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.
About 25 years ago I was working at Mayfield Clinic with a neurosurgeon. During the same time a functional neurosurgeon was hired and I helped set up his practice for people with Parkinson’s disease who were going to have neurosurgery (this was prior to the era of DBS). I thoroughly enjoyed this patient population but my work went on with my original neurosurgeon until I left Mayfield in 2002.
I worked briefly at Children’s Hospital and realized I loved kids but didn’t like parents so much! That decision allowed me the opportunity to work with Dr. Fredy Revilla who came to revitalize the Movement Disorder Program at UC. I have been here ever since, 18 years this past August!
I have to say, even though the past 18 months have been full of challenges, I still love my job. People say I am the face of Parkinson’s in the city of Cincinnati. That is only because I have learned so much from the people I care for. My passion and commitment is fueled when someone tells me they learned something at an office visit, or the changes I suggested worked, or the office visit lifted their spirits. I admire each and every person and family member of someone with Parkinson’s disease. It is a lifetime journey of daily adjustments to live a fulfilling life. If I can help on some of those days, then I feel my life has meaning.