“You are indeed an ambassador- of hope! Thank-you for the gift of honest, practical help. I know I’m just one of the many your example has touched” wrote Phillip Yancy a well known author.
I had written to Phillip as a response to his blog about his Parkinson’s Diagnosis – I explained, countrary to his belief, that he did not have to give up exercise and adventures as he thought he might have too – as exercise is crucial to help live well with Parkinson’s. (I wrote a bit more of an introduction to myself too)
One of the unexpected joys of my journey with Parkinson’s has been that I have been able to inspire people to have hope despite their diagnosis of Parkinson’s.
I have had so many wonderful and enouraging comments come my way that motivate me to keep sharing my story, even though it may be old news to my readers and others.
– Many have not heard about the benefits of exercirse.
– Many see a Parkinson’s diagnosis as the beginning of the end! (it does not have to be).
– Many are inadvertently fulfilling the prophesy to degenerate (while I try pretty hard to avoid degenerating).
And I keep telling my story because people don’t know the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease and we need to raise awareness
– so people can get diagnosied early with the disease and get treatment earlier.
– so people can help the people they know diagnosed with Parkinson’s get the care and exervcise support they need.
– and to fight for a cure. My hope is that young people are inspired to go into research to cure Parkinson’s
– Finally the universal nature of the struggle is clear in my story and has something in it most people can identify with and this helps create empathy.
As I struggle to look after my health – to exercise and to eat well, I was willing to be vulnerable and show others that we all need help and through sharing my journey this year I hope to learn from others too.
I am willing to share a bit of my pain and frustration so we can learn together. Are you willing to turn up everyday?
Please share with me your story too. Sign up for my blog and youtube Channnel.
thanks Christine
PS – My comment to Phillip Yancy is no longer online but you can read his blog by searching his name and Parkinson’s
