The emotional toll as a caregiver was devastating. I went through a variety of emotions. I was uncertain of what the future would bring for my mother, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, and at the same time, I was unsure of my future in life as a caregiver or a life without my best friend and mother.  

My mother had PD for 15 years, but I was not aware until the seventh year when her symptoms became progressive and more difficult for her to hide from our family. I feel she may have tried to hide her diagnosis because she did not want to burden us which she would never have been the case. Or she may not have realized or been advised as to the progression, diagnoses or reality of the disease because even medical professionals seemed unsure as to the future due to her diagnosis.  

Even today, as an advocate for a PD cure, I find myself still having a difficult time reliving memories of my mother’s struggle. The final four years as her caregiver were the toughest for me as well. Feelings of anxiety, sadness, stress, depression, and hopelessness crept through my life, but I attempted to hide them from my mother, who I felt I needed only to show care and support during her struggles. I often say I would not be the man I am today without my mother’s sacrifices. She was a teacher with a master’s degree and gave up her career to raise my brother and me.  

I wouldn’t have accomplished most of my academic success and professional acknowledgments without having my mother cheer by my side, from the good times to the tougher ones. She was always right by my side, encouraging me 24/7. She was and always will be an inspiration, and at times, she sacrificed her health but did not share her PD diagnosis with me until several years later because she didn’t want to burden the family. Many days, I wish she had, and it makes me wonder if, at that time, I was unaware that something more could have been done to slow the progression.   

Every journey is unique and direct, but everyone inspires me daily to fight for a cure. Advocating helps me cope, and my mother lives on through everyone I meet; she shares our journey and allows me to never forget how important she was in this world and to me forever. My journey continues today, from being a caregiver to an advocate. I am still at a loss and in shock with feelings like what happened, why, and what, if anything, I could have done differently as PD progressed so quickly for my mother… we still do not know why.  

Out of my darkness and loss, though, comes some positives, like meeting so many today who are my heroes and warriors battling PD but who I fight side by side across the world to ensure no one is ever alone, and I never want anyone else to go through what my mother or my family has. I want nothing but a cure. Now.