It’s been 7 months since my DBS Surgery in late January and the improvements in my quality of life have been amazing. I’m so grateful for modern medicine and the opportunity that I have been given to continue living my life to the fullest (of course within guidelines set out by my neurologist). I have no idea how long my current quality of life will continue because my Parkinson’s disease continues to progress in the background. The DBS surgery is estimated to give me another 10 years. I don’t have a crystal ball to tell my future but what I’ve already learned is the only way to slow down the progress of this terrible disease is with exercise. So exercise is and will continue to be a big part of my life – walking, running, strength training, yoga, and anything else that keeps my body moving. I’ve got 4 grandchildren I want to keep up with and see grow up!
However, I also want to spend time giving back. Organizations like Parkinson’s Canada provide much needed supports and services for people with Parkinson’s disease and their families. I’m going through the intake process to be a Peer to Peer Mentor. Prior to my DBS surgery, Parkinson’s Canada linked me up with another lady from Sault Ste. Marie who had DBS surgery over a year ago. Our conversations were invaluable in answering my questions and helping me prepare for the surgery.
I want to be there for someone else who is newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s or is awaiting DBS surgery. I know how reassuring it is to talk to someone who has travelled the same road you’re on.
I’ve also started the training to be a Parkinson’s Support Group Facilitator. I’ve attended the Support Group meetings in Newmarket over the last couple of years and again, it’s good to know you can go somewhere to meet others who have Parkinson’s, listen to guest speakers and share knowledge. I was a guest speaker at the Newmarket group in May. I spoke about my DBS surgery and answered their questions.
On July 10th, I was a guest speaker on the Parkinson’s Canada webinar, “Under Pressure – Stress and Parkinson’s”. To date, over 1,000 people have viewed the webinar on YouTube since its release on July 15th.
On July 8th, I was a guest on the podcast, “Own your Choices, Own your Life”. I shared my Parkinson’s story but we focussed on the importance of mindset and how I found hope and strength in the power of gratitude, presence, perseverance and community.
Through my public speaking and being a guest on podcasts, it is my desire to raise awareness of Parkinson’s Disease, educate people and give hope and motivation to others who have Parkinson’s disease or other chronic illnesses. Through volunteering at Parkinson’s Canada as a Peer to Peer Mentor and a Support Group Facilitator, I want to give back. As I said at a the beginning of my KimBits, I’m am so grateful for the opportunities and quality of life that the DBS surgery has given me. Now is the time for me to pay it forward!
One of the ways you can help me is refer me to groups who are looking for motivational speakers. Or refer me as a guest on one of your favourite podcasts. You can also support me in this year’s Parkinson’s Canada Superwalk. The Superwalk is the major fundraising event for Parkinson’s Canada. Go to my fundraising page to donate. If you’d like to join me on September 7th for the Superwalk at Fairy Lake in Newmarket, let me know. I’d love to see you there!