I am always amazed at the amazing connections made because of having Parkinson’s.
This is a Guest blog from lovely Judy who found my blog: The story started when Judy from Georgia USA, did student exchange back in the mid 70’s in Arequipa and she lived with the Guillen family. They ‘adopted ‘her into their family as their daughter.That meant she was ‘adopted into the entire extended family. She keeps in touch with Maria and her husband Diego who has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s who she still keeps in touch with (names changed for their privacy)
Fast forward to December 2024:
“I messaged Gabriella to see how Juan was doing and found out that he seemed to be deteriorating quickly. I knew medical resources in Peru are limited as Maria herself sought treatment in Lima (the capital) after she was diagnosed with leukemia several years ago. Thankfully she is in remission.
I asked how he was and she said he medications didn’t seem to be helping and was frightened she was for him. No referrals were made to any specialists or support groups. She was in despair! “Que puedo hacer (What can I do)?”
Her words broke my heart. I didn’t know how to answer her, but I began to pray, asking God, “Are there resources for Parkinson’s patients in Peru?” Scrolling through the internet I found Liga Contra de Parkinson’s Arequipa first. I don’t know if the group is active, but it’s a start, I thought, a place for Maria and Diego to connect with others on this journey. My next find was a foundation for Parkinson’s education in Spanish. Resources in her language! Yes! But what appeared next on my screen was miraculous! God heard my prayer!!!! The website for Joni and Friends posted an article titled Unexpected Opportunities to Declare God’s Glory Through Parkinson’s Disease (May 30,2024) In the foreground of the photo stands a smiling, young woman against the backdrop of a city I realized I knew when my eye fell on the volcano Arequipa’s people call, El Misti. That smiling, young woman is Christine Jeyachandran. God had directed me to an individual who is walking the journey of Parkinson’s and who has lived not only in Peru, but in Arequipa!
Through reading the article I discovered that Christine writes a blog inspired by her video Handstand for Parkinson’s and it started with her Diagnosis in Peru where she went on to encourage and educate others on this journey on the essential link between exercise and management of the disease. She also makes educational videos in both English and Spanish. I sent all these mentioned resources to Maria and then took a stab in the dark by writing a comment on Christine’s blog, hoping she would respond. In a few days, she did!!!! We set up a time for a 3-way chat-Maria in Peru, Christine in Australia and me in the US. Christine opened her laptop and her memory graciously sharing resources-a doctor, a physical therapist, a support group etc. giving Maria practical help and action steps for helping Diego. Maria is entering this next phase of the journey as a caretaker with renewed hope and gratitude. We as a family are grateful for the connection God made and for the love Christine pours out on those she comes into contact with.
To God be all the glory! We are in awe of You, O God, Almighty!
Judy Hamilton January 23, 2025
Thanks Judy. What a blessing it was to meet you all. It’s not easy in Arequipa and the group stubbles along as best they can. Pray that they will have energy to support each other and find good medical resources needed.
Pictures from Judy’s time in Arequipa. Thanks for sharing
