Parkinson's Awareness Day 2014

I've always been pretty good at remembering family and friend's birthdays, after all, they occur on the same date every year, so how hard can it be? When I found Dr. James Parkinson's birthday was April 11th, unknown to this doctor who has long passed, his unforgettable name lives on through every sufferer, diagnosed with a degenerative neurological disease that bears his name; how can I not remember 11th April? I guess it's therefore fitting, that 11th April represents Parkinson World Awareness Day. As much as Dr. Parkinson undoubtedly initiated the huge medical discovery of a disease that today millions suffer from, this is not the legacy by which many would like to be remembered. I would prefer to be remembered for something joyful and wonderful; not have my name associated and marred by a terrible disease.

I try to think positive - always remain hopeful, for at this very moment, someone out there, a doctor or scientist could be making an amazing breakthrough, finally solving the puzzle and finding a cure that we all pray for. Just imagine how wonderful it would be if he or she were to succeed, and we could start celebrating "Parkinson's Cured Day", heralding the name of a person who would no doubt change the lives of all those suffering Parkinson's around the world. Call me a dreamer, but I very much hope we get to see this day soon.

You may think I'm unrealistic and a day dreamer, but sometimes dreams do come true, despite seeming out of reach. Since I was a teenager, I have dreamt of visiting Paris. Never having been, and reaching the age of 50, now accompanied by Parkinson's, my dream seemed to be fading fast after writing about it on 12th November 2013 in my blog; I gave it no more thought. Unknown to me, my devoted husband and dear family, having read about my wish, decided they were going to make it happen, come what may. Individually they all came to the conclusion that I must see Paris now, and not wait till later, when it would be too late, and I'd not be able to travel. So to cut a long story short, they clandestinely forged a plan. Apparently there were many e-mails and phone calls back and forth, yet I hadn't the slightest clue of what wonderful surprise they were cooking up for me. As an extremely generous and totally unexpected  thoughtful silver wedding anniversary present, both sides of our families joined forces and sent my husband and me to Paris for four nights. Paris in spring time - what could be more romantic and memorable? To those family members, I don't know how to express my thanks and appreciation for this most extraordinary heartfelt gift that I will remember for the rest of my life. THANK YOU!

In conclusion, as today we mark "Parkinson World Awareness Day", this year I personally mark it as a day of "hope". I remain optimistic that a cure will be found, for if my long time dream of seeing Paris came true ….. maybe other dreams can also come true!

As April is Parkinson's Awareness Month, you don't need three guesses what my article is about this week in The Huffington Post. Please help me spread the word by taking a moment of your time to read by simply clicking on the link.