My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease over 7 years ago. I can tell you that, as his caregiver, it is a horrible disease; it is extremely difficult to see someone in the prime of their life slowly lose their ability to care of themself. 

To depend on someone to help you dress, because you can’t button your shirt or zip a zipper, is frustrating.  To have someone cut up your food because you can’t use a knife, and make sure the pieces are small enough, because you choke easily, is frustrating. To have someone dry you after your shower, because your arms are too rigid, is frustrating. 

My husband is only 67 years old, just retired, and worked hard for so many years only to see his golden years not so golden. Throughout the years of battling Parkinson’s, he has battled cancer and other health issues. Through all of this, he has courageously accepted his fate with dignity and a wonderful sense of humor; I am so proud of this man.

As his caregiver, I know the battle he has to face, and I know that he will continue to fight the fight. I pray that I will have the courage to face it as bravely as he is because Parkinson’s is almost as hard on the caregiver as it is on the person diagnosed with it.  I pray that they will find a cure for Parkinson’s disease soon. I am thankful for foundations like the Michael J Fox Foundation for all the work they do to help with research and treatments that will someday lead to a cure.