What Parkinson's Has Taught Me.

A few years ago one of the most beautiful, brilliant and kindest people I know was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at 37 years old, Jessica Krauser.?I can still remember the day she told me.?I fell to my knees in our backyard and was mad. How could God let this happen to someone so young?

My anger turned to sadness and my sadness turned to prayer.?It felt like the only power I had. Though someone or really He was telling me there was more that could be done.?

Fast forward a few years later, we recently left New York City with my family after celebrating with my friend Jessica and her family. We were honored as one of the top fundraisers in the country for the Michael J. Fox Foundation.?Yes, it’s a wonderful thing though what has transpired in my life and Jessica’s has been unbelievable.?We have been welcomed into a community that neither of us thought we’d be in.?I wanted to share what this journey has taught me about life:

·????????We’re really all in this life together.?I think until this happened to Jess there was this competitive spirit in me that didn’t truly see how much we are all really alike and need each other.?It took Parkinson’s and meeting people at their most vulnerable that I’ve never felt closer to others.?I found myself talking to complete strangers in this Parkinson’s community who welcomed me with open arms.?There’s something to this spirt that I want in whole life so watch out!

·????????Our bodies aren’t really that important. Geesh, a big one for sure, though once you get to the place that we’re all going to get old and our bodies will ultimately fail us you really start appreciating and noticing people’s souls.?I think I was always attracted to people’s hearts though this community really brings out the best in each other.?It’s a pretty optimistic way to live your life despite a lot of daily challenges.??I’m not giving up my exercising or eye cream anytime soon though hoping we can all find this type of inner strength and clarity.

·????????It often takes something really hard in life to bring your life in focus.?This roller coaster of life can be full of ups and downs though honestly it’s not as important as I once thought.?I think it’s been watching Jessica handle this diagnosis with such grace that has been humbling for me.?I feel connected to her and others I haven’t even met and find myself searching for more ways to lift them up.

·????????Lastly and probably the biggest lesson for me, I’m not afraid of anything anymore.?It’s almost like we have a superpower now.?Sure, we don’t wear capes (though not a bad idea!) though there is something freeing that has happened to myself and others who know Jess.?I’m not sure how or when this happened.?I tell everyone I meet about Jess and what we are trying to accomplish.?I’ve seen the power of this community and now know that anything is possible.

I still hope and pray that we find a cure for this disease though in the meantime I know we’ve found something pretty special.?We need more people to join us. If you are interested in being part of our non profit?5kforjk.org?we’d love your help.?We have huge plans to be part of a nationwide movement to bring more awareness, advocacy and education to the people and families impacted by this disease. April is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month and there are over 90,000 people diagnosed with this disease each year. We have created kits (yes, the marketers in us have scalable products!) for newly diagnosed patients that could use your financial support (and yes, money kind of helps us!).?We want every patient to be part of this special community.?I can promise you- it will change your life.