There are special moments…. The little things that can and do make a difference in many lives. 

Support and creating positive, memorable moments is critical but finding that special single moment that ensures no one feels alone in their battle with Parkinson’s is something achievable with the proper community support.

One story I was told was from a fantastic association in Florida, and they had a meeting where all the members signed a birthday card for one individual struggling with PD. That simple act of love and kindness changed the individual who is diagnosed life forever. Years of lots spread the halls, and knowing she was alone and had support inspired me.

Many feel you need to go big or home, but to me, the little, tiny things motivate many and change lives for the better. 

PD affects those diagnosed but also has a significant effect on care partners, caregivers, and the entire community surrounding the individual battling PD.

I challenge you to think of others and support one another because you will gain the same positive experiences and magical moments.

I remember during some of mom’s most challenging times through PD symptoms like dystonia, dyskinesia, extremely progressive weight loss, and the list continues, my other lost hope and felt she was homebound since she did not want others to see what PD had done to her. My wife and my support loved my mother and tried daily to do anything and everything to help mom smile, even for a few moments. During the most challenging times and struggles, my wife, Grether, brought manicures, pedicures, and a hair syllabus to Mom’s home; some days, mom was too sick due to PD. Still, in those small moments, something little to some may cause a world of offense to the person struggling; for that moment, PD didn’t win and didn’t stop Mom from feeling like a person again despite all that PD significantly takes from a person diagnosed. I am forever grateful for those small memories where we fought back against PD and created memories that will never be taken from us since PD takes so much from those diagnosed and their loved ones daily. 

We sometimes sit and think about how we can improve lives, and most times, that little note, card, or hug genuinely changes lives for the better…. Try it sometime and send your stories or the effects of the little things on you or your community. 

Pass the love and positive support onward because we can all make a difference and endure those diagnosed, and the community never feels alone.