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 Dad: My Hero, Role Model, and My Guardian Angel
My entire life I was daddy’s little girl. My dad was the bravest, funniest, smartest, most hardworking, cleverest, handiest man I ever knew. He taught me so many things. He taught me how to check my oil and my tire pressure, how to use tools, good work ethic, how to be resourceful, how to take care of things so they would last, be a good parent, etc. He was the kind of parent I wanted to make proud. I valued my dad’s opinion, always. If I had car problems, needed something fixed, or house advice he was my number one guy. He had the answer to everything!
The author, Carrie King, and her dad, Garry Engel.
I remember we used to tease dad that we knew when he was in the kitchen grazing for a snack because we could hear his bare feet shuffling across the hardwood. We would tease him to pick up his feet. We had no idea he couldn’t. Years later when he finally went to a neurologist, they immediately diagnosed him with early onset Parkinsons. He was only 47!! I remember the day he and mom came home from the doctor and told my brother and I. I was shocked and scared. I had no idea what to expect, but it sounded bad. This was my hero and nothing could happen to him! He was invincible in my mind. This couldn’t be happening. He was the guy who never went to the doctor. My dad was obviously upset by the diagnosis, but he always faced each obstacle over the next 17 years head on. From brain surgery, multiple other surgeries, not being able to drive anymore, to being stuck in a wheelchair— he took it all in stride. He never wanted to know what was going to happen until it happened. He was very strong and brave.
The author’s family.
From the day he was diagnosed, I always knew that I wanted to be a part of some kind of Parkinson’s charity. I wanted to support finding a cure. I searched for a walk in the Cincinnati area to be a part of for years, but all I could find was a walk in New York for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. We continue to support that charity and appreciate all Michael has done for Parkinson's awareness, but I still longed for something closer to home. So when my colleague, Dawn Backus, approached me 13 years ago about the Steady Strides race and asked me to start a team and be a part of the committee, it was a no-brainer. I knew that this was a much-needed way to raise funds to help those fighting this disease and I was honored to be a part of it. I have been the Fundraising Coordinator ever since. I am the Team Captain for Engel’s Angels, a team we started for my dad, Garry Engel. This race and our team meant the world to him. He was so proud and was always excited to hear about the next prize I had gotten for the raffle or how much our team had raised. He looked forward to being at the race in person each year.
Dad had a long battle with this terrible disease, but he fought hard and never gave up. He had the best caregiver ever, my mom. I know that helped his motivation and will to keep fighting. Unfortunately, on June 28, 2017 he lost his battle. I know he is in a much better place now and is not having to deal with the symptoms associated with this horrible disease. The year after he passed I wanted to honor him in a special way at the race. I approached Chris Gaffney and he had the amazing idea to get a donor to support the brand new starting line arch at Winton Woods that year. A banner and photos of our team were added, thanks to the generosity of Rumpke and their willingness to donate the funds for the arch and banner. My Dad retired from Rumpke and loved his job, so I was ever so thankful when Bill Rumpke graciously agreed to honor dad’s memory as well and donate the funds for the arch and banner. At the 2018 race, I was also invited to give a speech before the race began about my dad, our team, and the photos on the banner. This was a very emotional thing for me to get through, but I wanted to honor my dad.
The author and her father with their Steady Strides team, Engel’s Angels.
My Dad is not physically with us each year anymore, but I know for sure he is with us in spirit as he wouldn’t miss the race. I want to say thank you to everyone that supports such an amazing cause. Thank you to my friends and family who support us each year and to the Steady Strides committee for making the race happen each year. I am thankful to be a part of the committee and to feel like I am making a difference helping those who suffer with Parkinson’s.