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)

Thursday, August 23, 2012

The Whole Story

I realize that in three minutes it is impossible to put all the details of an 8 week journey. So I feel the need to elaborate. I have been getting alot of feedback from people about my bravery and the awesomeness of the whole thing, and while I really appreciate that, I feel it necessary to tell who the real brave heroes are.

They are my husband who never failed to make me feel like my decision to go through with this was the right one. He was by my side the whole time, praying with me, giving his loving support and being the best husband and father he could be. When he was all we had, he was all we needed.

My pastor and his wife, my friend, Karen. Who dropped everything to come be by our side the morning of my surgery - 5 am - and did I mention it was Karen's birthday?!

My mommy who came down to be with me and Matt to be there for us and help us through the scary parts. And My step-father for taking time off of work to stay with our 4 children so he could be a comfort to them and also a comfort to us knowing they were in good hands.

My great friends who brought the most thoughtful gifts. I love all of you.

The women in our church who came to sit with me when I got home so I could rest and not worry about anything. They loved our children when we needed them to, came to be a fill-in when I was in rehab for 8 days and provided our family with dinner and/or lunch for 2 weeks straight.

My friend Brenda who wouldn't think of letting me sit lonely in a hospital bed in Pittsburgh for 8 days by myself, so she came and stayed with me. And her husband Greg for being gracious enough to lend me his wife for one of the most trying times of my life.

My dad and Ann for taking the time out of their day to come to Pittsburgh to visit and bring me lunch and magazines.

The great friends I met in rehab who played the part of my physical therapy who always had such great words of encouragement.

The wonderful people who sent cards and gifts through the mail and the literally hundreds of people who prayed for me and my family

Our wonderful awesome cousin Cheryl and her family who graciously opened her home to us and allowed us to drag our NBC crew into her home for our interviews. Never once making us feel like we were imposing on them. And her daughter and son in law, Jerica and Kevin, for coming and running in the race with us.

My sister in law who helped me get my house in order so I would not have to worry about cleaning after my surgery. And Matt for keeping up with  it!

And anyone else I may have missed, your thoughtfulness was not unnoticed. Thank you all for your kindness.

I always say that I get my strength through Christ. My motto has always been I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. And in this particular case the strength  he gave me was through the dozens of angels I mentioned above that he brought into my life. I am so thankful for all of you. I say it now and forever more GOD IS GREAT!

Monday, August 20, 2012

NBC Finally!

Well, tonight was the big night. Our story aired on NBC Nightly News. They did a great job getting our story out. I am truly blessed and I know that with God in controll all things are possible!

Here is a link:

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

update

Well, it's been awhile. Thought I would give an update. Matt and I did run the race in North Carolina with our cousins/friends Jerica and Kevin. We had lots of fun doing it and yes I even finished. Time was NOT what I would call good, but, i finished and that really is all that matters.

We then had our vacation in Myrtle Beach where I officially turned 40. I woke up at 5:30 am. strapped on my running shoes and ran on the ocean just like I had dreamed of doing. It was a miraculous experience!

Everything has been great. I did however go back on meds for stiffness. I realized that if I wanted to live normally, hang around the house and chill with the kids, no meds works just fine. But with my stubborness to not give up running races and training, and being on the go chasing 4 kids, I was unable to accomplish what I need to so we are on Amantadine. It seems to be helping with stiffness and balance issues. I was alittle bummed that I needed to go back on something, but I am not looking at this as a failed mission. I am sooo much better off than I was, this is just helping me be even better!