Table of Contents
Joan’s Genuine Parkinson’s Stories, Post & Poetry Introduction
Welcome to “Joan’s Parkinson’s Stories, Posts & Poetry,” a dedicated corner of LiveParkinsons.com inspired by the insightful and heartfelt writings of Joan, a dear friend who, like many in our community, navigates the daily realities of Parkinson’s disease.
Having witnessed her mother’s journey with ALS, Joan initially faced her own emerging symptoms with understandable apprehension. While her path led to a Parkinson’s diagnosis, it also unveiled a remarkable spirit and an unwavering determination to embrace life fully.
Through her relatable stories, thoughtful posts, and creative poetry, Joan shares her personal experiences, offering a unique window into the challenges and triumphs of living with Parkinson’s.
This page is a testament to Joan’s resilience and her generous desire to connect with and inspire others on their own Parkinson’s journeys.
Joan’s Parkinson’s Stories
Life has a beautiful way of bringing people together, often leading to unexpected friendships and valuable connections. I was fortunate to meet Joan at a Parkinson’s exercise class, and while she initially struck me as quiet and reserved, her inner strength and determination to live vibrantly with Parkinson’s soon shone through. Her commitment to her own well-being and her quiet support of others in the class quickly made her someone to admire.
Our connection deepened when Joan shared that my book, Spectacular Life – 4 Essential Strategies for Living with Parkinson’s, inspired her to share her own experiences through writing.
A gifted storyteller and poet, Joan had been using her creative talents to navigate her Parkinson’s journey. Driven by a desire to offer hope and purpose to others facing a similar diagnosis, she even launched her own website, “Press On with Parkinson’s,” where she shared her heartfelt stories and poems.
While life’s demands eventually led Joan to step back from managing her website, her passion for writing and sharing her journey remained. Knowing the power and beauty of her words, I was thrilled when Joan agreed to share her writings here on LiveParkinsons.com. And so, “Joan’s Genuine Parkinson’s Stories, Posts & Poems” page was created.
I sincerely hope you find as much comfort, inspiration, and connection in Joan’s honest and moving contributions as I do. Please visit this page often to read her latest reflections and poetic insights.
For additional information and articles to help you live a great quality of life with Parkinson’s, visit my Blogs page and to get recommendations on books and exercise gear that I recommend, visit the Authoritative Resources Page.
Joan’s Parkinson’s Stories
Read Joan’s Parkinson’s Stories Here:
The Parkinson’s Tree – May 2025
You may have seen the Parkinson’s iceberg depicting what people see on the surface
versus what’s underneath that remains unseen. While that is a great analogy, personally
I like the idea of a tree and its roots.
For although a tree may appear to be healthy with
green leaves on top, below the ground’s surface the roots may be damaged, lacking
nutrients, oxygen, etc. So it is with Parkinson’s, a person may look good on the outside,
but inside they’re dealing with anxiety, fatigue, constipation, insomnia, etc.
And just as you must focus on improving a tree’s soil condition, address watering issues
and supporting the tree’s overall health for it to survive, so too you must take care of the
unseen symptoms you’re experiencing.
Staying hydrated, exercise, eating properly
along with talking to your doctor about the “unseen” symptoms you’re experiencing can
go a long way in helping you to thrive with Parkinson’s.
The Month of May – May 2025
Ahh, the month of May. My favorite month of the year! For many reasons, both myself
(2 nd ) and my daughter (17 th ) were born in May, the weather is usually pleasant, not too
hot or too cold, the “unofficial” start of summer on Memorial Day and of course Mother’s
Day.
Mother’s Day for me is a mixture of joy mingled with grief. Joy for the blessing of being a
mother and grandmother. Grief because I miss my mother. Even though she has been
gone almost 37 years I still think of her often and wonder what life had been like had
she not passed so young (55) from ALS.
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease is a
progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal
cord, eventually leading to loss of muscle control. Some of the characteristics of ALS
are muscle weakness that often starts in the hands, feet or limbs that spreads through
the rest of the body. Difficulty with speaking, swallowing and breathing occur as the
disease progresses.
May is also ALS Awareness month, and I can think of no better way to honor my mother
than to start ta fundraiser for ALS in her honor. So, if you feel so inclined please donate
to help find a cure for this terrible disease.
https://www.facebook.com/share/15NjMGf4Qo/
