| The Gary D. Leith Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Inc | |||||
|
Jill's Story I was engaged to be married in 2001 when only a few months from our wedding date I started to notice Gary's (my fiancé) small finger twitching. I thought it was just nerves because of the wedding, while quietly hoping it was not nerves about marrying me. The weeks went by but it did not stop and after our wedding, we knew it wasn't just nerves as the twitching became worse. Gary's mother was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease years earlier so we had an idea of what it might be. I accompanied Gary to four different medical facilities. With each visit came the same diagnoses, it was in fact early onset of Parkinson's Disease, at the age of 36. Now being the man my husband is, he actually gave me, to use his term, "an out," knowing what was going to happen in the years ahead. Gary told me this is not what I signed up for and if I wanted to leave, no hurt feelings and we would always be together in heart. It took me a long time to find my soulmate with many failures along the way and, no matter what, we were in this together. We lived our lives as always. As this disease progressed, we knew it was time to take action to help find a cure not only for our family but for all living with Parkinson's. In 2005, we started The Gary D. Leith Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Inc. Our Foundation is made up of all volunteers who also want to make a difference. We are a member of TeamFox through The Michael J. Fox organization and in 2006 we were able to donate the largest dollar amount ever to their team. With it just being our first year and having two events, we were able to donate $95,000.00 Now as a caregiver, times are not always easy, with some days being better than others. Occasionally it is difficult to keep my chin up and maintain a positive outlook. However, I don't allow self pity to find a way into my thoughts because I have been given this purpose for a reason; someone once told me this challenge is my calling. I know as the years pass and the disease takes over more of my husband's body it will become harder, but he will always be my soulmate and I will do anything and everything necessary to care for him. You see, I love him in a way I've never before experienced. I would like to be able to talk to you about your situation and hope that I can give advice on how to keep a positive attitude. I want to be able to provide assistance and guidance for those needing positive reinforcement. I want to thank you for taking the time to read my story and hope that you would like to share yours also. Please let me know how I can help you. Now is the time before more of this insidious disease destroys more families. Gratefully,
Jill Leith Finding a cure, together |
|||||