As the team leader and someone involved with our Parkinson's community for a decade, I have met incredible people and built many friendships. I lost my dear friend Joseph Janetta, and we will honor him this year. Here's a personal story about Joe.
I met him many years ago when he was first diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I encouraged him to enroll in an aquatic exercise program, a class I taught. Joe and his wife, Deb, became terrific friends. After that, Joe welcomed the opportunity to participate in the APDA support group, self-management and exercise programs, and dinner outings because we all appreciated the camaraderie shared. He would often speak about his feelings of gratitude and support. However, the words he wrote in a testimonial, "I felt that I was in control of my Parkinson's instead of it controlling me," emoting his sense of self, whether manifested or his innate ability to adapt, was what, I believe, maintained his fun-loving, humorous self throughout his life.
I often think about Joe with a smile and sometimes laugh out loud because he undoubtedly would have wanted that. His jokes and positive spirit brought joy to our community, and his memory inspires us.
Please help us raise money for more people like Joe, and together, we can touch the lives of many living with Parkinson's disease.