My Parkinson Story is a weekly column featuring member of our community, sharing their stories with PD. We are interested in sharing a wide array of experiences, including yours! PD looks different in everyone, and affects everyone differently, including friends and family of those with PD. If you’d like to share your story on our blog, please email us.
My Journey with Parkinson Disease on Both Sides
Growing up in a wonderful, loving and caring family as the eldest of three siblings (brother Dave, and sister Becky) my parents instilled in us the importance of "being kind to everyone you meet because you never know what battles people are fighting" along with love, determination, goal-setting, religious beliefs and responsibility to name a few. Dave was an awesome all-around person and brother in addition to being an accomplished, hard-working locksmith. He owned his own business, Mr. Lock Locksmiths, and won yearly “picking contests” for opening a lock in record time. He could design, build and repair just about anything with his hands that came his way!
Nancy Wetterer and brother, David Sohngen
Dave often brought me “treasures “ from the Flea Market.
So when Dave shared with me one day that he noticed his pinky finger shaking uncontrollably and he had been to the doctor who diagnosed him with Parkinson Disease (PD), our whole family was shocked. First of all, I knew nothing about PD, so I immediately obtained medical and educational materials to try to learn all that I could.
| also came across the local Parkinson Wellness Chapter (PWC) that was affiliated with the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA). I spoke with Eileen (the women I replaced when she retired) and she readily said she would send me some information about PD and the programs being offered.
One of the first upcoming programs was the Steady Strides 5K held at Lakota High School, which I attended with my immediate family. Following this event many family members, friends, and myself encouraged Dave to join an exercise class very close to his home/work in Anderson Twp. taught by Lisa Coors. He developed friendships with many of his classmates as they all shared a common goal of improving their quality of life. Lisa and I conversed often about the importance of exercise for those with PD and the need to get Dave there as much as possible.
As time went on, Dave became a regular at Spring Form, PD Edu, special seminars and other events.
Around the same time that Dave was diagnosed with PD, my brother-in-law Larry (my husband Bob's brother) received a similar evaluation. SO WE NOW HAVE PARKINSON DISEASE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FAMILY! Larry also attended various programs and events along with our Steady Strides 5K.
At family functions, Dave and Larry would share personal endeavors, challenges, and successes with each other as they navigated through life with PD. Both came to discover that it is invaluable to have a support network to learn from and rely on daily.
Left to right: Nancy Wetterer, Larry Wetterer, Mary Lou Wetterer and Bob Wetterer
During this time, while checking the PWC (which has evolved into Parkinson Support & Wellness) website, I learned a part-time position was open. Having just retired from teaching for 32 years, I decided to pursue a different direction. After an interview I was offered the position. Reflecting back 12 years later, I am happy to have been given the opportunity to serve the PSW community. I feel I am a better person for getting to know, assist and share with so many truly dedicated, caring and committed people.