially love about running, is the finishline! Because although I love to run...I also hate it! All of the things I mentioned, I appreciate AFTER the run is over. During the run however, I am tired and far behind wishing that either I was 16 again, or a magic road would appear that would lead me straight to the finish line!.

Sometimes I think I live my life the same way. It's a love/hate kind of thing. Sometimes I look towards the finishline before I've even begun to enjoy the race. If I would just take a minute, slow down the pace and look at all the wonderful things around me, I may be able to enjoy the race whle i'm in it instead of when it's at it's end. The finishline is inevitable. You will reach it when the race is comp;ete, but until then, don't focus on the finishline - Live your life, Love the people around you, and laugh when all you want to do is cry! Then when you finish you can be proud of your accomplihments.

Don't ever give up, keep moving forward...SLOW and STEADY wins the race!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

My aha moment...

Yesterday I was given the oportunity to share my story with the Mutual of Ohmaha - My aha moment tour. It was such a great experience. I have truly been blessed through this obstacle in my life. Six years ago I was given devestating news - I had Parkinson's Disease. My next few (long) months were a blur and I'm sure came with a pity party. But after diving into God's word and having many tearful prayer sessions, I became to realize that I have the strength to endure through him. Since then, I have been blessed with two more children. I have been able to run and, with my hubby, have started a non profit called Running for Parkinson's. We have been to Washington to advocate our cause, and now I have been given this unique opportunity to share my story.

My goal has always been to never lay down, to be out there living life to show that life doesn't end after a PD dx. My life isn't what I thought it was going to be, but in so many ways it has been more than I ever dreamed it could be. I say it now and always - GOD is great!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Runner's High...

Well today is the first day in my getting back into shape that I ran 3 miles. YAY me! As I was running I was able to think about alot of things - yep a whole lot of things since I have developed this annoying habit of running slow!

This year has been a slow start for me. Since our accident in December, I have been so unmotivated to do much of anything. Since my PT for my knee ended, I have been running atleast twice a week with Marisa and am starting to feel my self worth again!.

I am a little embarrassed at my speed, and the fact that I get such bad cramping in my feet I look like a drunk monkey trying to walk in a staight line! But then I got to thinking about being a 38 year old with Parkinson's and I think wow God is Amazing! He truly is. I am so blessed to be me. With all of the things in my life that could and maybe should keep me down and out, he lifts me up several times a day, dusts me off, and gently guides me to my next challenge where he is waiting patiently and cheering me on. I cannot imagine going thru life without him. Parkinson's or not, he is the only reason I am able to face my Giants on a daily basis.

This is me...


This is me on GOD...

ANY QUESTIONS?!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Gearing up for the running season.

Well, the running season is upon us, and I have only ran 3 times so far. But, the good news is my knee injury from our car accident is getting better! I do not feel any pain while running - I still have my dystonia problem, but the cramping isn't starting until about the mile mark, so I am getting a good first mile run in atleast!

I am currently up to 2 mi. It will probably be end of June, beginning of July until I am in shape to run my first race for the season. If Parkinson's has taught me nothing else, it has definitely taught me how to be patient, and to appreciate everything. I am blessed to be able to run and I will continue to do for as long as God allows.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Our journey in Washington is complete.

Yesterday, after two days of training and getting to know the most amazing people I have ever met, 250 men & women wearing buttons X'ing out PD, marched on Capitol Hill to make a stand against Parkinson's Disease. Wearing many hats of life - husband, wife, mom, dad, brother, sister, son, daughter, lawyer, caregiver,person with pd...the list goes on- we stood before our congressmen and their loyal staff to make our plea to keep funding so that research for this neurological disease is not interrupted, and to back the bill introduced on Tuesday. With this bill, they will be able to track how many people actually suffer from Parkinson's, because that is unknown, and will also do the same for MS.  It will then in turn open up the probability of finding 'hot spots' where there are many cases, indicating a possible cause due to environmental influence. If we can find a why, then maybe we can find a how.

I have learned quite a bit over these last few days. I am grateful for this opportunity. And now... as our journey ends in Washington, we start a new one at home. Time to get to work!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

PAN - Monday...

Yesterday was long, but very informative. We heard from 3 different researchers about Gene Therapy, Stem cells, and Biomarkers. Did you know that they have found a way to make 'embryonic stem cells' using the skin cells on your arm?! Pretty amazing. And Gene therapy is being studied as a possible mechanism for neural protection and transplantation. They are also in the process of researching biomarkers for clinical trials. These biomarkers will essentially make it possible to detect PD before symptoms occur, which could get patients treatment earlier and possibly slow progression, and who knows - maybe avoid symptoms all together??? Wouldn't that be fabulous!

We also heard from U.S. Senator Mark Udall from CO. His father had PD for 10 years before his passing. He is a huge activist in the Parkinson's World.

Today we will be in our State groups, learning more about the research being done and what funding needs are out there for continued progress in finding a cure. This will prepare us for our trip to Capital Hill tomorrow where we will speaker to our  state congressmen.

This experience has been so empowering and we have learned so much already. But the biggest thing I have learned, and definitely most important, is that EVERYONE has a story. And EVERYONE has a voice that needs to be heard. There are so many amazing people here just looking for answers for their friends, family member, themselves. They are all strong. We as a Parkinson's community are lucky, blessed, and privileged to have such compassionate people be the voice of all of us. God is good and in control and I am thankful for that!

Monday, February 28, 2011

Our PAN Adventure

Well, it is finally here! We are in Washington DC for the Parkinson's Network Action Convention. We arrived last night, were able to visit with our cousin and did some night time sight seeing.

Now it is time to get down to business! Registration in 20 min. We will keep you posted on all of the events. This is an exciting opportunity for us and we cannot wait to share our adventure with all of you!

Friday, February 18, 2011

Heading to Washington

Well, it is coming upon us rather quickly! Matt and I will be participating in the PAN conference this year. Two days of advocacy training, then a trip to Capital Hill to address Congress! What a fantastic opportunity we have been given. We are looking forward to sharing our experience with you, so please keep checking back for updates!