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!

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?!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!