In a heartfelt and eye-opening account, a mother reveals how her battle with Parkinson's disease transformed her approach to parenting and life itself. Diagnosed just after completing her residency in family medicine at the tender age of 28, the news hit her while she was expecting her first child—an overwhelming shock that led to a rollercoaster of emotions. It all began with a small tremor in her right pinkie finger, a symptom she initially brushed off. However, as the tremor grew concerning, she sought the advice of a neurologist at her clinic. After a physical examination, he suggested the possibility of Parkinson's. A second opinion from a downtown Toronto specialist confirmed her worst fears. "For a long time, I was in denial," she recalls. Amidst the joy of new motherhood and the excitement of building a home and community, she found herself unprepared to confront the reality of her diagnosis. At that point, her focus was on merely getting by.

Finding Strength in Acceptance

Realigning her mindset was a turning point for her. She recognized that there was no escaping the fact that she had Parkinson’s, and if she wanted to be the best version of herself for her daughters and husband, a shift in perspective was crucial. "I had to let go of the idea of being a supermom,” she reflects, recognizing the importance of fostering independence in her children rather than being their constant caretaker. This experience also opened her eyes to the emotional burden her husband carried by watching her struggle.

A Career at a Crossroads

Despite her diagnosis, she continued her medical career for 12 years, striving to maintain the image of an unwavering leader in her field. "Most of my patients didn’t even know," she shared, hoping to prove her competence despite battling non-motor symptoms, including pain and anxiety. However, as her health challenges compounded, the decision to retire early became necessary.

From Provider to Advocate

Retirement ushered in a new chapter—a journey of advocacy. A surprise from her husband led her to the Michael J. Fox Foundation gala, where she connected with others who shared similar trials. "I had felt quite isolated until then," she admits. This event catalyzed her involvement with the foundation’s patient council and ignited her passion for advocacy. She co-founded PD Avengers, launched her website UnshakeableMD, and even authored a children’s book, *Shaky Hands*, collaboratively created with her three daughters.

Innovating for Change

Currently, she collaborates with the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health on a groundbreaking initiative called the Accelerating Medicines Partnership in Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders. This public-private partnership aims to uncover new biomarkers that distinguish Parkinson's from other neurodegenerative diseases, fundamentally changing how we understand and treat this complex condition.

Life Lessons for the Next Generation

As her daughters—now aged 26, 23, and 19—grow, they have absorbed invaluable life lessons through their mother’s experience with Parkinson's. "They are charitable and empathetic, and they've learned that life's imperfections do not define them," she explains. The journey through adversity has strengthened their resolve to face their challenges with resilience, molding them into compassionate individuals.

In her candid reflections, this mother emphasizes that while her Parkinson's diagnosis has posed significant challenges, it has also been a catalyst for growth and unity within her family. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the strength we can find even in the most daunting of circumstances, inspiring others to harness their struggles to foster understanding and empathy in a world that often feels overwhelming.