Melissa's Story

​​There are no parsing words when it comes to neurodegenerative disease – we know too little, there are too few interventions and treatments, and the difficulty of living with one is profound for the patient and their loved ones. It’s a stark reality many of us face everyday, and it’s one I sincerely hope will change in the coming years with more advocacy, money, and research put toward the cause.

 

For me, when my mom was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease, I felt the bottom fall out of my life. I had no idea what that meant, or how long I would have her in my life and in what shape. I was a young adult, with a relatively young mom, and suddenly the trajectory of our family life was poised to change forever.

 

For my mom, this meant coming to terms with an evolving and sometimes scary set of circumstances beyond her control, and having to navigate versions of unwellness for the remainder of her life. Thankfully, we found a wonderful doctor and team to help her, and she’s been a warrior. The term “resilience” holds special meaning – both on this site and in my family. Indeed, when any of us have an event in our lives that forces us to realize our own humanity and vulnerability, we are forced to reach within for that resilience and craft a life around that, as best we can. It’s a terribly hard thing to do.

 

My wish for everyone touched by Parkinson’s disease is that they know and feel the hope, compassion, and community of so many of us in this country and around the world who are committed to making a difference for them. To helping them feel seen and understood for the challenges they face everyday, and collaborating together on a meaningful path toward progress and accessibility.

 

When we come together like we do here on NeuroResilience, we strengthen that community and grow the chorus of voices calling for attention to this devastating disease.

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