PD Awareness month may seem like a fundraising ploy for the many foundations working to find a cure. And if it is, maybe that’s okay. But perhaps it can be more than that. What I have done in past years is write letters to the editor, posted articles on Facebook, and generally attempted to spread the word about what Parkinson’s Disease does so members of the public could better understand the impact it can have on someone. This year I think I’m going to take a more personal approach.

As my husband’s diagnosis progresses we are not out and about with friends like we used to be, we don’t spend as much time with family or take those daily walks in the neighborhood. PD is a very isolating illness, but that doesn’t mean we don’t still need and value those connections with others. PD Awareness Month is a great excuse to let people know that we’re both still here and ready to engage, whatever that might look like now.

I think my goal this year will be to give those we know personally outside the PD network an awareness of where our journey with Parkinson’s has taken us. Also that we are still here, still fighting, and we both still appreciate their concern and love. If they are moved by what they see in us, they can also make a donation to one of those bigger foundations. After all, it’s going to take support from all of us to find a cure.