Moving Day Chicago 2023: Every case is different
Yesterday was the Parkinson’s Foundation's annual Moving Day walk. Close to one thousand Parkinson’s patients, their caregivers and supporters meet at Lake Michigan for a two-mile walk. While the weather was far from beautiful, sharing this with many others is always a beautiful experience.
This was my seventh Moving Day, but my first since 2019. The thing I love most about this event hasn’t changed. It’s always great and inspirational to exchange stories with others dealing with the same thing as you…and there was plenty of that.
I met a woman whom I knew of through a few mutual friends. She’s a caretaker for her husband who was diagnosed fifteen years ago. He’s now in a wheelchair, which life makes it tough for everyone, but you wouldn’t know that by our conversation.
Next, I came across a group who were all wearing sweatshirts which let you know of the connection they had to a woman who has Parkinson’s. One said ‘In honor of wifey.’ Another said ‘in honor of mom.’ Finally, I found the one that said ‘in honor of myself.’ She told me she was diagnosed five years ago. As of now she’s not taking any medicines and seems to be doing well.
Finally, I found this man wearing a ball cap with a large M on it. A Michigan man. I asked him what he thought about the football season so far. He said he thought they had a good chance to win the National Championship, but he was worried about the NCAA taking it away…and of course, the Ohio State game. He had some problems getting out the words because Parkinson’s has affected his vocal cords.
Three cases of Parkinson’s…three different situations. It’s not surprising because as I always say ‘Everyone’s case is different.’
All in all, it was another special morning at the lakefront. Most importantly, $360,000 was raised which will be used to help fund many programs that make the lives of people with Parkinson’s better.
That’s it for 2023. See everyone there next year. Maybe, just maybe we can have a little bit of sunshine?