 |
 |
 |
|
Pat's Story
 In the Spring of 2001 I noticed that my right hand seemed to stiffen up at times. Thinking it was carpal tunnel syndrome from too much typing, I didn’t really worry until the Fall of that year when I tried to do the “chicken dance” with my 8 year old son and my hand wouldn’t move correctly. I saw my family physician. Just before I left his office, he asked casually if there was anyone in my family with neurological problems. Although there isn’t, that question began to gnaw on me in the weeks ahead. My family physician had referred me to a hand specialist who referred me to a neurologist. The neurologist made the diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. I was 45.
For the first five years, I hid my diagnosis and told only a few close friends and close family members. Finally, my husband said to me that if any good was to come of this, I needed to tell people about it. After giving careful consideration to what he said, I decided that if I was going to come out, I was going to do it in a big way. About that time, my friend Marla and I were discussing doing a vintage fashion show. Marla asked me if I was doing it as a fund raiser and I thought, "why not?" Thus, Pinky's Passion for Fashion was created. While preparing for Pinky's Passion for Fashion, I was contacted by an old friend, Lise Husted, who had seen information about the fashion show. She and I had known each other years back when we both had kids at the local elementary school. She told me that she had Parkinson's Disease also. She joined the fashion show committee and we were off and running.
We raised over $12,000 at that fashion show and had a ball doing it. The money all went to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. We decided that we wanted to continue raising money to battle this disease. We wanted to include local Parkinson's Foundations as well as national Parkinson's Foundations. So, we formed Pinky's Passion for a Parkinson's Cure and incorporated as a non-profit corporation on November 30, 2007.
Since being diagnosed with PD, I have led a completely active life. I volunteer at the local elementary school, shelving books in the library, teaching Drama and Reader's Theatre to a group of lively fourth grade students, and I tell stories as Mrs. Wigglesworth, an elderly lady, with an eclectic wardrobe. (www.mrswigglesworth.com). In July 2005, I walked 60 miles in the Seattle Breast Cancer 3-Day. I am very fortunate that my medications allow me to do most everything I want to do. The concern is, of course, that PD is a progressive disease and it continually takes more meds taken more often to produce the same result (I now take medication every 3-1/2 hours, basically around the clock). It is my hope that the advances in medications will outpace the progress of my disease. So, what keeps me going? My faith in God, my family and my determination to make every day count. Every 60 seconds you spend angry, upset, worrying, feeling sorry for yourself, or mad is a full minute of happiness you'll never get back. I choose to live my minutes happy!
|
|
|
|
Lise's Story
My story is quite similar to Pat’s. My first symptom of my left index finger involuntarily twitching was passed off to overusing the computer. Then, my handwriting slowed WAY down, just signing a receipt felt like it took hours. What sent me to my Doctor was many people would ask me why I was limping, assuming I was hurt. I knew in my heart something was off, so I began reading up on everything I could. It wasn’t a big surprise when my Neurologist informed me I had Parkinson’s. You know it can’t be good news when the Dr. suggests taking the last appointment of the day, and bringing your husband! I was 46, which put me in the “Young Onset” category.
I didn’t share my news with everyone, just close family and friends. All who were told were amazingly supportive to me, especially my husband and two children. Luckily, the initial medicine I was prescribed agreed with me and alleviated my symptoms. I continue with the same today, prolonging the day when I switch to the next level of meds. I have to watch my energy level and not get overtired. Thanks to my very talented 5 Element acupuncturist Sheri Fineman, my energy level stays as balanced as it can and I keep going. I continue working fulltime as an Interior Designer and hope to for several more years.
Reconnecting with Pat to form this Board brings me back to our old PTSA days. I am glad we both feel the same, no sitting around feeling sorry for ourselves! Let’s be creative, have fun and see what we can do to raise funds for a cure!
|
|
|
|
Here we are with Marla Schriefer, a member of our Board of Directors. Yes, Pat does love a hat!
|
|
|
|
|
