Six years ago, my stepdad, Jeff, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. For anyone who gets the Star Trek reference, it can feel like a real Kobayashi Maru moment, how do you handle something that looks like a no win situation?
Since the diagnosis, Jeff (and my mum) have tackled it head on. They’ve figured out the lifestyle changes needed to help preserve movement including daily walks, Parkinson’s boxing classes 3x a week, voice practice, diet, and more, and then executed them with discipline, even as the same routines get harder over time. Through it all, they’ve kept a positive attitude and a lot of lightheartedness, finding ways to reframe life around what matters most, even though the rules of the game changed six years ago.
On May 17, 2026, we're walking in the APDA Optimism Walk to support families like ours and everyone impacted by Parkinson’s. Funds raised go toward local education and support, virtual programs, and research. Any donation helps!!
Thanks you for considering!
Ross