The first time I visited our local Parkinson’s support group I was overwhelmed by the diversity in the room. There were people at all stages of the disease and their CarePartners. Some were in wheelchairs, some used walkers, some were very mobile just like my husband. The most important thing that I found that day was that we were not the only people in our home town facing this challenge. It was eye-opening and wonderful to see that there was a community welcoming us, offering understanding and support. Thanks to our regional Parkinson’s Organization, we were not facing this alone.

Through this initial contact we learned of local classes and resource fairs. We found boxing classes that my husband enrolled in and our community expanded to include his fellow boxers. He became involved in studies at the college where we found more connections. On our own, we discovered webinars and other on-line opportunities to learn more about his diagnosis of PD and my role as his CarePartner. We discovered an amazing network of support that exists for People with Parkinson’s and CarePartners too.

There are still days when I feel disconnected but then I simply remind myself of all the local, national and even worldwide resources available to us. If I am still feeling lonely I can join the Parkinson’s Buddy Network through the Michael J Fox Foundation or I can reach out to one of the ambassadors at the Davis Phinney Foundation. I can always call the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline and speak with a caring professional. There is a safety net waiting for me, I just need to remember to use it.

For more on the MJFF Buddy Network click https://parkinsonsbuddynetwork.michaeljfox.org/v2/; to find and speak with a DPF Ambassador, click https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/find-an-ambassador/?relationship=i-am-a-care-partner; and finally if those don’t work check out the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline at https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/helpline.