Like Minds

It has been my discovery that most people want to help. There is an innate need for people to do something good. Frequently, though, during the mundanity of our lives we get caught up in the minutia of daily living and are left feeling that there is nothing we can do. We are busy just trying to get through the day in order to get to bed and do it all over again the next day.

Unless a tragedy occurs: loss of a life; new diagnosis of an illness of themselves, or a loved one; a sudden accident, it’s finally pause enough to make one stop and think about what has true value in their life. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how you look at it, as we get older there are more and more people that have faced or are facing a trying circumstance.

This is what it took for us. My husband’s diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease made us have to reflect on what is truly important. We were so busy consuming, as is the custom in the U.S., placing worth in the things we could acquire, we didn’t fully appreciate those things of true value to us.

It is my opinion that this is the reason behind the need for anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medication, struggles with addiction, stress – we are lost in a capitalistic world where the things we idolize, the things we buy to fill us up, still leave us empty, questioning what we are living for. This leaves us disconnected, wandering lost with no since of purpose.

Maybe this is why the response we are getting is so overwhelming. Complete strangers going out of their way to offer kind words and help in any way they can. Through our mutual struggles we have made a connection. It is overwhelming, the amount of generosity we have encountered, because it has been so unexpected.

Living and struggling alone for so many years, caught up in our own lives, this sense of union, of everyone doing their part for a greater good is refreshing. Through Parkinson’s we have found our purpose and found people who share the need to do something, anything, to make sense of it all.

One of our greatest advocates has been Mark Burek from New York. Diagnosed 4 years ago, Mark has done his own cross-country treks and made many connections along the way. Selflessly, he has not only offered support and advice but has also gone out of his way to share those connections and promote our cause – one that we both share.

Medtronic, the company that makes the device(s) that made Roy’s DBS possible. We have never met such a genuinely caring company. In the OR throughout his surgery, they have gone out of their way to since to make sure he is doing well. Excited about or endeavor, they too, have networked to share contacts to ensure our ride is a success. This is a national company, the personal attention they have given us is above and beyond any normal interaction, especially in a society such as our own. We bought their product, we should be done. Instead we find ourselves with new friends, again working toward a common goal of helping others with Parkinson’s disease.

We have received support from people across the nation. An artist in LA, also diagnosed with PD, with whom we are collaborating with his artwork and inspirational quotes to offer encouragement to others through sage words and beauty. A doctor in Tucson, offering us their gym to have a large event, to speak and share hope with their members. A KOA owner in Washington state promising a bowl of hot stew as we pass through. Myriad notes of encouragement.

The list goes on and on and we find ourselves humbled.  This devastating disease has left us with purpose and offered a connection to others we never fully understood. It feels good to be able to help others and it feels good to receive help we never expected.

After many years of feeling misunderstood or alone, it is amazing this restored faith in humanity. It has been my discovery through PD that there are people who do just want to be good and help others. Although we have may have many years of struggles ahead of us, if we set out to be the best we can, to help others with their own diagnosis, there, in turn, will always be those that will turn around and help us.

Do not wait for a calamity to make that connection. Today there is someone less fortunate than you. By opening our minds to see what we can contribute to others, it allows that energy to be shared and you notice how many people are out there to help you. Like minds doing like things for a common purpose. Together we can make that difference.